By Kris Smith
The evening kicked-off with a small intro from Dundee Stars TV Host, Stephen Swann, he thanked the fans for their support and commitment to the team throughout the year.
The first award to be handed out was the Tom Wilson Memorial Award, which every year recognises the dedication and hard-work of one volunteer and this year’s winner was, Struan Davie.
The 18-year-old videographer has followed the team across the country, creating outstanding visual content for the Stars social media channels, highlight packages and behind the scenes documentary.
The next award to be handed out was the Official Supporters Club Unsung Hero of the Season and after a vote by fans, it was awarded to the team’s physical trainer and physiotherapist, Airlie Beveridge.
Now in her fifth season with the club, Airlie has been there to treat and rehabilitate players and their injuries all year round, working hard to make sure players are able to play safely in as many games as possible.
Stars TV, the club’s television channel, then handed out their Player of the Year award and they had decided on Stars captain, Drydn Dow.
The Canadian has been with the club for four seasons now and this year saw a return to his high-scoring form, as he currently sits on 42 points (4 goals, 38 assists) through 55 games.
The OSC then stepped back up to give out their award for their Player of the Year, as voted for by the OSC members and they selected Dundonian winger, Craig Garrigan.
After missing the start of the season through injury, the 24-year-old came back and played with the same grit and determination he always shows, whilst also collecting two goals and four assists so far.
Next up was the British Player of the Year Award where all seven Brits on the squad were up for nomination and it would also go to Garrigan.
Stars boss, Jeff Mason then stepped up to the stage to hand out the Most Improved Player of the Year trophy and 18-year-old forward, Ben Brown would be this year’s recipient.
This was Brown’s first season with the team after training with them in previous years and he has impressed with his development on the ice.
The Dundonian had made 33 appearances for the Stars in this campaign, whilst also racking up 41 points in the Scottish National League in 18 games with the Dundee Comets, as part of a two-way contract.
The penultimate award of the night would be the Players Player of the Year and the Stars squad selected Philippe Sanche as their winner, with captain Dow handing over the trophy.
The five-foot-five, skilful forward scored four goals on the weekend and a hat-trick in Saturday’s 5-3 win away to Coventry Blaze, taking his total 63 points for the season.
Sanche returned to Dundee after the successes of last season and has already surpassed his points total from last year (53), with five games still remaining in the regular season.
The final prize of the evening was handed out by Head Coach, Mason as he announced his Coach’s Player of the Year and he chose American centre, Elijiah Barriga.
Barriga has been leading the Stars attack all-season, alongside Sanche and in his rookie season, the Californian has amassed 58 points in 55 games.
The Stars are still in the midst of a late season playoff push and they must win on Wednesday night when they visit Nottingham Panthers, if they want to keep their chances alive.
