Morning Star Staff
Carston Schlaak has no off button when he’s playing for the Armstrong Shamrocks.
The energized two-way star took the Ernie Henderson Memorial Trophy as MVP of the Okanagan Senior Lacrosse League champions Saturday night at the Royal York Gol Club.
“Carston is a throw back to the old school lacrosse player who could play both offensive and defensively, but he also plays a key role on special teams as a shorthanded and face-off specialist,” said Rocks’ coach Ryan Nitchie.
In accepting the award, Schlaak was humble and offered no acceptance speech.
“In the five or six years that I’ve known Carston, I think he has spoken 10 words to me,” said Nitchie ”He he is a quiet guy who leads by example and comes to play every night.”
Schlaak was also named the Defensive Player of the Year.
All-star offensive player Steve McIlwrath, who led the league in scoring despite only playing in eight games after a season-ending knee injury, was awarded the Offensive Player of the Year award.
The McKinley/Medhurst trophy for Rookie of the Year went to Joel Castle, a graduate of the Junior Shamrocks program, Castle was in the top-five league scorers and played an integral role on the left side of the power play.
The Maundrell Family Trophy for Most Sportsmanlike Player award went to Craig Bigsby, whose gentle demeanor yet passionate play saw him score key goals for the Shamrocks while staying out of the penalty box and building friendly relations with competitors and officials.
Blake Frederickson won the Nelson’s Glass Most Inspirational Player award for his ability to score timely goals and play hard-nosed defence.
Playoff MVP went to Nolan Frame who pulled a hat trick in Game 1 of the finals.
The Nitchie/McGregor Trophy for Managers Choice was awarded to Steve Clark and Clayton Schlaak for their outstanding contribution.
The Coaches Choice Award went to Jamie Cockerill, whose leadership on and off the floor was recognized as well as his contribution as team president.