ALASKAN import Peter Cartwright has been named the Newcastle North Stars’ most valuable player in what may be his final season of professional ice hockey.
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The 27-year-old was the major winner at the North Stars’ awards dinner last night at Club Macquarie.
After two seasons in the Australian Ice Hockey League, Cartwright will return to his home town of Anchorage after this weekend’s play-offs in Melbourne to hang up his skates and work in his family’s food distribution business.
Over the past 10 years Cartwright has played in the US, Canada and Britain in the minor leagues. His parents have flown from Alaska to watch their son’s final appearance for the North Stars.
Coach Don Champagne said he would not rule out a comeback for Cartwright.
‘‘If an offer came out of the blue from an area he’d like to go to, he’d be interested,’’ Champagne said. ‘‘A lot of these guys say, ‘I’m going home to hang up my skates’, and a month later they’re flying to play somewhere.’’
Last season Cartwright scored 78 points (36 goals and 42 assists) to finish second on the league’s points-scoring list behind teammate and childhood friend Brian Bales (81).
This year Cartwright was third in the league with 75 points (36 goals and 39 assists).
Three of Cartwright’s goals were match winners and seven came in power plays and three were short-handed.
‘‘He’s not only a goal scorer, he’s a playmaker,’’ Champagne said. ‘‘Bales is just as valuable. It’s hard to split the guys.
‘‘At the end of the day it’s about who achieved the results, and Cartwright was leading the league for a fair few months.’’
Veteran defender Rob Starke won the coach’s award for a second season in a row.
Australian representative goaltender Matt Ezzy was voted the most dedicated player after another fine season with the gloves.
‘‘Matt Ezzy is the man that can win grand finals for the North Stars,’’ Champagne said. ‘‘When he is on his game there is none better between the pipes in Australia.
‘‘Matt is equivalent to an import player in the North Stars management’s eyes.’’
Other winners were Minnesota import Scott Thauwald (best defence), rookie Tim Stanger (most improved) and Matt Price (best Australian).
