The first annual Scorpions banquet was held on Saturday evening April 28th at the Wok at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Players and wives enjoyed a delicious all you can feast before the evening’s presentations took place.

This event served as a cap to a season that saw various highlights. These highlights included staging a home series of games against Oman, a paid entrance match versus the Dubai Mighty Camels, our super successful ex NHL All Star vs Scorpions charity exhibition evening, tournament participation in Singapore, Al Ain and Dubai and of course Coach Ryan’s practice drills which proved effective for overall positional play.

Of particular note was our success in tournament action. The 4th Annual Singapore Invitational Ice Hockey Tournament saw the Scorpions make it to the A division semi final only to be stymied by the hometown Singapore Chili Crabs. Showing an even stronger finish in Dubai the Scorpions reached the A division final. The championship proved elusive however in spite of putting on a valiant show. The Scorpions fell victim to one bad bounce after another losing a heartbreaker in a seesaw 5 – 4 battle to the Dubai Mighty Camels A squad.

The end of dinner signaled the start of the awards ceremony. The chairman of the Scorpions, Kelly Ryan, took to the microphone and spoke encouragingly about what was accomplished this past season. He further noted that there are areas to work on, but emphasized that we have a strong base upon which to build.

In all nine players were recognized for their contributions and abilities. Heading the list of recipients this year for Most Improved Player were three hardworking Scorpions: Jeff Wolosewich, Michel Bussieres and Pekka Autio. Week in and week out they were always at Saturday hockey giving it their all.

The next award for Newcomer of the Year went to our rugged skillful grinder Dave Cayea. He was a fearless competitor never giving way to whoever was in his path be it in the corners or in front of the opposition’s net. Ryan took note of how well Davey and Spike fit right in and Davey deservedly made a place for himself on the A squad for Dubai.

Departing Paul Grant was recognized as our Most Valuable Defenseman. He was our minister of defense always providing good steady play and keeping the opposition honest. Paul saw many people come and go on the hockey scene here in Abu Dhabi over his seven years.

Selected as the Best Forward was Dana Tomalty. He was a dominant offensive force throughout the season. Of note for this offensive threat was his selection as Best Defenseman in Singapore and his nomination to the tournament all star team in Dubai.

Our two goalers: Michel Giguere and Dave Wickham were chosen as the Most Valuable Players on our hockey club. Gigger produced some stellar play this season and is especially noted for collecting two shutouts and nabbing the best goalie award in Singapore. This enthusiastic performer also backstopped the Scorpions to the final in Dubai. Dave also produced some standout play throughout the Singapore tournament. Dave faced a shellacking in Dubai, but still managed some big stops for his team.

Bringing a sense of levity to the hockey scene throughout the season was once again the king of quips, John Allan. His buoyant spirit noted via his e-mails, website profiles and banter kept everyone amused. So justly, he was awarded the Personality of the Year award.

Ryan also acknowledged the contributions made by James Moore for all the work he did officiating throughout the season. His officiating gave the games a measure of controlled aggression.

Another bon vivant personality was noted for his continued good will and appreciated contribution to the hockey club. Ali Kaddas was chosen as the Teammate of the Year and this award was presented to him by the ever jocular John Allan.

Graeme George and Hassan Hawash were selected as Most Dedicated. Graeme worked tirelessly organizing the entry for the Al Ain Tournament and did great work in getting sponsorship and doing the administration work for the C team for the Dubai Tournament. For his part, Hassan’s dedication was recognized in large part because despite breaking two bones in his hand in the early going of a game against Tokyo, he played on.

To end off the awards portion of the evening, Graeme and John presented Kelly Ryan with an award to acknowledge his tireless efforts, the great patience he showed in practice passing on his knowledge of the game, his consistent encouragement and for the direction he gave the Scorpions hockey Club.

Moving on from the awards, the long anticipated Scorpions jersey were unveiled and presented to the players by Dana Tomalty. Before each of the players came up in succession for their jerseys he acknowledged how great the jerseys are and gave credit to Michel Giguere for his efforts in designing the new look Scorpion sweaters this year. Furthermore, he also credited Kelly Ryan’s contributions to the Scorpions Hockey Club for making this year a great success.