Steve Clark collected both the team MVP and Top Offensive Player awards at the Armstrong Senior Shamrocks annual year-end banquet last weekend.
Clark, a WLA senior A draft pick of the Nanaimo Timbermen, led the ‘Rocks with 28 goals and 11 assists in just 11 regular-season games.
Shamrock of the Year went to Chad Pounder; Top Defensive Player was Trin Johnson; Volunteer of the Year went to Gerald Luttmerding; Coach’s Choice was Brett Logan; Most Inspirational Player was Brent (Pez) Anderson; Top Rookie went to Logan Strohm; Manager’s Choice was Tim Rice; Playoff MVP went to Jarrett Medhurst; and Most Sportsmanlike went to Gord (China White) Roberts.
As tradition dictated, the event included a round of golf at Royal York followed by a steak dinner and awards ceremony. Playing in 32-degree heat, Marc Wagner won the long drive and Shaun Koenig took the KP.
“It was a great year topped off by a great windup,” said Shamrocks’ president Jeff Hanley, who praised the club for its runner-up showing in the Shaw Cup finals.
“I am really excited about the vast improvement in play from everyone on the team towards the end of the season and into playoffs. I am really liking our chances for next year.”
Special mention went to Owen Siddall, the Shamrocks’ long-time back up goalie, who announced his retirement at the banquet.
The always amiable and charismatic Siddall has been an inspiration to the players, who were shocked to hear of his decision.
Siddall did say he will be playing with the masters next year.
Overshadowing the entire day was the absence of 18-year-old Cullen Rowan, who died last week in a workplace accident.
Rowan was a junior Shamrock but played up with the seniors many times and was instrumental in the playoff success that they had this year. His jersey was hung in a place of honor during the ceremony and his presence was felt by all who attended.
“Cullen always had a smile on his face and played for us with a passion almost never seen in someone as young as he was,” said Hanley.
“He stepped up for us each and every time we asked him too and never let his teammates down. He was a great Shamrock and will be sorely missed.”
