CSSC Awards 22023
CSSC isn't used to this kind of success. The 2023 playoffs made back to back outdoor playoff championships - the bread in an indoor playoff championship sandwich three-peat. Dan's going to think that we win every year.
CSSC players had to dodge autograph hounds keen to get some high value merch for ebay and the hordes of photographers on their way up the grand staircase to the awards ceremony at Jude's mom's house. A lavish spread was prepared that largely consisted of delicious fried chicken and pizza along with a full keg courtesy of the good people at Emerge. Thanks Rick!!! Special thanks also goes to Mark Hudson who did a wonderful job of purchasing award themed beers. After the gala ball and Niall Harney's exclusive karaoke after party were all said and done, here's who walked away with the silverware.
CSSC players had to dodge autograph hounds keen to get some high value merch for ebay and the hordes of photographers on their way up the grand staircase to the awards ceremony at Jude's mom's house. A lavish spread was prepared that largely consisted of delicious fried chicken and pizza along with a full keg courtesy of the good people at Emerge. Thanks Rick!!! Special thanks also goes to Mark Hudson who did a wonderful job of purchasing award themed beers. After the gala ball and Niall Harney's exclusive karaoke after party were all said and done, here's who walked away with the silverware.
Fan of the Year
All the fans who bravely sat through the chilling damp of the playoff final deserve special mention, but there were only two serious contenders.
Runner up
Long time CSSC stalwart Bruce Sewart - for springing into action to pick up CSSC's player cards at the manager's house and return in time to avoid a default against St. James.
Winner
Galene Dimand - who not only attended many a CSSC game but opened her classy home for the windup. The fact that her day job is keeping Manitoba as Covid free as possible is also worth a mention.
All the fans who bravely sat through the chilling damp of the playoff final deserve special mention, but there were only two serious contenders.
Runner up
Long time CSSC stalwart Bruce Sewart - for springing into action to pick up CSSC's player cards at the manager's house and return in time to avoid a default against St. James.
Winner
Galene Dimand - who not only attended many a CSSC game but opened her classy home for the windup. The fact that her day job is keeping Manitoba as Covid free as possible is also worth a mention.
Gold Star Ever Present
Nothing spells success in rec soccer like full compliment of players. While some members of CSSC put the rest of their lives ahead of the team, the winner of this award was every manager's favorite trait - reliable.
Runner Up
Van Penner
He made pretty much every game at considerable sacrifice to his folk festival attending and canoeing until he wandered off to Spain late in the season to teach the youth of Seville how to say tattoo and mullet in Spanish. But he did miss the playoffs.
Winner
Devin Doerksen
Not only did Devin wrangle a couple of fantastic new recruits for CSSC this year, but he made every game but one - a remarkable achievement. Now if we could only get him to set his watch 15 minutes fast so that he wasn't wandering up to the field right at, or even a few minutes after, kickoff.
Nothing spells success in rec soccer like full compliment of players. While some members of CSSC put the rest of their lives ahead of the team, the winner of this award was every manager's favorite trait - reliable.
Runner Up
Van Penner
He made pretty much every game at considerable sacrifice to his folk festival attending and canoeing until he wandered off to Spain late in the season to teach the youth of Seville how to say tattoo and mullet in Spanish. But he did miss the playoffs.
Winner
Devin Doerksen
Not only did Devin wrangle a couple of fantastic new recruits for CSSC this year, but he made every game but one - a remarkable achievement. Now if we could only get him to set his watch 15 minutes fast so that he wasn't wandering up to the field right at, or even a few minutes after, kickoff.
Rookie of the Year/Young Gun
CSSC used to just hand this out to the youngest player on the field, but things are more competitive these days.
Runners up
In his first year playing for CSSC, Kevin Dick was denied the Young Gun award based on the fact that he had been playing men's league soccer for about 30 years and was pushing 50. This year that gross injustice was corrected with a much delayed recognition of a historical wrong.
Aaron Doerksen returned from saving the arctic just in time to lace it up for CSSC during the summer. Not only was he our youngest player but he quickly became a fan favourite because of his fearless play at the back, wholesome good looks, and 90th minute winner against Superbia.
Winner
Eltee Taiwo banged in goals for fun in his first season for CSSC, which, it turns out, are very valuable in soccer games. With Eltee in the side, you know that you've always got a shot in every game. And he made the long journey in from St. Malo to play. Next year we're taking up a collection so that Eltee can have a second family vehicle to make those early kickoffs.
