Sarnia Jr B Pacers
Annual Awards Banquet
July 2, 2009
By DAVE BORODY
Back row, L to R: Kyle Ferguson (Rookie of Year), Pete Davies (High Achievement in Lacrosse), Joe Allison (Most Improved)
Front row, L to R: Chris Theoret (Unsung Hero & Most Dedicated), Josh Yurchuk (Heart/Hustle/Desire)
Lance Ross (Best Defensive Player & MVP for season)
Riley Thompson (Most Sportsmanlike & Leading Scorer)
The Sarnia In-Motion Pacers Junior B Lacrosse Club officially concluded the 2009 season with their annual awards banquet, Thursday night at Huron Oaks Golf Club.
Three players captured two trophies each, led by Lance Ross who was named the team's most valuable player and also was the best defensive player.
Captain Chris Theoret, who is graduating from the team, was named the most dedicated player and also the unsung hero. Riley Thompson was the team's leading scorer and also was the most sportsmanlike player.
Other player awards went to Kyle Ferguson for rookie of the year, Josh Yurchuk the heart, hustle and desire award and Joe Allison the most improved player.
A special award presented to someone within the Pacers organization for high achievement in the sport of lacrosse went to goaltending coach Peter Davey. He began his career as a player in the team's first year of operation when they were known as the Point Edward Easy Movers. He has since served as both an assistant coach and head over the years. Davey won three Founder's Cups as a player and coach with the Pacers.
Five members of the team who are graduating this year received watches. They included Theoret, Mike Giroux, Adam Cobb, Jamie Surman and Bobby Smith.
The Pacers finished with a 5-14-1 record in the Ontario Lacrosse Association junior B League and failed to qualify for the playoffs.
The team will be looking for a new head coach as Sarniasports.com first broke the story three weeks ago that John Dark would be stepping down after three years at the helm. Dark said he enjoyed his time behind the Pacers bench, but felt it was time to move on.
"I think we've made great strides over the past three years and we are not a last place team. I really believe we do have the talent to compete. The only thing that is holding us back is consistency. I remember my first year. It wasn't pretty as we had only 11 players., But things improved and it was all about effort, heart and desire. I hope next year you make me look like a jerk by winning 15 games and making the playoffs. That would make me happy."
Dark had a few words for the graduating players.
"Stay in lacrosse, whether it's playing somewhere or helping out in minor. The minor system always needs people to help out in one form or another."
Dark added, "I've played in five different organizations over the years and to me there's no place like home. I have seen the work and sacrifice our volunteers have done to make this organization what it is today. There are lots of junior teams in Ontario who would love to have the fund-raising and other things this group does. All that is left is to show that on the floor for the fans."
Pacers president Brian Matthews said Dark will be missed.
"His efforts are so much appreciated. He didn't start off with much in his first year with only 11 committed players, but things got better after that. Our hope this year was to make the playoffs this year. Unfortunately we had a young team and that didn't happen. It's just so hard to put into words what a wonderful contribution Dark has made to this team."
Matthews said the team is now beginning the search for a new head coach.
"Our general manager Ken Barrett has already put out some feelers. We will be advertising and find the best qualified person for the job. I want to have a head coach in place by Nov. 1."
Matthews added, "I'm not sure what the status of our assistant coaches. That will be left up to the new head coach."
Current assistants include Pete Davey, Drew Davey, Tom Quinn, Chris Davey and Jess Thompson.
One person who is definitively returning is manager Ken Barrett.
"This was my first year as a general manager and I learned a lot and how much work it takes to run a junior B team. I also learned how much work the coaching staff put in. I did have a blast and look forward to the future. I'm in this for the long haul. I truly believe we will have success in the future and I'm proud to be part of this organization."
