Forward Miles MacLean was presented with the Most Valuable Player Award for the 2021/22 regular season from President Gord Lamont. Photo submitted
The Saugeen Shores Winterhawks have announced their award winners to cap off the 2021/22 WOAA Sr. "AA" Hockey League season.
In a recent media release, Forward Miles MacLean was named the regular season's MVP after finishing third in league scoring with 13 goals, 10 assists for 23 points in 14 games of the pandemic-shortened regular season season.
The Port Elgin native also took home the Top Scorer Award for being the club's leading regular season scorer.
Defenceman Josh Deyell was named the winner of the Top Defenceman Award, and shared the Top Defensive Player nod with forward Andy Mitchell, who captured the award for the fourth time in his career.
Full award winners:
Community Service Award: Josh Hopkin
Most Dedicated Winterhawk: Austin McLaren, equipment manager
Jim Little Memorial Award (rookie of the year): Justin Donnelly
Corry Solomway Memorial Award (perseverance, sportsmanship & dedication to the game): Trevor Smith
Top Defenceman Award: Josh Deyell
Most Valuable Player - 2022 Playoffs: Lauchlin Elder
Top Defensive Player: Josh Deyell & Andy Mitchell
Leading Scorer Award: Miles MacLean
Most Valuable Player - 2021/22 Regular Season: Miles MacLean
Having lost a full season in 2020/21 due to the pandemic and having to find their way through various restrictions through the fall and winter, Winterhawks President Gord Lamont said it was such a relief to get back on the ice. "Between our players, coaches and fans, we were all such a tight-knit group, there was never any doubt we'd pull through," said Lamont.
In addition to capping off the season, the team announced Head Coach Ben Antler will return behind the bench for the 2022/23 season and that going forward the club has committed to playing at least one game per season at the Southampton Coliseum.
"We're full steam ahead for 2022/23, we've got some exciting things in the works, we're looking to pull off a couple big additions to the roster and get back to where we want to be, which is at the top of the mountain," said Lamont.
The 15th season of Winterhawks hockey kicks off in October.
Forward Justin Donnelly (left) accepts the Jim Little Memorial Award for Rookie of the Year from President Gord Lamont. Photo submitted
Andy Mitchell (left) and Josh Deyell (right) receive the Top Defensive Player Award from President Gord Lamont. Pictured in front is Olly Mitchell. Photo submitted
Winterhawks Equipment Manager Austin McLaren is presented with his third consecutive Most Dedicated Winterhawk Award by Vice President Gord MacKay. Photo submitted