PEI Rugby Union to be represented at Sport PEI annual awards

• Alysha Corrigan – who recently made her debut on Canada’s Women’s Rugby Team’s November UK Tour – is a finalist for Senior Female Athlete of The Year.

• The 2018 Maritime Division 1 & 2 Championship winning Mudmen RFC are being recognized as Team of The Year.

• Natalie Bulger is being recognized as the Volunteer Administrator of the Year

Tim Powers, Rugby Canada Chairman

"It is exciting to see all that is happening with rugby in PEI and the recognition members of that community are getting, " said Tim Powers Chair of Rugby Canada Board of Directors. "The growth and awareness of rugby in PEI can only be good for the sport nationwide."

Craig Inward, PEI Rugby President

“PEI Rugby congratulates our winners and nominees. We are very excited that all the hard work of our members is being recognized by our provincial sports body. Rugby has seen tremendous growth on the Island recently. We have more than doubled our registration numbers in the last two years. On the field we have seen a resurgence of our age grade and senior provincial programs and our club sides for both the women and men have been Nova Scotia League Champions two years running, and the men’s club, The Mudmen, are Maritime Champions which is a first for a PEI team since 1955. We are very pleased with the direction our sport is headed.

See below the full Sport PEI Press Release below

Charlottetown, PE – February 26th, 2019 will be another special night in Island sport as Sport PEI prepares to host its 45th annual awards night at Holland College’s Florence Simmons Performance Hall. The evening will showcase the Island’s finest amateur sporting accomplishments from 2018.

Leading the field of athletes will be the nominees for the 3 Points Aviation Senior Athletes of the Year. The list includes male finalists Mark Arendz (para nordic & biathlon), Billy Bridges (sledge hockey), and Brett Gallant (curling). On the female side Alysha Corrigan (rugby), Veronica Keefe (wrestling), and Heather Moyse (bobsleigh) will look to take top spot.Winners have been determined in the following categories:ADL Administrator of the Year – Natalie Bulger (rugby)PEI Mutual Insurance Official of the Year – Michael French (softball)ADL Masters Athlete Award – Steve Reeves (running)PEI Mutual Insurance Coach of the Year – Peter Gallant (curling)Team of the Year – Hunter’s Ale House Mudmen Rugby Div ISCORE! Event of the Year – Special Olympics Canada Bowling.

After last years’ success the event will return to Holland College’s Florence Simmons Performance Hall. Familiar faces, Matt Rainnie of CBC and Jo-Anne Holden, will be back to emcee the proceedings.

“Recognizing our Island’s finest athletes, officials, coaches, and volunteers is an important part of amateur sport,” said Sport PEI President, Ryan Innis. “They have all worked tirelessly on and off the field, and deserve every bit of distinction they are going to receive. As PEI’s level of athletes continues to improve, we are not only showing the nation our strength, but now the world is getting a taste of what we are capable of.”

Tickets are $25 and are available by calling Sport PEI at (902) 368-4110.

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The full list of athlete finalists is as follows:

Synergy Fitness & Nutrition Intercollegiate Male Athlete of the Year – Brett Butler (Holland College volleyball), Ligrit Sadiku (Brock wrestling) and John Patrick Stevenson (Canisius College baseball)

Synergy Fitness & Nutrition Intercollegiate Female Athlete of the Year –Alysha Corrigan (Acadia rugby), Hannah Taylor (Brock wrestling) and Bailey Smith (UPEI, track and field)

DP Murphy Hotels and Resorts Junior Male Athlete of the Year - Lucas Boudreau (biathlon/cycling), Noah Dobson (hockey), and Nolan O’Rourke (wrestling)

DP Murphy Hotels and Resorts Junior Female Athlete of the Year – Chole Cudmore (gymnastics), Lauren Lenentine (curling) and Hannah Taylor (wrestling)

3 Points Aviation Senior Male Athlete of the Year – Mark Arendz (para nordic & biathlon), Billy Bridges (sledge hockey), and Brett Gallant (curling).

3 Points Aviation Senior Female Athlete of the Year – Alysha Corrigan (rugby), Veronica Keefe (wrestling), and Heather Moyse (bobsleigh)