Charlie Hammerton and Luke Smith were voted the club’s outstanding young players of the 2011-12 campaign at the end of season presentation evening.

The Supporter’s Young Player of the Season and Player’s Player of the Season awards were collected by Hammerton and Smith respectively.

Charlie Hammerton earned the Supporters' Young Player of the Year award for his robust efforts on the Barons wings.

Reflecting on being chosen as the supporter’s number one, Hammerton appeared in a state of shock immediately after the ceremony.

“To be honest I didn’t expect it, not at all,” said Hammerton. “I thought it was going to be someone else, but not me. I can’t believe it, there are some brilliant players in there.

“It was totally unexpected, I feel quite lucky to get it. It helped a lot that we played with the seniors as well to give us a bit of confidence as it takes a lot of confidence to play at ENL 1 in a first season.

“I think everyone that’s moved up as well has taken their ice time by the hand and done really well. I’m glad for the step up. I didn’t even expect to be getting in the team this year, so to get an award as well is pretty good.”

And Smith was also struck with an element of surprise after his team mates had nominated him for the award.

“I didn’t think I was going to get it, but I’m happy to get it, “said Smith. “It’s hard to get it because of all the good young players but I’m really happy to be chosen. I’m happy that everyone in the dressing room thinks I’m good, so I’m quite happy with that!

“I think I’ve done alright. I’ve got stuck in there but I think I need more experience and there’s plenty more seasons to go yet but I think I am happy with this year anyway. It’s better playing in ENL1 for more experience and playing against better players and teams, but I think we’ll definitely come back up next year.”

After promising season’s for the youngsters in a tough division, both Smith and Hammerton beamed out a positive radiance when looking ahead to pulling on a Barons jersey for next campaign. 

“I’d like to play here next season,” added Hammerton. “It’s just down the road as it’s my home town club and I like playing here. I moved away once when I was in the juniors and I missed it, so I’d like to stay.”

“I’ll go to trials and if Daz wants me then I’ll play,” Smith stressed. “I want to be here next season, I’ve had no offers from elsewhere and I wouldn’t want any. I’m going nowhere.”

The awards presentation concluded with Darren Bellerby’s Coach’s award, with Jon Stobart picking up the Player of the Season and Ryan James the Young Player of the Season, followed up by a special prize for the retiring Andy Ayers for his services to the club.

Players' Young Player winner Luke Smith became an important part of the senior ENL side with a calmness on the puck belying his years.