Maroons Well Represented at GOJHL Award Ceremony

The Chatham Maroons won several awards at the 2013 GOJHL Western Conference banquet held in London Ontario on Monday night. The Maroons started off the evening with the presentation of the Stan Moore Memorial Award which goes to the Western Conference regular season Champions. One year after finishing last in the Conference, the Maroons posted a 34-11-6 record on the way to a 74 point first place finish.

Steven Szekesy (Belle River) was the recipient of the Western Conference Defenseman of the Month for February. Steven’s strong defensive play help the Maroons post a record of 6-2-1 for the month. He had 6 points (0G; 6A) in nine games during February.

The Conference All Rookie team included forward Brayden Hopkins (Moraviantown). In his first season with the Maroons, Brayden brought a physical presence to the team while adding 15 goals and 25 points in 50 games this season.

Defenseman Jake Flegel (Whitby) was selected to the Conference 1st Team All Star team for the 2012/13 season. In his first season with the Maroons, Jake contributed 9 goals and 22 assists for 31 points in 33 games. Not shy from standing up for his team, Jake also logged 109 penalty minutes. Jake was the Maroons nomination for the Western Conference CHOK Player of the Year for the 2012-13 season.

Michael Verboom (Iona Station) combined a good offensive game with an even better defensive game on his way to being selected the Kevin McIntosh Defensive Forward of the Year. The only Maroon to play in all 51 games this season, he lead the team in scoring with 64 points (20G, 44A). He also led the team in short handed goals with four.

The Conference’s Coaching Staff of the Year was the Chatham Maroons. Lead by head coach and general manager Bill Bowler, the staff engineered a worst to first turnaround in only one season. Joining Bill behind the bench were Chatham alumni Brad Meredith (associate coach) and Kyle O’Neil (assistant coach). Rounding out the staff were Bill Cummings (assistant GM), Darryl Lucio (Trainer) and Randy DeWael (Equipment Manager).

The Maroons will begin their second season against the Lambton Shore Predators on Thursday, February 28th, 2013 at the Chatham Memorial Arena. Game time is 7:00 PM. Be sure to come out and cheer on the Maroon award winners along with the rest of the team as they skate against the Predators. Box office opens at 6:00 PM.