Andrew Hotham Leads Devils Nominations For Elite League Awards

Cardiff Devils have players nominated in all six categories for the 2016-17 individual Elite League awards.

Andrew Hotham is nominated in two categories, while Joey Martin, Ben Bowns, Mark Richardson and Andrew Lord are all named among the finalists.

Devils won the League title for the first time in 20 years and now take on Dundee Stars in the end-of-season play-off semi-finals at the National Ice Centre, Nottingham on Saturday (1pm).

The second semi-final features Sheffield Steelers and Belfast Giants (5pm).

Devils are on course to complete a Grand Slam of all trophies available with only three matches – two semi-finals and Sunday’s final (4pm) – left to play this season.

Player-coach Lord again has a tough decision and a difficult pre-match meeting when he talks one imports he won’t be playing in the semi-final.

Devils have one extra import player than they are able to play in any one game and Lord will aim to select the team he feels best able to deal with the Dundee challenge.

The six-man defensive unit are certain to play with brothers Scott and Andrew Hotham joined by Gleason Fournier, Mark Richardson, Mark Louis and Josh Batch on the blue line.

The Hotham brothers have enjoyed their first season together and Scott says: “It’s been an unbelievable season.

“Yes, it’s been a grind to reach this point because there is not much leeway in terms of the league title. Sheffield Steelers and Belfast Giants don’t lose many.

“But it’s been great playing alongside Andrew. We played together at school, but not at professional level. To do it for Cardiff Devils this season and achieve success beyond what we might have expected has been extra special.”

Award nominations (results to be announced during the finals weekend):

Forward of the year: Joey Martin (Cardiff Devils), Vinny Scarsella (Dundee Stars), Mathieu Roy (Sheffield Steelers).

Defenceman of the year: Andrew Hotham (Cardiff Devils), Jim Vandermeer (Belfast Giants). Derrick Walser (Belfast Giants).

Goaltender of the year: Ben Bowns (Cardiff Devils), Shane Owen (Fife Flyers), Ervins Mustukovs (Sheffield Steelers).

British player of the year: Colin Shields (Belfast Giants), Mark Richardson (Cardiff Devils), Ben O’Connor (Sheffield Steelers).

Coach of the year: Andrew Lord (Cardiff Devils), Derrick Walser (Belfast Giants), Paul Thompson (Sheffield Steelers).

Player of the year: Andrew Hotham (Cardiff Devils), Vinny Scarsella (Dundee Stars), Mathieu Roy (Sheffield Steelers).