Spitfires Team Awards – Paul Maurice Award for Determination and Dedication to the Organization & Jason Bennett Award for Community Service
Paul Maurice Award for Determination and Dedication to the Organization – CATHI BAILLIE
The Paul Maurice Award is presented annually to a staff member of the Windsor Spitfires organization who has demonstrated the most dedication and commitment to the team.
This award was named in Paul Maurice’s honour as he played for the Spitfires from 1984 to 1988 and won an OHL Championship with the team in his final season (1987-1988).
Maurice was captain of the team in 87-88 and as an overager, he gave up his captaincy and spot on the roster so the Spitfires could acquire overage goaltender Pat Jablonski in the middle of season, solidifying the team’s goaltending position in what proved to be a banner year for the Spits.
Maurice served as an assistant coach with the Spitfires for the remainder of this season and used this opportunity to start his successful career as a head coach in the OHL and NHL from the 1993-1994 season to the present time. He currently serves as the Head Coach of the Winnipeg Jets.
Jason Bennett Award for Community Service – LUKE BOKA
The Jason Bennett Award for Community Service is presented annually to the player who best represents the Spitfires at community based events during the 2019-20 season. Jason Bennett, a Windsorite and fervent Spitfire supporter was tragically killed when he was struck by a drunk driver at 10 years age. The Spitfires organization renamed their award for community service in his honour.
