It was a night of celebration last Saturday, March 9 at the Golden Phoenix restaurant as the Williams Lake Stampeders recognized players, executive, coaches and management for their contributions to the organization from throughout the season.
This year’s club were winners of the Central Interior Hockey League’s Rio Tinto Alcan Cup Championship and finished second at the Coy Cup Senior Men’s ‘AA’ Provincial Championships.
After dinner individual awards were presented to those whose efforts stood out amongst the club.
Winning the plugger of the year award was Stu Sasges. Sasges finished the year tied for 10th in league scoring with seven goals and 15 assists for 22 points.
Rookie of the year went to Christopher Bohlin, who arrived from Sweden to play for the team while attending Columneetza secondary as an exchange student. In 16 games this season Bohlin scored six times while adding eight assists.
This year’s best defenseman went to Terry Duff who, in 14 games, notched eight assists.
Next, the unsung hero award went to Stewart Bell — owner of Pro Physio Works. Bell is the team’s physiotherapist and attends practices, games and travels with the team on road trips.
This year’s CIHL MVP was Justin Foote — the team’s starting netminder. Foote, who appeared in 13 games this season (the most of any goaltender in the CIHL), posted an 8-3-1 record.
Best forward went to Paul Girodat (11-11-22), most dedicated went to Dino Lecomte (1-8-9), best offensive/defensive player went to Matt Lees (6-4-10) and most improved went to Johnny Dervy (1-4-5).
Finally, the Stampeders presented their MVP trophy to centreman Francis Johnson. Johnson finished the year fifth in league scoring after lighting the lamp 13 times and adding 16 assists.
The Stampeders organization added it would like to thank all of its sponsors and is looking forward to another successful season next year.
