41st annual awards presentation held in London; Lee Morton (Old Georgians) and Sophie Hamilton (Surbiton) win prestigious players awards…
By Rod Gilmour
The old and new in hockey media were recognised as the Hockey Writers’ Club (HWC) entered a new era at its 41st annual awards presentation on Friday.
After a lengthy tenure at the Royal Thames Yacht Club, the HWC awards moved to the Union Jack Club, London, this year.
The prestigious men’s and women’s senior players of the year awards went to Lee Morton, of Old Georgians, and Surbiton’s Sophie Hamilton.
Both GB players had recently returned from playing franchise hockey in the Hockey India League.
Meanwhile, Nick Irvine was recognised for his 40 years in the sport with the Graham Wilson Award for Services to Media, named in memory of late Daily Express hockey journalist Graham Wilson.
Irvine took up the microphone when local TV in the south west were looking for a commentator for a domestic match after Team GB came back triumphant from the 1988 Seoul Olympics and the sport’s profile increased.
He hasn’t looked back and still commentates at major events to this day.
For the first time this year, a Digital and Social Media Award was also presented for the first time.
Josh Pinard, a graphic designer, won the inaugural prize after demonstrating creativity and dedication in promoting field hockey through the Hockey Focus Instagram account.
Simon Parker, of SP Action Images, won the photographer of the year award.
The HWC guest speaker this year was GB Olympian Calum Giles.
For more information on the awards or joining the HWC, click here.
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