Saturday night, the Peterborough Century 21 Lakers announced their 2023 award winners at a thank you dinner for team staff and volunteers at Alternatives on Braidwood Avenue.
Although the Mann Cup was not in attendance for this one, emcee Rose Powers reminded everyone that four Mann Cup championships in a row is still something to celebrate.
It was a night focused on thanking the longtime volunteers who dedicate their summers to doing the little things that help make the Lakers so successful. As such, it was those volunteers who were called upon to present the awards to the players.
Holden Cattoni was the big winner on the night, taking home three awards including the Top Scorer award, Fan Favourite and MVP, which he shared with Turner Evans.
“It’s an honour to be recognized by the Lakers and fans with three awards,” Cattoni stated. “It is always special to look at the names on the trophies and see your name among some of the greatest Lakers to ever play.”
Cattoni was excited to be selected as the Fan Favourite. It’s the first time he’s won the award, which was held online over two weeks from Sept. 25 to Oct. 6.
“The fans are such an integral piece to what makes playing in Peterborough so special. I was also humbled by being presented my awards by our volunteers. Their work goes largely unnoticed and their contributions are appreciated by the players and staff.”
The evening's first award, the Top Scorer award, was presented by 22-year volunteer Julie Innes-Walton. Linda Martinell, who even did laundry for the team back in the leaner days, presented Robert Hope with the Top Defenceman Award. Fourteen-year volunteer Dwight Walton presented Colton Armstrong with the Most Sportsmanlike Player award. Sharon, also a 22-year veteran, presented Cattoni with the Fan Favourite award. Lillian
Koniezncy, who has volunteered with the Lakers for over 40 years, presented Cattoni with the MVP award.
The annual Volunteer of the Year award was presented to team equipment managers Pete Hynes, Scott Robertson and Dale Reid. The trio received the only standing ovation of the evening upon accepting their awards.
“Our equipment staff puts countless volunteer hours in behind the scenes,” said board chairman Len Powers. “Our players and board respect what they do for the Lakers. They definitely deserved to be recognized for their hard work.”
Full Awards List:
Top Scorer – Holden Cattoni
Rookie of the Year – Landon Kells
Most Improved – Austin Hasen
Most Sportsmanlike – Colton Armstrong
Top Defenceman – Robert Hope
Top Transition Player – Matt Gilray
Fan Favourite – Holden Cattoni
MVP – Holden Cattoni & Turner Evans
Volunteers of the Year – Scott Robertson, Dale Reid & Pete Hynes
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