2024 BMLA End of Year Awards

News Article

Dec 09, 2024 | Adam Kennedy | 1273 views

The BMLA held their Annual General Meeting October 27 at Sotiris Restaurant in Burlington. The meeting was a celebration of the year's accomplishments and we were proud to annouce our yearly award winners

PATRICK MCCARTHY MEMORIAL AWARD
This award is named after Pat McCarthy who was a coach for the Burlington Minor Lacrosse Association. This award was first established in 1996 and is presented annually to a graduating player (boys rep box U17, boys rep field U17, girls rep box U22, girls rep field U19) who has given back his/her time and commitment to the organization.

Male Award Winner: Nolan Kennedy

Female Award Winner: Sophie Richards

SHANNON-MIOTTO GIRLS LACROSSE COACHES AWARD
This award is named in honour of two dedicated volunteers who supported girls lacrosse in many roles over the years including being a part of the board, organizing house league, and being on the bench. Kary Shannon and Debbie Miotto championed the sport and encouraged others to build a life-long love of the sport. This award was established in 2017 and presented annually to a Coach or Coaches involved in Girls Lacrosse who shows a dedication to the development of players and respect for all those involved in the game.

Award Winner: Sian Evans, Coach with U13 Girls Rep Box and U13 Girls Rep Field teams.

JORDAN MOXAM SPIRIT AWARD
This award is named after a young boy who played lacrosse in the Burlington Minor Lacrosse system. Tragically he passed away of cancer May 2, 2004. This award was first established in 2004 and is presented annually to a U13 male and/or female player who has played both box and field, and who shows an exceptional desire to play – a love of the game.

Male Award Winner: Jakob Anger
"Jakob is a passionate lacrosse player who shows up to the rink and field with a great attitude and a passion for the sport. He was a great teammate this season!"

Female Award Winner: Claire Dinelle
"Claire is a great teammate both on and off the floor/field. Her passion and love for the game are on display every game and practice!"

REP COACH OF THE YEAR AWARD
Awarded annually to the Rep Coach who exhibits not only outstanding lacrosse acumen but the understanding that growing the players and the team has lasting benefits beyond the scoresheet and season. The recipient has also represented the players, families, Association and the City of Burlington in a positive, respectful manner to all they interact with over the course of the season.

Award Winner: Shawn Cardy, U15-1 Boys Rep Box and U15-1 Boys Rep Field
“Shawn has coached this age group since they were young and has built a team of BURLINGTON lacrosse players into the dominant team in Ontario. The U15 team won A championships in both field and box lacrosse, the most difficult thing to do in minor lacrosse. Shawn’s teams consistently take very few penalties and play the game the “right way”. Equally importantly Shawn (and staff) have created a team culture that is unrivaled in minor sports. Our best players need to work the hardest in practice, they need to pick up loose balls, they need to go to dirty spots on the floor. Loose balls get as appreciated as goals. I have consistently seen kids and new parents blossom into bigger lacrosse fans in this system/culture. Shawn’s teams have no room for selfish players.. but lots of room for kids willing to work hard, play a role, and build skills.”

HOUSE LEAGUE COACH OF THE YEAR AWARD
Awarded annually to the House League Coach who exhibits not only a deep passion for the game but the understanding that growing the players and the team has lasting benefits beyond the scoresheet and season. The recipient has also represented the players, families, Association and the City of Burlington in a positive, respectful manner to all they interact with over the course of the season.

Award Winners: Bryan Johnson (U7 and Girls Only) & Kyle Buchanan (Peanut and Girls Only)
“They were absolutely incredible with the girls house league. Always organized, extremely professional, kept the practices engaging and fun for the girls and not only developed a wide array of skills with them but most importantly instilled a love of the game. It was my daughter's first year playing and she not only learned a great deal but she came home excited to go back each week which was wonderful to see.”

GEOFF ELMER “LOVE OF THE GAME” AWARD
This award is named after one of the dedicated volunteers within the Burlington Minor Lacrosse Association. Geoff was a driving force in the development of girls field lacrosse. This award was first established in 2005 and is presented annually to a person volunteering their time and energy to promote and develop girl’s lacrosse.

Award Winner: Atanas Tchorbadjiysky, Director of Girls Field Lacrosse
“His time and effort not only in recruiting for and managing the girls field programs but also for the time he puts into coaching and putting the extra effort in following practices with the players that have questions or want to put some extra shooting time in. Atanas also takes time to come out and help whenever he can.”

“He has worked tirelessly to grow the girls program over the past several years.”

REFEREE OF THE YEAR AWARD

Award Winner: Nolan Kennedy

ROOKIE COACH OF THE YEAR AWARD

Award Winner: Ron Staley, U17 Girls Rep Box
“Took a small-roster team all the way to the Provincial finals!”

JOHN DACK MEMORIAL AWARD
This award is presented to the volunteer who contributes most to the game of lacrosse in Burlington.

Award Winner: Chris Kluczynski, Director of House League

PRESIDENT'S AWARD
This award is presented annually to a volunteer of the BMLA who shows initiative, leadership, commitment to the Association by going beyond the duties assigned to them at the beginning of the season.

Award Winner: Courtney Smith, Registrar and Privacy Officer
“As registrar, she does a lot for the organization. Two years in a row, when I needed her to help me get player cards in my hand she was able to reply and get the help I needed. She has done a lot for the association and I feel deserves this acknowledgement”

“Handles 100% of all player and coaching registrations. That is no small feat given we have over 1500 different registrations per year. She also helps at many BMLA events, whether her kids are involved or not, and has done this for several years.”

The BMLA was also proud to recognize members that received recognition form the greater lacrosse community.