2016 Fan Choice Awards Winners
The Charlottetown Islanders 2016 Fan Choice Awards took place on Monday night at the Rodd Royalty Hotel. The fans had their say and with 12 awards up for grabs, here’s a look at who went home with what hardware.
Fan-Voted Awards:
Ocean 100 Rookie of the Year: Matt Welsh
It’s hard to argue against this one. The rookie netminder backstopped the team to a number of victories this season, including the entire month of December while Mason McDonald was away with Team Canada preparing for the Word Juniors.
Moore Well Drilling Offensive Player of the Year: Oliver Cooper
Cooper was visibly surprised to receive this one. Among fellow nominees Bradley Kennedy, Samuel Blais, and Daniel Sprong, Cooper said on-stage he thought he was “last on that list.” Cooper did have a terrific offensive season, currently sitting fourth in scoring with 47 points in 60 games.
Mel’s Hardest Working Player: Will Thompson
There’s no question that defenceman Will Thompson is one of the hardest workers on the team. He missed just a pair of games this season while being reliable on the back end every game.
Eastlink Fan Favourite: Matt Welsh
Kameron Kielly was dethroned as the Fan Favourite this year with rookie Matt Welsh receiving 600 votes. “I guess my parents voted a lot,” he said after receiving his award.
Island Oxygen Defensive Player of the Year: Will Thompson
There was strong competition for this one but the fans voted Thompson as this year’s Defensive Player of the Year. Thompson currently has a +4 rating through 64 games played.
Fair Isle Ford Play of the Year: “Willie T in OT” – Will Thompson
Willie T certainly cleaned up at this year’s awards. There were some beautiful plays nominated for this award, but the fans voted for Thompson’s OT game-winning goal against Saint John on Jan. 21 – the only OT goal Thompson can recall scoring.
ServiceMaster PEI Most Valuable Player: Oliver Cooper
This is the biggie, and this year Oliver Cooper takes home the presitigous MVP award with over 1000 votes. Cooper was the personal pick for MVP of Head Coach Jim Hulton for his work both on and off the ice, with Hulton saying Cooper has made him both a better coach and a better person.
Other Awards:
UPEI Scholastic Player of the Year: Dexter Weber
Dexter Weber is the Scholastic Player of the Year and the Islanders’ nominee for the league-wide award. In an on-stage interview, the 20-year-old talked about the difficulties of studying on the road and discussed the possibility of taking the CIS road next year.
City of Charlottetown Class Act Award: Oliver Cooper
Cooper was the clear choice for this award. The Islanders captain has been heavily involved in the community all season long, even before being named captain.
Maritime Electric Volunteer of the Year: Bo Ford
Bo Ford works hard night-in and night-out behind the scenes in the Islanders dressing room and there was thunderous applause from the players as he came up to accept his award. Thanks for all your hard work, Bo!
Red Shores Players’ Player Award: Oliver Cooper
This award is one the players love to receive, as it is voted by their peers. The Islanders voted Cooper this year as their choice of player who exemplifies teamwork and dedication both on and off the ice.
Moose Light Three Stars Award: TBD
The race for the Three Stars title is too close to call with two home games remaining. Mason McDonald, Samuel Blais, Brad Kennedy and Matthew Welsh could all still be in with a shot of winning, with McDonald currently at the top of the table. The winner will be determined after Saturday’s season-closing game and the award will be presented prior to the Islanders’ first home playoff game.
Over 2500 votes were received for these awards and the Islanders would like to thank everyone who took the time to vote!
The Islanders are home this weekend to host Bathurst on Friday and Halifax on Saturday to close out the 2015-16 season. Season ticket holders are reminded that this weekend is the last chance to redeem any unused tickets.
Big crowds are expected for each game and fans are encouraged to buy tickets in advance at the Eastlink Centre Box Office, by phone at (902) 629-6625, or online at www.eastlinkcentrepei.com.
