On Friday, February 17th, 2023, the AJHL announced the finalists for the 2022-23 League awards.
Pontiacs personnel up for awards this year are;
Matteo Giampa – Most Valuable Player & Forward of the Year
Nico Beaudoin – Rookie of the Year
Trey Funk – Most Dedicated Player Award
Mario Pouliot – Coach of the Year
Beaudoin has been a standout for the Pontiacs all year. Nico recently broke the Pontiacs franchise record for most goals by a rookie with 36 Goals and has only continued to impress with his work ethic, maturity, and hockey sense.
There has been no shortage of highlight-reel-worthy plays from Matteo Giampa this year, his hands are feared across the AJHL and demonstrates why he is lethal against any goalie every time he steps onto the ice. Giampa is currently ranked 22nd for most points by a Pontiac in a season. As the season winds down, Matteo is set to surpass Bobby McMann (played first NHL Game in 2022-2023) for points in a season.
Trey Funk, better known as “Captain Funk”, is the captain of the Pontiacs for the 2022-2023 Season as you could guess. With just 6 returning players to start the year, Funk has shown his leadership and dedication since day one. Funk is a key factor as to why the Pontiacs were able to create a positive environment that has allowed for a strong team focused atmosphere in the dressing room. Funk’s play on the ice is just as impressive as he battles for every puck and has put up solid numbers this season.
Mario Pouliot came in with no prep time when he was added to the roster, but made the most of it and quickly got to work. The Pontiacs came out the gate a little shaky to start the season but coach Pouliot made an immediate impact and just like that the Pontiacs started gaining momentum. While there have been struggles for the Pontiacs this year, Coach Pouliot has been at the helm while the Pontiacs adapted and conquered their struggles. From his tactics to his presence, Mario Pouliot has seemingly given the Pontiacs a fire in their belly they were previously missing.
The Pontiacs next home game is Tuesday, February 21st, 2023, against the Grand Prairie Storm. The Pontiacs will finish up their season at home on March 3rd, 2023, also against the Grand Prairie Storm.