End of season awards night

Tuesday, 27th March 2012

J Davidson sponsored Manchester Phoenix held their annual end of season awards night on Monday at the Britannia Hotel in the city centre.

Compère Pete Hagan started the evening’s proceedings by introducing the team onto the top table and then, to rapturous applause, owner Neil Morris and player coach Tony Hand MBE.

Neil was first up on the podium and he commented on how proud he was of the team’s achievements this season under such trying conditions. He highlighted the fact that they had not iced a full squad since early September and they deserved our admiration for staying focussed and keeping on the coat tails of eventual champions Guildford Flames.

Neil also mentioned the hard working match night crew, saying that he believed that, without any doubt, we have the best in the league.

Pete then introduced Norma Harrop, spokesperson for the Supporters’ Club, who gave an overview of the club and the business it had conducted throughout the season. She also thanked the hard working committee, past and present for their sterling efforts.

Then it was on to the real business of the evening, the player awards.

The following awards were given out throughout the evening:

Defenseman of the year, sponsored by Elite Print went to Jaroslav Spelda. Jaro, not renowned for his long interviews, spoke to Jim “Tambo” Piper through his interpreter, Martin Cingel, after the award: “I am very happy with the award and want to thank the rest of the team who helped me win this. I have had too many injuries this season and to be recognised by the fans is a great honour.”

Utility player of the year, sponsored by J Davidson was awarded to Ben Wood. Ben, another player of few words had this to say on his birthday: “It has been a great season for me, getting more ice time, and a great honour to get this award. The champagne tasted good as well.”

Coach’s player of the year, sponsored by WG and R, went to club captain Luke Boothroyd. Coach Hand explained his thinking behind his decision: “Luke has been fantastic all season. He really is an unsung hero in the team. He just gets on with his job week in, week out and is a great influence in the locker room. He has all the aspects required of a club captain and a great player to have around.”

Luke said: “It is a marvellous honour to get this award from Tony. He has so much experience and for him to think me worthy of such an accolade is superb. I think I have had a good season and, although my job is not to score goals, getting 4 this season is my best ever.”

Forward of the year, sponsored by Key Financial Claims Players’ player of the year, sponsored by WG and R Fans’ player of the year, sponsored by TravelMaster Supporters’ Club player of the year, sponsored by The Supporters’ Club, all went to Tom Duggan. Jim caught up with a surprised but delighted young man in a quiet moment after the awards, and he had this to say:

“This is a great honour for me. I just get on with my job for the team and to be recognised by my peers and the fans is a huge bonus. The players’ player award is fantastic and to have the respect of my team mates is the highest accolade of my career so far. Also the fans’ award is wonderful. To go out to play every week, home and away to see so many fans supporting us through thick and thin is a real lift to myself and to the team.”

After the awards Neil and Tony had a short question and answer session, the main question being how is recruiting going for next season.

Coach Hand answered: “As always at this time of the year, I am a bit down the road in talks with some players but we still have a major focus on this season and the play offs. I am sure we will have some news soon after Coventry.”

Neil Morris concluded the event saying once again how proud he was of everybody connected with the best organisation in the league and hoped we would all have a great end to the season by winning the play offs in Coventry.

The evening wound down with dancing and general merry-making to the accompaniment of a disco by Marvin the Music Man.