Lumberjacks Captain Matt Helpard was recently named as MHL Character Player of the Year. Photo: Rhonda Helpard.
Despite a season that saw the South Shore Lumberjacks miss out on the playoffs at least one of their players will be getting their hands on some silverware.
Lumberjacks Captain Matt Helpard was recognized by the league as the MHL Character Player of the Year. Unlike other awards given out by the league that recognize on-ice performances, this award recognizes players with upstanding character.
Lumberjacks General Manager Andre Lefebvre spoke about what Helpard has meant to the team:
“Matt was the perfect choice to be the Lumberjacks leader following the trade period in January. Matt’s teammates would describe him as a selfless leader, willing to put aside personal goals for the benefit of his team and teammates.”
“He has invested a ton of free time in his education in preparation for his post-secondary opportunities next year,” says Lefebvre. “Matt has left the South Shore Lumberjacks organization in a better place than he found it and we thank him for his hard work and dedication to the team.”
In addition to his character, Helpard also made contributions on the ice.
Helpard had seven assists in 39 games from the blueline for South Shore, finishing his Junior A career with fourteen assists and 125 penalty minutes in 120 games between the Lumberjacks and Amherst Ramblers.
Lefebvre said he’s unsure about plans for the awards presentation but he says failing any formal plans being made he and the team will all be celebrating Helpard’s accomplishments.
