Uxbridge Bruins celebrate award winners while looking ahead to next season

DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard

A season filled with success, growth and memorable moments was celebrated recently, as the Uxbridge Bruins gathered for their annual awards banquet at the Uxbridge Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion.

The evening provided an opportunity to recognize individual achievements, while also marking the end of an era, for several key members of the organization.

Among those saying goodbye was Bruins president, Jay Simmonds, who announced he is stepping away, after six years leading the club, to become the new general manager of the Aurora Tigers, of the Tier 2 Junior ‘A’ Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL).

Reflecting on his final season with the Bruins, Simmonds told those in attendance, “What a wonderful year it was.” The Bruins finished with a franchise record for wins and points in a regular season, en route to the club’s eighth Cougar Cup Orr Division championship, before being knocked out of the playoffs in the provincial quarterfinals, at the hands of the Frankford Huskies.

His departure closes a chapter which stretches back more than a decade, including his years patrolling the blue line as a Bruins defenceman, before moving into management.

The banquet also served as a farewell for captain Tanner Ryan and fellow overage players Benson Moore, Colin Glecoff, Isaac Mengers and Jack Kemp, all of whom played important roles during the club’s successful campaign.

One of the biggest honours of the evening went to hometown goaltender Robbie DiMaria, who was named the Bruins’ Most Valuable Player. DiMaria posted an impressive 19-4 record, while allowing just 31 goals throughout the season.

“It means a lot to receive this award from an organization which has meant so much to me growing up in Uxbridge,” said DiMaria. “Individual awards are nice, but this was really a team accomplishment. We had a special group of players this season, and I’m proud of what we achieved together. Everyone here knows now that there’s another level and we’re all committed to getting there because this town deserves a championship.”

Jordan Fitger received the Roy Cordingley Memorial Trophy, awarded annually to the player who best exemplifies sportsmanship and respect. Cameron Meek was recognized as the club’s Most Improved Player, while Jack Kemp earned the Coaches’ Award. The entire team was selected to receive the Media Award.

Isaac Mengers captured the Ivan Cox Memorial Award as the Bruins’ Defensive Player of the Year, and Jordan Bonner was presented with the Bob and Dorothy Pollard Trophy, also known as the Bruins Pride Award.

Head coach Dan West praised the dedication of his players throughout the campaign and confirmed he will return to the bench next season.

“This group set a high standard for what it means to be a Uxbridge Bruin,” said Mr. West. “The veterans provided tremendous leadership, and the younger players gained valuable experience. We’re proud of what we accomplished, but we also know there’s another level we can reach.”

General manager Trevor Cox echoed that sentiment while looking ahead to next season.

“When you come back next year, we have unfinished business,” Mr. Cox told the players.

Following the banquet, Mr. Cox said, the organization is excited about the future, despite the departure of several veteran leaders.

“You never replace players, like our overage crew from this past season, overnight,” said Mr. Cox. “They helped build the culture we have today. We have a strong core returning, and our expectation remains the same, and that’s to compete for a championship. This group showed what it's capable of, and we're going to continue to build on that.”

While the evening featured plenty of celebration and reflection, the message from the Bruins was clear: the accomplishments of the past season are something to be proud of, yet the organization is already focused on taking the next step when the puck drops again this autumn.