Pictured are the 2008 / 09 Major Award Winners for the hockey Paladins: (left to right): Rookie of the Year – Justin Lacey; Dr. Wayne Kirk Most Valuable Player Award – Richard Lim; Maj. Danny McLeod Coaches Award – Jeff Oke; Most Improved Player – Cameron Chapman.
As Many As 4 Stalwarts Moving On…
Tommy Smart Winner Headed to WLU
By: WJO
The 2008 / 09 edition of the RMC hockey team wrapped up their season with an Awards Banquet last Thursday night at the RMC Senior Staff Mess.
The agenda for the evening centered on: Coach, Adam Shell giving his end of season wrap-up review. Presentation of Major Awards Rookie of the Year: Justin Lacey. Most Improved; Cameron Chapman. Major Danny McLeod Coaches Award; Jeff Oke. The Dr. Wayne Kirk MVP Award went to III year player Richard Lim.
Four graduating players were also given presentations that included receiving their hockey jersey; and a copy of the RMC Hockey History Digest. The four are: #5 Cameron Chapman; #29 Adam Briggs; #10 Luke Pierce; and #19 Paul Bradley.
Cameron Chapman was a late bloomer at the college finally earning a regular spot in his IV Year. “…He was there and could be counted on in the big games – especially down the stretch…” according to Coach Shell. Adam Briggs the #1 goalie for the past season may or may not be back next year for another campaign. One has the impression that the coaching staff are keeping their fingers crossed that he will return.
Luke Pierce wrapped up an impressive five year hockey career at RMC. The gritty centre managed to play in 21 league games this past season following a number of serious injuries over the previous past four campaigns including a very serious back injury sustained in his first year. In his parting words, Luke had special praise for Lieutenant-Colonel R.R. (Rod) McDonald, Registrar who “helped me tremendously during my five years at RMC”. The 5′ 8″ 170 lb former Vernon Viper from the British Columbia Hockey League also made a special point of thanking both Kelly Nobes his first RMC coach and 20771 Keri Kettle (RMC 1997), former chief scout for the Paladins hockey team both of whom worked hard in ensuring he made it through the complicated Canadian Forces recruiting process. In particular, Kettle was responsible for many other top line hockey players who ended up at RMC, in recent years.
Paul Bradley, the 2009 Tommy Smart Cup winner and a Corporal in the local Princess of Wales Own Regiment announced in his farewell speech that he has made the decision to attend Wilfrid Laurier University next Fall. The 25 year old Calgary native will be joining up with his first RMC coach, Kelly Nobes who left RMC for WLU three seasons ago.
Paul will be playing his fifth and final year of eligibility for the Hawks after four years as the top player for the RMC Paladins. Bradley has been named twice to the OUA East all-star team. He will be working towards his Master of Arts in History in September after graduating with his Honours Arts degree.
A part of a press release on the WLU web page – “Paul is a top notch guy and a very dynamic offensive player,” said Nobes about his former player. “We are pleased that he has decided to continue his studies at Laurier and know that he will add skill and leadership to our team.”
Coach Shell, a former McGill Redmen who has just completed his second year as RMC hockey coach in his wrap-up talk was optimistic on the team improving their record for next season. The fact that they are losing only four players – perhaps only three depending on what Adam Briggs does, bodes well for a successful 2009 / 10 season.
Three Photos courtesy of Chad Blundy – Recreation and Intramural Assistant/ & Assistant Hockey Coach.