Last night The Friends of Maine Hockey held their Annual Awards Banquet for
The University of Maine Men's Ice Hockey Team. There was plenty to eat for
the 330 people that attended and all seemed to me to have a good time.
 
Dan Hannigan, the Voice of Maine Hockey, from WZON AM 620,  was the Master
of Ceremonies. If Dan ever gets tired of his radio work he certainly could
go in to comedy. He kept us all laughing throughout the evening. A job well
done Dan!!
 
Chuck Whitney, from WVII-Channel 7 Sports, produced three videos. One a
montage of the season, one highlighting each award winner and one a review
of this year's Spirit Award winner, Brendan Walsh. A very professional job
by Chuck, one that definitely added to the enjoyment of the evening.
 
There were several awards presented to players and volunteers alike. The
entire list follows:
 
Awards for the 2000
Maine Hockey Banquet
The Madeline Bacon Spirit Award - Linda Mosley
Awarded to an individual, individuals or group who has/have shown
exceptional devotion to activities supporting the University of Maine Ice
Hockey program. The Board of Directors of the Friends of Maine Hockey and
the Coach selects the recipient. This year, the team captains asked that
this award be given to the entire student body for the vocal support given
to the team by the student section at the Alfond.
The Dale Lick Academic Achievement Award - #24 Jim Leger, Senior Forward
The award recognizes academic achievement by the student - athlete. It is
presented to the player who has the highest Grade Point Average (GPA) among
the team members, as determined by the registrar.
Coca Cola Three - Star Award - #7 Barrett Heisten, Sophomore Forward
The award recognizes outstanding game performance by a particular player
throughout the entire season. The three-star award vote of each game is
tallied for the season by the Sports Information Department.
Stein Award - #36 Brendan Walsh, Senior Forward
This award recognizes an individual who, by a variety of methods, brings the
team to the proper emotional level for a game. This award is determined by a
team vote.
Bruce Griffin / Center Ice Club Unsung Hero Award - #26 A.J. Begg, Junior
Defense
This award honors the player who receives the most votes as "unsung hero"
during the season in balloting conducted at the Center Ice Club Monday Night
Meetings.
The Richard Britt Most Inspirational Player Award - #14 Gray Shaneberger,
Sophomore Forward
Awarded to the individual who, by a variety of methods, involving conduct,
spirit, intensity, selflessness and sacrifice serves as an inspirational
role model establishing a sense of comfort and challenge for the team. The
recipient is selected by the coaching staff.
Outstanding Defensive Player Award - #26 A.J. Begg, Junior Defense
On the premise that good offense and winning games stems from good defense,
the coaching staff selects that player, not necessarily a defenseman, who
consistently demonstrates the type of outstanding defensive play that
translates directly into outstanding offensive plays.
Harold Westerman Coaches' Award - #12 Ben Guite, Senior Forward
The award recognizes that player, who although he does not necessarily excel
in any one skill, consistently makes important contributions leading the
team to success. The recipient is selected by the coaching staff.
Jack Semler Most Improved Player Award - #22 Tom Reimann, Freshman Forward
The award is presented to that player who has made the greatest improvement
to his game skills and contributions to the team during the past year. The
recipient is determined by the coaching staff.
Most Honored Opponent Award - #14 Carl Corazzini, Boston University
At the end of the season, at a meeting of the team, the senior captain of
the team prepares a list of possible candidates and leads a discussion of
the merits of each candidate. A secret ballot election is held to determine
the recipient.
Howard Neville Rookie of the Year Award - #1 Matt Yeats, Sophomore Goalie
The award is presented to the first year player who has made the greatest
impact or contribution to the success of the team. The recipient is selected
by the coaching staff.
Harold Alfond Most Valuable Player Award - #39 Cory Larose, Senior Forward
Simply stated, the recipient of this award is the player, not necessarily
represented by the scoring points total, whose loss to the team subsequently
would have the most significant impact on the team. The recipient is
determined by the coaching staff.
Friends of Maine Hockey Volunteer of the Year Award - Betty Donovan
Awarded to an individual, individuals or group who has/have devoted their
time and resources as a volunteer supporting the University of Maine Hockey
program. This recipient is selected by the Board of Directors of the Friends
of Maine Hockey and the Head Coach.
Captains and Assistant Captains for the 2000 - 01 Season:
A.J. Begg - Captain
Doug Janik - Captain
Matthias Trattnig - Alternate
Dan Kerluke - Alternate