Our next award is named after a great hockey player but an even better person. The award named in honor of our first Captain, Colin Bilek, is fittingly bestowed upon the player from the NA3 and NA Generals that exhibits exemplary character on and off the ice.
Colin Bilek came to the Generals in our first year as a NAHL franchise. Even though he was younger than many players it was apparent from day 1 that he would be named the first Captain in program history. His work ethic on the ice and off the ice was unmatched. His desire to be great was (and continues to be) nothing short of amazing. And he did all of this while being an extraordinary human being.
In his 2 years wearing a Generals uniform Colin left his mark all over the program. In 117 games Colin ranks as the following: 2nd All Time in Goals (36), 2nd All Time in Points (90), 2nd All Time in Assists (54), 5th All Time in Games Played (117), 3rd Most Points in a Season (50) and many more top 5 rankings.
“Colin is the true definition of a Captain. Our first year was rough as a program. And he kept the team together. I have never seen a player will things to happen the way Colin has. He just refuses to be beat in anything. He plays hockey and lives life the way every player should. Everything is done at 100% at all times. He is very intense but also has a great sense of humor. We had games where he would have 10 blocked shots. He just brings an incredible intensity to everything he does. There is absolutely no quit in him. He has such a special place for me because of that effort and attitude. Just an amazing young man that is a great example to all past and future Generals on how far hard work can get you.” Said Bryan Erikson.
The NA3HL Colin Bilek Award winner is Sean Gorman. Sean joined the Generals from Genesis Hockey in PA. He made an immediate impact with his work ethic. As a 2003 Sean was the youngest player on the team but played much older. He brought a mature work ethic and game to the Generals. He led the entire NA3HL with 4 Short Handed goals, chipped in 3 GWG and also put up 26 points in his rookie year!
“Sean is an amazing young man. It is hard league to just come into right away and have success. But Sean did that. And he did it by outworking everyone. And he did that in games, practice, in the gym, you name it. He made it impossible for Darryl to keep out of the lineup because he just brought an energy to the team. He blocked shots, killed penalties, hit everything and played exactly the way in which Darryl wants his guys to play. It was great to see his progress this year and I look forward to him having another big year and hopefully progressing to the NA at some point in the next 12 months.” Said Bryan Erikson.
The NAHL Colin Bilek Award winner is Jonathan Young. Jonathan came to the Generals in the 2019-2020 season and made an immediate impact with 12 points in 19 games. But it was his development as a player that earned him this award. He worked extremely hard to round out his game and turn into a 200 foot player. And that showed in 2020-21 as Young led the Generals in scoring with 42 points but was also a beast on the PK and in the D zone.
“Jonathan transformed his game. He had a reputation as a great offensive player that didn’t use his size or length at all times. But Johnathan shattered that stigma and became just a terror on the ice. He became a monster on the forecheck, a great PK guy, a great D zone guy and just a great all around player. And he did it all with a smile. Just a great kid that would never be outworked during any shift. We are so proud of the person Jonathan is and are excited to see what his future holds.” Said Head Coach Bryan Erikson.