NETMINDER Alex Mettam was crowned Bracknell Bees Supporters Club player of the year at the annual awards event on Tuesday of last week.

He produced a string of outstanding performances during a difficult season for The Hive-based club, which ended with them finishing bottom of the English Premier Ice Hockey League.

Talented young forward Vanya Antonov – a member of the GB Under-20s team – was named as best forward, while Czech import Jan Bendik was chosen as the leading defenceman.

Josh Tetlow was picked as the most improved player, and the Colin White Memorial Trophy for the best British player went to defenceman Lewis Turner.

The team also awarded their Players’ Player award to netminder Mettam for a stellar season in tough circumstances.

Lukas Smital went on to award his coach’s player award to the entire Bracknell Bees squad for their fantastic dedication, commitment and efforts throughout adversity during the season, something Smital made a point of highlighting in his speech.

The Supporters Club also unanimously awarded their unsung hero award to the whole squad rather than an individual player for the same reasons as Smital.

A GROUP of volunteers has stepped forward to form a new fans committee looking to take the club forward into the 2016/17 EPIHL season.

An initial meeting attracted more than 20 people last Thursday with the aim of helping the club thrive next season.