FROZEN STEEL END OF YEAR AWARDS 2014

You voted. We listened. Here are your winners.

Thank you to everyone who cast their votes, you're all scholars and shall be rewarded for your kindness.

Before we start I'd like to thank Dean Woolley for his kind permission to use his photos on this piece, and throughout the season on our articles. The man is a talent.

So without further ado...
Import Of The Year
Voting was a two horse race in this category.

The winner though, is described here by our own Tom Walkeden:

His persistence in and around the opposition goal is magnificent. I mean, I haven't seen many players protect the puck as well as he does and he has done it on more than a few occasions over the course of the season. He also showed his eye for goal and his determination to get to the goal and the dirty areas and is very flexible. Whoever you put on his line, it looks dangerous.

IMPORT OF THE YEAR 2014 - STEFAN MEYER

Brit Of The Year
Unsurprising runaway winner of this one.

This from Josh McCormack

Showed everyone why Doug brought him back. His speed has been crucial to some of the goals that we have scored this season (Coventry at Home in overtime anyone) but his overall contribution to the team has been fantastic especially coming back for the long concussion lay off.

BRIT OF THE YEAR - ROBERT DOWD

Most Improved Player Of The Year
This was only applicable to players who returned from last season. A tough call this, but there is a solitary winner.

From Josh Britton:

Was a hard choice this one... but generally i think he is the most Improved player who has returned player from last season. Was great for him to reach 100 EIHL goals.  He's a leader, got a great eye for goal and he's not afraid to do the dirty stuff. He chips in when needed which is great for the team.

MOST IMPROVED PLAYER OF THE YEAR - JASON HEWITT

Non-Steelers Player Of The Year
Given to the best player in the Elite League who has not donned Orange this year. Well played to the one person who tried to say "Chris Blight when he was at Cardiff."

From Daniel Reynolds:

The highest point scorer in the Elite League this season with the highest number of goals scored. Also I thought he has played well when we’ve played Coventry, especially in the first leg of the Playoff Quarter-finals

NON-STEELER OF THE YEAR - RYAN GINAND

Performance Of The Year

Remember that game where everything clicked as a team, and the whole show, from start to finish, was truly superb? Yeah, that.

Daryl Slinn says:

Third Period - Coming from 4-1 down, in previous weeks we would have been dead and buried. We showed real guts and resilience to come back and beat them on penalty shots. That game could have easily ended up as a 7 or 8 goal loss.

And finally, last but not least.

The Frozen Steel Blog Player Of The Year 2013/14 Season

I'm just going to let the quotes speak for themselves.

It's always hard to come into a new league but he seems to have taken to it like a duck to water. Crucial goals and assists always come in handy but the thing that has impressed me most about his play is his ability to stand up to bigger guys in the league, hold his own on the boards and to keep the puck stuck like glue to his stick which has created opportunities for both himself and the team plus he's a nice bloke. Surely this is enough for him to be named Steelers player of the year! (Josh McCormack)

Strong around the net, he works hard, and is prepared to pay the price to get the puck. We've relied on his goals, whilst some of the snipers have gone quiet. (Tony - Forum Mod)

He is one of the strongest puck handlers ive ever seen out of my own eyes!, his play behind the net and his awareness is brilliant. No surprise that he played in the NHL!. He has a gritty side to him that next season we will see I'm sure under Adams. He makes players around him better, he can score and he's never afraid to throw a hit. Generally a great hockey player!, he's a guy any team would have!. (Josh Britton)

Get the feeling if I'd done this after Sunday, we might have had a certain #49 grab a few more votes, but as it is, the winner is...

FSB PLAYER OF THE YEAR - #10 STEFAN MEYER

And that brings us to the end of our show.

A big thank you to all who voted, your input was hugely appreciated and valued. Same time next year folks.

I'll be back tomorrow, announcing the winner of our end of year competition.

Meanwhile, discuss our awards on the Frozen Steel Forum.