Legionnaires roll out awards; Dan Rose returning as head coach

By Dan McCaffery

Shawn Waldie has been named the Most Valuable Player for the 2011/12 Sarnia Legionnaires.

Waldie won the award at the Jr. 'B' hockey club's annual season-ending banquet Saturday. He also shared the Spirit award with defenceman Jeff Paulley.

Waldie, a Sarnia native, scored 20 goals and set up 47 others during the regular season and playoffs. On top of that, he set a franchise record for assists, finishing his junior career with more than 130 to his credit.

Another double winner was Tyler Cicchini, who won his third Outstanding Playoff Performer award, along with the trophy for Most Dedicated player.

Cicchini, a five-year veteran who is too old to play next season, will become an assistant coach with the Legionnaires.

The People's Choice Award (for the fan favourite) went to goalie Kyle Washer.

Jesse Drydak won the trophy for top scorer and Anthony Donati was named the best defenceman.

Goalie Shawn Parker was selected for the Most Improved Player award.

Matt Cimetta was named Rookie of the Year.

Brenda English (who manned the souvenir table) and Nikki Morgan (who sold 50/50 tickets), shared the Volunteer of the Year award.

In another development, general manager Bob Williamson announced Jeff Paulley will be the team's new captain, replacing Cicchini.

It was also announced that head coach Dan Rose will be back.

But assistant coach Brent Sullivan is leaving to attend Carleton University, where he also plans to play hockey.

Rose said the Legionnaires will have a strong club again next season. He added the squad has a “great corps group” of returning veterans. And the team's scouting efforts have already turned up “a great group of players who will be able to fill some holes.”

President Tom Knight thanked the 46 sponsors and two dozen volunteers who, he said, make it possible for the team to operate.

Theo Bett, the team's vice-president of marketing, announced the Legionnaires led the league in attendance for the fourth year in a row, attracting some 40,000 fans to its regular season and playoff home games.

Tags: dan rose back as coach, Sarnia Legionnaires, Sarnia Sports, team awards