CSSC used to just hand this out to the youngest player on the field, but things are more competitive these days.
Runners up
In his first year playing for CSSC, Kevin Dick was denied the Young Gun award based on the fact that he had been playing men's league soccer for about 30 years and was pushing 50. This year that gross injustice was corrected with a much delayed recognition of a historical wrong.
Aaron Doerksen returned from saving the arctic just in time to lace it up for CSSC during the summer. Not only was he our youngest player but he quickly became a fan favourite because of his fearless play at the back, wholesome good looks, and 90th minute winner against Superbia.
Winner
Eltee Taiwo banged in goals for fun in his first season for CSSC, which, it turns out, are very valuable in soccer games. With Eltee in the side, you know that you've always got a shot in every game. And he made the long journey in from St. Malo to play. Next year we're taking up a collection so that Eltee can have a second family vehicle to make those early kickoffs.
Lazarus - Comeback of the Year
This award goes to the player who most successfully returns from setbacks (injuries, weight gain, vacations) that would have forced players with less fortitude onto the permanent sidelines.
Runners Up
Jules Martens didn't really have a prolonged absence but when he dislocated his finger in the semifinal, had it popped back in, and played an absolutely tremendous game in the final with his damaged finger taped to its healthy neighbor, a legend was borne.
Bob Walden returned from ankle surgery and a nasty concussion to shore up the CSSC back line in the latter stages of the season. He would have walked away with the award pretty much every year.
Winner
Ian Hudson - Walden's comeback was impressive but it was only one comeback. No one is sure whether Hudson should be pilloried for his fragility or lauded for his bloody mindedness in coming back from each and every injury. If the people at Pure Physio don't sign him up for a personal testimony about the rehabilitation techniques, they are missing a golden opportunity.
This award goes to the player who most successfully returns from setbacks (injuries, weight gain, vacations) that would have forced players with less fortitude onto the permanent sidelines.
Runners Up
Jules Martens didn't really have a prolonged absence but when he dislocated his finger in the semifinal, had it popped back in, and played an absolutely tremendous game in the final with his damaged finger taped to its healthy neighbor, a legend was borne.
Bob Walden returned from ankle surgery and a nasty concussion to shore up the CSSC back line in the latter stages of the season. He would have walked away with the award pretty much every year.
Winner
Ian Hudson - Walden's comeback was impressive but it was only one comeback. No one is sure whether Hudson should be pilloried for his fragility or lauded for his bloody mindedness in coming back from each and every injury. If the people at Pure Physio don't sign him up for a personal testimony about the rehabilitation techniques, they are missing a golden opportunity.
Swiss Army Knife - Most Versatile Player
In a team where a great number of players either completely refuse, or are completely incapable, of playing more than two positions, a player that can transform from a square to a round peg is highly valued.
Runners up
Bob Walden gets a much appreciated mention after going in goal when Jules was forced out in both the semi and final, but he only had to put in about 5 minutes each time. Ian Hudson also gets a mention, but his performance in goal against Thunder was one people are keen to forget.
Winner
Stef Hodges
He started off the season as a wide midfielder, was frequently shifted to the middle due to his fantastic conditioning, put in a lock down stint at right back in the semi final, and even limped out a hamstring hampered performance at striker for 15 minutes against Azzurri when we had no subs. Stef of all trades and master of them all!
In a team where a great number of players either completely refuse, or are completely incapable, of playing more than two positions, a player that can transform from a square to a round peg is highly valued.
Runners up
Bob Walden gets a much appreciated mention after going in goal when Jules was forced out in both the semi and final, but he only had to put in about 5 minutes each time. Ian Hudson also gets a mention, but his performance in goal against Thunder was one people are keen to forget.
Winner
Stef Hodges
He started off the season as a wide midfielder, was frequently shifted to the middle due to his fantastic conditioning, put in a lock down stint at right back in the semi final, and even limped out a hamstring hampered performance at striker for 15 minutes against Azzurri when we had no subs. Stef of all trades and master of them all!
Frederick Taylor's Award for Efficiency
Taylor may have been famous for ripping control of the factory from the workers' hands but he really did increase productivity. This award is for the player that made the most impact in the least time. It's both a recognition of accomplishment and a plea for more frequent attendance.
