Hawksbee Named WLA Defender of the Year

by Kyle Richardson New Westminster – The Western Lacrosse Association announced Wednesday that New Westminster Salmonbellies defensive stalwart Ian Hawksbee has been named the 2009 Gord Nicholson Trophy recipient as the WLA’s defender of the year. In the absence of team captain and defensive specialist Nenad Gajic, Hawksbee played outstanding defence all season, helping the Bellies to a league leading average of just under eight goals a game. Hawksbee’s play has been steady all year, shutting down the top goal scorers on opposing teams while picking up loose balls and using his athleticism to transition the ball to the other end of the floor. Hawksbee played in 17 regular season games this year, scoring six goals and five assists for 11 points. So far in the 2009 playoffs, he has played in four games, registering one goal and five assists for six points. The Salmonbellies would like to congratulate Ian on his achievement and his fine season of play.