The Fort St. John Sr. Flyers held its annual year-end celebration at the Fort St. John Links Golf Course on July 28. Following a round of golf and steak dinner, the team handed out awards to its players for the 2017-18 season.
The Flyers won both the NPHL's Lawrence Cup (for winning the regular season championship) and Campbelle Cup (for winning the playoff championship). It was the first time the Flyers won the Campbelle Cup since the 2008-09 season.
Rick Cleaver won his third straight Regular Season MVP after leading the Flyers in scoring.
Travis McLean was named the Playoff MVP, after Flyers President Paul van Nostrand said there was nobody with more determination than McLean.
Van Nostrand told a nice story about rediscovering the Mr. Hustle award, which was awarded from 1989 until 1995, when the Flyers folded until 2004. The late Rod Fonteyne, whom the Flyers dedicated the 2017-18 season to, was the last to win the award. Upon his passing, Fonteyne's wife donated his awards and hockey memorabilia to the Flyers. Van Nostrand decided to revive the award, and gave it to Flyers Assistant Captain Joey Massingham.
The 2018-19 season will be the 60th in Flyers' history. Van Nostrand announced that the team will be submitting a bid this week to host the 2019 Coy Cup Tournament.
Award Winners
Regular Season MVP - Rick Cleaver
Rookie of the Year - Lien Miller-Jeannotte
Most Gentlemanly Player - Steven Fast
Best Defensive Player - Reid Campbell
Top Scorer - Rick Cleaver
Playoff MVP - Travis McLean
Most Dedicated Player - Ty Gullickson
Most Popular Player - Jeff Shipton
Mr. Hustle Award - Joey Massingham
Fans of the year - Stan and Shiela Tarangle
Email sports reporter Dillon Giancola at sports@ahnfsj.ca.