Runners up
Mark Hudson's contribution to CSSC was epitomized by his performance in the final. He played a first half at wing back that Linvoy Primus would have been proud of (you shouldn't even need to look this up) and then left at the half to take in a Dan Mangan concert - which was apparently quite good.
Winner
Dan MacIntyre Ridd - it can't be a coincidence that when Dan plays the team wins. He spends most of the summer saving the planet by reforesting BC only to return in early August to give CSSC a late season boost into the playoffs. So far Dan's playoff record: 3 playoffs. 3 championships. True to his award, Dan bolted for a show at the Goodwill right after receiving his prize beer.
Taylor may have been famous for ripping control of the factory from the workers' hands but he really did increase productivity. This award is for the player that made the most impact in the least time. It's both a recognition of accomplishment and a plea for more frequent attendance.
Runners up
Mark Hudson's contribution to CSSC was epitomized by his performance in the final. He played a first half at wing back that Linvoy Primus would have been proud of (you shouldn't even need to look this up) and then left at the half to take in a Dan Mangan concert - which was apparently quite good.
Winner
Dan MacIntyre Ridd - it can't be a coincidence that when Dan plays the team wins. He spends most of the summer saving the planet by reforesting BC only to return in early August to give CSSC a late season boost into the playoffs. So far Dan's playoff record: 3 playoffs. 3 championships. True to his award, Dan bolted for a show at the Goodwill right after receiving his prize beer.
Andrew Woolford Award - Defender of the Year
Long time stay at home defender Andrew Woolford is not even close to retirement and did feel the glory of a goal this year, but he nonetheless lobbied successfully for a specific prize for the often overlooked, but super crucial, efforts to keep the ball out of CSSC's net.
Runners Up
Sean Brown is ageless in his role as deep lying centre back and conservative commander of the back line. However, his red card tally is starting to add up, although it has to be admitted the latest one was a dive.
Co Winners
Tyler Johnson and Phil Amorim have different styles but are both remarkably effective in keeping forwards away from the CSSC goal. Tyler is all speed and action. He also memorably jinked his way around the entire Purple Cobra side to set up a goal in the semi final. Phil is more sly and calculating, reading the play and breaking up attacks with excellent positioning and turning defense into attack with intelligent passing.
Long time stay at home defender Andrew Woolford is not even close to retirement and did feel the glory of a goal this year, but he nonetheless lobbied successfully for a specific prize for the often overlooked, but super crucial, efforts to keep the ball out of CSSC's net.
Runners Up
Sean Brown is ageless in his role as deep lying centre back and conservative commander of the back line. However, his red card tally is starting to add up, although it has to be admitted the latest one was a dive.
Co Winners
Tyler Johnson and Phil Amorim have different styles but are both remarkably effective in keeping forwards away from the CSSC goal. Tyler is all speed and action. He also memorably jinked his way around the entire Purple Cobra side to set up a goal in the semi final. Phil is more sly and calculating, reading the play and breaking up attacks with excellent positioning and turning defense into attack with intelligent passing.
N'Golo Kante - Hardest Worker
Before Chelsea stuck him out wide for some reason, Kante was the most ground covering, ball winning midfield ever.
Runner Up
Zach Chioua is not the most obvious choice for this award because most people focus on his on the ball trickery. What casual observers may not pick up however, is that his off the ball play is phenomenal, whether its tracking back or his movement to get open and create space.
Winner
Matt Loxley - Because of his commitment to high level General Strike frizbee, Matt Loxley could probably have made a claim for the Taylor award. However, the upside of his frizbee obsession is that he is in unbeatable condition, allowing him to cover the whole field for 90 minutes when lesser 5th division players would have been passed out gasping for breath.
Before Chelsea stuck him out wide for some reason, Kante was the most ground covering, ball winning midfield ever.
Runner Up
Zach Chioua is not the most obvious choice for this award because most people focus on his on the ball trickery. What casual observers may not pick up however, is that his off the ball play is phenomenal, whether its tracking back or his movement to get open and create space.
Winner
Matt Loxley - Because of his commitment to high level General Strike frizbee, Matt Loxley could probably have made a claim for the Taylor award. However, the upside of his frizbee obsession is that he is in unbeatable condition, allowing him to cover the whole field for 90 minutes when lesser 5th division players would have been passed out gasping for breath.
