ICE HOCKEY: Phantoms ace Ales back again next season

Ales Padelek (left) is presented with an award by Rob Clark of Sovereign Installations. Picture: Tom Scott

The 36 year-old enjoyed a fine debut season with the city club, amassing 67 points to help them finish as English Premier League and League Cup runners-up before reaching the play-offs semi-finals.

“It’s great to have Ales back again for 2016/17,” said Phantoms coach Slava Koulikov. “He made a great impact last season and performed at a consistently high level.”

Padelek’s fine performances were recognised at the club’s end-of-season awards bash last Friday night when he was named players’ player of the year, forward of the year and the Phanforce supporters’ group player of the year.

James White (left) receives an award from Phil Smith, chairman of Phanforce, the Phantoms Supporters club. Picture: Tom Scott

Local lad James White was another man to complete an awards treble. The emerging forward, from Castor, won the young player of the year, most improved player of the year and the Phanforce development player of the year gongs.

Full list of award winners:

Player of the year – Janis Auzins

Coach’s player of the year – Will Weldon

Players’ player of the year – Ales Padelek

Young player of the year – James White

Most improved player – James White

Forward of the year – Ales Padelek

Defenceman of the year – Robbie Ferrara

Phanforce player of the year – Ales Padelek

Phanforce development player of the year – James White

Unsung hero – Irene Amos (matchnight scorer)