Season 2009 was a year of several major changes for our club as well as being one of celebration for the league.
We commenced the IHV Centenary year with a changing of the guard in several of our key club roles. After a number of years as our President and over the past couple, performing the dual role as President of IHV, Andrew McDowell decided that the IHV role needed more attention and he has done an incredible job for the league. Having been a past member of the committee, I was elected as your President, standing down as the Senior Coach. Tom Powell put his hand up to take on this role and as one of our more decorated senior players the Committee believed was more than capable of handling the responsibility.
We then set about trying to find a coach for the Premier Reserves. We felt that this was a very important role, as our “Rezzies” needed to be organised and led well to maintain enthusiasm and enhance development. To this end, Dereck Hales took on this role and his efforts were reflected by the results the team achieved over the season.
The Premier C’s was almost to the stage of having to hold tryouts and ably looked after by Mark Tozer we made sure there was always enough beer in the fridge.
Injuries, suspensions and withdrawals from the playing lists put a big strain on the teams early in the season, but as it progressed we were able to field three very competitive sides and by the time the season ended, not only did the A’s make another Grand Final, but for the first time in a number of years, the Premier Reserve team also was in the battle for a pewter.
Although, as we know, neither team was able to bring home the trophy, season 2009 still had many successes.
A highlight for me was the success of the draft for us this year. We welcomed to our club Matt Burns from Canada, Nick Trusewicz from the Saints, Kel Boers who hadn’t played hockey for about 20 years, Chris Thompson from Bendigo, Joel Unruh – Derek Hales’ brother in law as well as securing our protected juniors Matt Skelt and Thomas Parton.
Due to injuries, Melbourne Ice commitments and player unavailability, several players got the opportunity to test themselves at a higher level than they were used to. This is a great thing within the club. No one is pigeon holed – everyone will get a chance if they deserve it.
I would also like to recognise the assistance provided to the club by the IHV Junior Committee with identifying junior level players and making them available to the club when our teams were short handed. We utilised 11 different players through the season in both the Premier A and Premier Reserve levels. While seven of these players were used in the Premier Reserve, of the four that played in Premier A, our own Blackhawk developed junior Ben Grant played five games and Former Jets junior Marcus Wong played in seven, Julius Vitikka played in three and Jack Konig played in one.
We also saw, for the first time in a long time, nearly full squads at practice. Another testament to the coaching staff that endeavoured to bring the players together as well as the attitude of the players that wanted to improve and do their best for the club.The dominance of our players was exhibited again by the level of representation in the Melbourne Ice and State Squads, as well as in the number of league awards taken out by Blackhawks. Special congratulations go to these players:
- Premier A MVP (The Noel Derrick Trophy) – Jack McCoy
- Premier A Highest Point Scorer (The Dave Cunningham Trophy) – Matt Burns
- Premier A Best Goalie (The Reid/McLoughlin Trophy) – Dahlen Phillips
- Premier C MVP – John Sutton
- Otto Wolf Award – Colleen Nash
Congratulations, of course, also goes to all of our club award winners. When the season ends on a disappointing note, it’s always nice to have something to brighten it up. To all the players that made representative teams, thankyou for not only representing yourself and your families with distinction, but also your club, your state and your country.
It is very disappointing that our trophy winners aren’t able to be presented with their awards in front of their peers. All the award winners deserve the recognition and congratulations of fellow club members for their efforts. Hopefully we can rectify the issues that caused the cancellation of the presentation night and ensure that award winners are suitably recognised in the future.
So, as we wrap up another year, I would like to thank the committee (still IHV’s best), Charlie Grandy, Chris Parton, Colleen Nash, Wendy Hinson, Mark Beaton and Tim Rodrigo, our Team Managers, Evert Pol, Scott Faggotter and Chris Parton and to our Coaches Tom Powell, Derek Hales and Mark Tozer. The club appreciates all your time and efforts.
Thank you again to our trophy sponsors, your ongoing contribution is greatly appreciated and valued. You perpetuate our history.
Most of all, I would like to thank you - the Players, parents, wives, girlfriends, sons, daughters and loyal supporters - for an enjoyable season of hockey.
As we look forward to the 2010 season and the promise the Docklands Rink offers to our sport. We hope it inspires, develops, encourages and drives our players back to the top of the league, where we belong.
Go Hawks Go
Glenn Grandy
President
