ROMAN Malinik has been rewarded for the most productive season of his career by being voted Bracknell Bees' player of the year.

The 29-year-old Czech netted 23 goals in 37 appearances and along with 30 assists, his total points of 53 was the highest since he started out with Vitkovice Under 18s in 2004.

Malinik joined the rest of the Bees at the supporters' club awards evening held at the Blue's Smokehouse restaurant in the town centre last Wednesday.

Fellow forward Zach Milton, who celebrates his 18th birthday next month, went home with Bees' most improved player of the campaign, while Canadian Tyler Vankleef, who scored 17 goals in as many appearances after joining Bees in December picked up the forward-of-the-year award with Harvey Stead earning the defenceman prize.

Shaun Thompson was voted the club's best British player, the coaches' player trophy went to Aiden Doughty with Stuart Mogg securing the players' player accolade.

During the presentation evening, special awards went to 'unsung heroes' Christine McCarthy and Paul Clark.

Most of the awards were handed out by Supporters Club chairman Ashley Willitt.

He said: "This season took perhaps the most professional outlook the supporters club has ever had. This could not have been achieved without all the hard work from the supporters club committee and volunteers.

"But we would also not have had such a stunning range of merchandise or close links with the club, sponsors and supporters without the tireless work of Chrissie McCarthy. She pretty much gave up any kind of social life in order to make everything work and we would not have been able to achieve half as much as we did without her."

There was also an award for the club's 'ambassador of the year' and this went to those who helped run the schools zone which saw many youngsters attending a number of matches at the John Nike Way rink.