The following article was published in the Peak in July of 1999.
Nine awards were handed out to Powell River Regals players during the hockey team's annual off-season gathering.
The awards, five of which were voted on by teammates, capped off a season that saw the team come up just short in their bid to win a second Allan Cup national championship in two years. After reaching the final game, Regals fell 5-3 to the host Stony Plain Eagles, who celebrated their first title.
Veteran forward Tod English captured the scoring title with the most combined goals and assists. Jeff Barszczewski and goaltender Chad Vizzutti tied for the most three-star selections. Rick McLaren, who led the team in goals and penalty minutes, was chosen by fans as the most popular player.
The George Northey Memorial plaque for dedicated service, which is not awarded every year, was voted on by team executive members and presented to team captain Mike Andrews, the longest-serving Regal, who just completed his 18th season and in past campaigns served as coach and manager. He was also a force in regard to fundraising projects.
Awards voted on by players included Best Defenceman, won for the eighth time and second year in a row by John Vanderkemp. Barszczewski edged teammates Scott Peters , Justin Yarocki, Dave Gourlie and Tom Perry for Unsung Hero. Three players were in the running for Rookie of the Year, and Cam Knox emerged over John Pearson and Cam Pierce for the honour.
McLaren was voted the regular season's Most Valuable Player over five others, and Trent Kaese shared playoff MVP honours with Vizzutti.
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