SHAUN Thompson bagged three trophies when Bracknell Bees held their annual presentation evening, writes Dave Wright.

The 30-year-old was clearly popular with the supporters, being voted the player of the year, the best forward and the club’s best British player.

He was “extremely pleased”, saying: “It is always great to be recognised for the work you do.”

Thompson added: “It was a tough season for the team and myself personally with my injury, so to overcome that and be recognised by the fans means a lot to me.”

The Bees’ No. 13, who scored 22 goals and had 30 assists in 26 NIHL Division One South appearances, revealed he was particularly pleased to be named the player of the year, but “I feel any award a player can get at the end of the season is a huge achievement.”

He continued: “I would like to congratulate the other award winners on the night and Josh Martin deserves a special mention as he got two well-deserved awards.”

The 22-year-old Martin secured the trophies voted for by the players and the coaches.

Danny Ingoldsby was named Bees’ most improved player, while the defenceman of the year prize went to Jan Bendik.

Slovakian Bendik missed the event as he has returned home and teammate Harvey Stead collected the trophy on his behalf.

All the awards were handed out at a well-attended presentation evening held at the Blues Smokehouse in Bracknell on Tuesday of last week.

The Bees’ ambassador of the year award went to supporters club member Katrina Clark, while the Keith Robinson Unsung Hero Award was presented to Jason Notaro in recognition of his assistance on match nights.

“Jason is not on our committee, but is always around to help out, a very helpful volunteer,” said vice-chairman Ashley Willitt, who assisted supporters club chairman Richard Dobney and treasurer Flo Hopper with the presentations.

  • THERE was disappointment for Bracknell Hornets in the NIHL Division Two play-offs.

They lost 2-1 to Guildford Phoenix in their play-off quarter-final at the Hive, the tie being decided in just one leg as their opponents were unable to play at home due to their rink being unavailable.

Carl Graham put Hornets ahead in the 33rd minute with Phoenix equalising after 44 minutes and then grabbing the winner with just 15 seconds left.

So there will be no home representation when the John Nike Leisure Complex hosts the play-off semi-finals this Saturday.

Oxford City Stars will face Chelmsford Chieftans at 3.15pm, followed at 6.45pm by Solent Devils versus Guildford.

The final is at the Hive on Sunday with a 5.45pm face-off.

Hornets finished third in the league after losing their final game of the season, 7-4 to visitors Bristol Pitbulls.

This left them with 43 points, three fewer than table-topping Oxford City and two behind second-placed Solent.