If you were at last Saturday’s awesome game against the Portland Winterhawks, you already know that the Seattle Thunderbirds also had their annual awards ceremony following the game. Many of the awards were not surprising, although some may have been more interesting than others.

The Humanitarian Award was given to Jerret Smith, while Scholastic Player went to Matthew Wedman. These awards are not necessarily representative of skills on the ice, but they still play an important role in other aspects of being a great team member. Smith, for example, has had some great game moments this year, but his work in the Seattle community is an important part of playing on the team. He is always seen doing the different community service programs that the young men perform at local schools, the Ronald McDonald House and many others. The entire team has a winning spirit when it comes to working hard in the community and really serving as a role model in addition to being athletes, but when you think of it, serving in the community should be part of being an athlete. Seattle’s athletes have a long and proud history of helping people (and pets!) in need.

Wedman also won Most Improved Player, which is a big honor that often leads to even bigger opportunities later in life. Many athletes have gone on to play in the major leagues after receiving Most Improved not only because of better skill development but because of the attitude and willingness to change that it also represents.

The team voted on the Most Dedicated player of the year, which went to Donovan Neuls. Top Scorer and MVP both went to Matthew Barzal, and there really is no surprise there. Both Neuls and Barzal had stellar seasons, for the most part, and it will be fun to see where the road takes both young men in their careers. Ethan Bear won Defenseman of the Year. Bear had a very good season as well. Rookie of the Year went to Jared Tyszka. Although we haven’t heard as much from Tyszka as we have from Neuls, Barzal, Bear and other players, he definitely had a good season for a rookie year.

Do you think the awards were handed out as they should have been, or do you have other players in mind for the various honors that were given on Saturday night? Tell us your thoughts in the comments.

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia