The New Tecumseth Civics are proud of every player on the roster as they finished the regular season 23-18-1, despite a loss to the Ville Marie Pirates in the first round of the playoffs the season was a success in terms of player development and the team learning what it takes to win.

The Civics team awards were handed out Monday night and the following individuals were recognized for their contributions to the team during the 2017-2018 season.

Most Valuable Player and Goalie of the Year: TJ Sherwood

The Civics leaned heavily on Sherwood this season and he was able to produce, giving them a shot to win more often than not when he was in between the pipes. The goaltender was at or near the top of the rankings for almost every goalie related statistically category in the North Division including Save Percentage (.918, 1st), Goals Against Average (3.29, 2nd), Saves (813, 6th), and Wins (14, 4th). Sherwood was the #1 ranked North Division Goalie on the power rankings for the entire season.

Head Coach Dennis Martindale, “TJ is flat out our MVP and in my opinion the best goalie in this league. We are lucky to have him in our net. I am using my contacts to try and get him a contract overseas, because I think he is good enough to make the step to the pro level. He’s a hard worker and has a great attitude to go with his talent.”

Offensive Player of the Year: Riley Nadeau

Nadeau paced the Civics offensively as captain by a wide margin as the talented winger finished the season with more than a point per game average scoring 65 Points in 41 games while leading the team in both goals (25) and assists (39) while adding 4 game winning goals, 4 on the power play and 2 shorthanded all while limiting himself to just 18 PIM all year. At peak Nadeau was ranked the #11 player in the entire Northern Division in the GMHL power rankings

Martindale, “I knew Nads had enough talent to do well in this league he just needed a decent chance to show off his skills and he jumped on the opportunity given. He had a great season for us. If I could choose a junior hockey captain I would choose Nads any day of the week. I might be bias because I see him every game, but he’s up there with the best players in this league.”

Defensive Player of the Year: Mikhail Kornilov

The 2000 born Kornilov took leaps and strides this year to finish off the season as the Civics best defenseman. The youngest assistant captain in team history upped his point total as a defenseman from 3 last year to 24 this year and would continue to develop as a reliable shutdown defenseman. He led the team in power play goals with 5 and scored the game winner in two different shootouts for the Civics. Kornilov would peak on the Power rankings at number 20 for North Division skaters

Martindale, “Korn in my opinion is one of the smartest defenseman in this league. If he works on his conditioning a bit this summer I believe he could have a very good hockey career, there’s not many teams that have a 17 year old successfully QB’ing their power play so that says a lot about him

Civics Heart Award:  Matthew Senra

The second leading scorer on this year’s Civics squad was first year player Matt Senra. Senra played as a high energy guy who was a very versatile player, he scored 37 Points (17G, 20A) in his debut junior hockey season playing in 40 games. Senra was consistently vocal in the room and on the ice and also found himself recognized in the GMHL power rankings where he was ranked a #37 in the Northern Division at one point.

Martindale, “Senra started as a PK guy but as the season moved along he got more and more confidence and ended up being one of my go-to forwards. He can play in all situations which is what a coach loves. His attitude on and off the ice is what it takes to be a great junior hockey player”

European Player of the Year: Phil Kemmer

On a team with more than half a European roster, Phil Kemmer stood out as an elite player. Following an adjustment to Canadian hockey Phil quickly established himself as a reliable defenseman that could be thrown out on the ice in any situation. He also had a knack for finding the open man finishing with 16 points on the season, 15 of which were assists.

Martindale, “Phil took a bit to get used to the North American game but once he did he became a very important part of our D-core. He is very strong on pucks in our own end and very reliable, I also like his heads up first pass. Phil was also able to contribute for us on the PP.”

Best Defensive Forward of the Year: Marshel Tupper

Marshel Tupper made a name for himself in the Civics dressing room very quickly with his consistency and willingness to put his body on the line and block shots night in and night out. Tupper was a favorite among his teammates for this and league wide was known as a great defensive forward. Tupper to his credit was no slouch on the offensive end either finishing with 15 Points (9G, 6A) in the regular season.

Martindale, “The thing I like about Tupps is that he plays the game way every single night. He is fearless and he does the games little details extremely well. On top of having a great hockey brain he is easy to coach and very well-liked by his teammates.”

Most Improved Player of the Year: Malik Dhaliwal

Malik came into this season as a big bodied defenseman who needed to learn how to use his frame and he sire did by the end of the season. Jetsy (as he is referred to by his teammates and coaches) was a defenseman that by the end of the season could hold his own in any defensive situation and finished the year as a top 4 D man.

Martindale, “What can I say about this legend. The difference between Jetsy in September and February is night and day. He figured out that if he focuses on the little things he will become a better defenseman. He now uses his big body very well and his work ethic is off the charts. Very well-liked by all his teammates and he is a very coachable player”

Rookie of the Year: Tyson Lambert

Lambert, a rookie defenseman who played alongside Malik for much of the season was one of the youngest players in the league but had an impact, as is proven by his runner up finish in the League Rookie of the Year. From the start Tyson always had a great sense of where to be on the ice and how to make a play. He finished as one of the top rookies in the league and the top rookie on this Civics team.

Martindale, “Tys is a D-man who has progressed way faster than expected. He understands the game very well. I could trust him on the PK, and on the PP, so that says a lot about him, he’s only 16. If he works on his conditioning he could have a great hockey career ahead of him.”

Congratulations to all of the Civics team award winners, we wish you the best of luck in the offseason and hope to see you back next season for a run at the Russell Cup.

Author: Jordan Richardson, Assistant GM