Matt Noble capped off his five-year career with the Orangeville Junior B Northmen by winning the Pat Coyle Award at the team’s year-end awards night on Saturday.
Noble, a defensive specialist, admitted to being surprised at winning the Coyle Award as Northmen of the Year.
“I didn’t see it coming,” Noble said. “It’s one of those awards you always think someone else should get, because you’re always thinking more of your teammates. As thankful as I am, you always wish someone else could get it. There are 20 guys on that floor that worked hard every day. It’s tough now that it’s over, but it was a good five years.”
It was an easy choice to pick the top Northmen this year, according to coach Blaine Burman.
“In my mind there wasn’t really any discussion about who was going to get that award. He’s a kid who has dedicated five years to the [junior] Northmen and he definitely deserves that.
“He’s been a great asset to have around. I coached him in his first year of midget and had him back for his junior career. He’s been a great asset, a lot of fun to have around. He’s positive, dedicated, and displays what a Northmen should be. He plays through it when he’s hurt and is just a great kid.”
Burman pointed to his assistant captain’s leadership skills on and off the floor, and his passion for the game as what made him so valuable to the team.
“Matty plays a real quiet back door game,” Burman said....