Roy Keane - Hard Man
Roy Keane may not have always stayed on the side of angels but he didn't shy away from too many tackles. Every team needs someone that opposing players hate to play against, and are, maybe, even a little scared of.
Runners Up
Kamal Chioua - if this award were for the sheer frequency of fouls, Kamal would have walked the award. Few defenders relish coming up against CSSC's big man, who knows how to use that size.
Jules Martens - when he's not being tough as nails by playing through injury Jules is terrifying opposing forwards. Never has the CSSC box felt so protected.
Winner - Erwan must be hell to play against. His opta stats "battle won" was 95% and probably understated his ability to win a challenge. His hard man reputation is only reinforced by his penchant for a post match smoke. Opposing players would have been surprised to learn that this midfield battler is sweet as pie off the field.
Roy Keane may not have always stayed on the side of angels but he didn't shy away from too many tackles. Every team needs someone that opposing players hate to play against, and are, maybe, even a little scared of.
Runners Up
Kamal Chioua - if this award were for the sheer frequency of fouls, Kamal would have walked the award. Few defenders relish coming up against CSSC's big man, who knows how to use that size.
Jules Martens - when he's not being tough as nails by playing through injury Jules is terrifying opposing forwards. Never has the CSSC box felt so protected.
Winner - Erwan must be hell to play against. His opta stats "battle won" was 95% and probably understated his ability to win a challenge. His hard man reputation is only reinforced by his penchant for a post match smoke. Opposing players would have been surprised to learn that this midfield battler is sweet as pie off the field.
Mr CSSC
One of the most coveted awards, for dedication to the team, post match beers, and changing the world for the better.
Runner Up
Andrew Woolford - Not only is he a massively dedicated, full blooded defender, Woolford is also helping to correct the wrongs of residential schools. And if he's ever missed a post match beer, no one can remember it. The only mark against Woolford as an outright winner was his brief flirtation with dry January.
Winner
Niall Harney - Niall has developed into a rock solid wide midfielder, who has a cold eye for an important goal. He also managed to run the car pool that got the entire Wolsley contingent to games, and is a dedicated post match bar attender. In his off the field life, Niall is the Errol Black Chair in Labour Issues at the local CCPA office where he spends his time advocating for the working class - who, frankly, could use a boost these days.
One of the most coveted awards, for dedication to the team, post match beers, and changing the world for the better.
Runner Up
Andrew Woolford - Not only is he a massively dedicated, full blooded defender, Woolford is also helping to correct the wrongs of residential schools. And if he's ever missed a post match beer, no one can remember it. The only mark against Woolford as an outright winner was his brief flirtation with dry January.
Winner
Niall Harney - Niall has developed into a rock solid wide midfielder, who has a cold eye for an important goal. He also managed to run the car pool that got the entire Wolsley contingent to games, and is a dedicated post match bar attender. In his off the field life, Niall is the Errol Black Chair in Labour Issues at the local CCPA office where he spends his time advocating for the working class - who, frankly, could use a boost these days.
MVP
Self explanatory really.
Runners Up
Bryce Trupp - As if scoring the winning goal in the playoff final wasn't enough, Bryce chipped in with big goals all year. Now if only his job on the railway permitted him to make all the games.
Eltee Taiwo - The rookie of the year combined an eye for goal with uncanny ball winning skills and a creative pass. If only he hadn't wandered off to the Maritimes for all of July.
Winner
Jude Dimond Bauer
Whether bossing the game from center midfield or banging in goals from the front, Jude pretty much put the team on his back all season. And he hosted both the wind up and a tremendous margarita stop at the legendary Wolsley crawl at which no one died. In honour of Jude's big win, at the next CSSC pub night we're all going to choke down rum and cokes.
Self explanatory really.
Runners Up
Bryce Trupp - As if scoring the winning goal in the playoff final wasn't enough, Bryce chipped in with big goals all year. Now if only his job on the railway permitted him to make all the games.
Eltee Taiwo - The rookie of the year combined an eye for goal with uncanny ball winning skills and a creative pass. If only he hadn't wandered off to the Maritimes for all of July.
Winner
Jude Dimond Bauer
Whether bossing the game from center midfield or banging in goals from the front, Jude pretty much put the team on his back all season. And he hosted both the wind up and a tremendous margarita stop at the legendary Wolsley crawl at which no one died. In honour of Jude's big win, at the next CSSC pub night we're all going to choke down rum and cokes.