Annual Hockey Awards Winners Announced

South Jersey Sports Online is pleased to announce its annual ice hockey awards presented to those who we felt stood out this year. This was a banner year for the SJHSIHL with over forty teams spread out in Tier 1 through JVB, the league continues to grow and the competition level has improved tremendously. In addition, the difficult task of scheduling and maintaining order has been handled with remarkable ease once again by league President Mike Pontonio and the “Jack of all trades” Jack Anderson. Here are SJSports Online selections:

Tier 1 Player of the Year: Sean Sullivan - Eastern Vikings

Sean led his team in scoring and led the league with seventy-eight points while leading his team to an undefeated season and first place.

Tier 2 Player of the Year: Eric Cohen - Cherokee Chiefs

Eric was 10-0 with a 1.67 G.A.A while leading Cherokee to an undefeated season.

JVA Player of the Year: Justin Osterdahl - Williamstown Braves

Justin led the JVA in scoring and was instrumental in leading Williamstown to a 7-4-2 record.

JVB Player of the Year: Cory Jackmuff - West Deptford Eagles

Cory helped his team finished first and he led the league with twenty-six goals.

Best Defenseman: Ray Mellon - Rancocas Valley Red Devils

Ray utilizes his speed and desire to excel on the ice and also can play some offense as he averaged over one point per game.

Leadership Award: Brett Balco - Paul VI Eagles

Brett scored eighteen goals and worked doggedly on the penalty kill and was the point man on the power play and his style of play and determination helped a young Paul VI team to a 10-7-1 record.

Breakout Player of the Year: Jim Sprinkle - Clearview Pioneers

Jim was second in scoring for Clearview in his first year in the as a Freshman. He also finished third in the league in goals scored.

Coach of the Year: Mike Pontonio - Eastern Vikings

Coach Pontonio led Eastern to an undefeated season and are closing in on their second consecutive title.

The League also recognized the following players by handing out the Glenn Holland awards:

Tier II Goalie of the Year: Ryan Doner - Eastern High School

Tier I Goalie of the Year: Danny Myers - Eastern High School

Congratulations to all the recipients.

Photos by Art Redd