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.
In his final season with the Generals Colin decided to continue his hockey career at Army. In his freshman year at West Point Colin had 17 points in 38 games. He followed up a spectacular freshman season with 20 points in his sophomore season. Not only has he been a leader in offense for West Point but he was just named Assistant Captain for his Junior season.
“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 a 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.
This years NA3HL Generals winner of the Colin Bilek Award for Exemplary Character goes to Nick Wracker. Nick a 2001 Forward just completed his first season with the Generals. In 47 games played Nick had 21 goals and 22 assists for 43 points. But his impact went far beyond the rink. He was always the first one to help with anything around the rink. He outworked everyone. And because of that he put himself in a position to play more and more. He also won the Community Service Award for the Coastal Division.
The NAHL Generals winner is Dylan Schuett. Dylan in his 2nd season with the Generals had the unenviable task of taking over as Captain after a late season trade. Not only did he keep the team together but he helped propel the Generals to some of their best hockey after the move. Already named Captain for the 2020-21 season Dylan will join Bilek as the only 2 time Captain for the Generals. Dylan had an amazing impact on the ice with 29 points in 48 games but his biggest impact was made in the community. Dylan was the first volunteer for all of the Community Service the Generals did this year. He went to the schools constantly to read, he played floor hockey with them after school, he went to the Veterans of Foreign Wars for dinner and countless other events that led to the Generals being presented with an award for our Service by the Mayor of Attleboro.
“Both Nick and Dylan are incredibly deserving of this award. They both fully embody the spirit of Colin on the ice, in the gym and in the community. They are amazing young men that have helped set the standard in which all Generals players will continue to be measured.” Said Bryan Erikson.