Hull Pirates Jason Hewitt still at top of his game after scooping NIHL National award

The former GB international forward beat off competiton from eight other candidates, including Leeds Chiefs’ goaltender Sam Gospel, who was voted as best netminder for the division in his team’s inaugural season.

Hewitt, 36, who previously played for Sheffield Steelers in the Elite League before switching to East Yorkshire in 2016 led the scoring for2019-20, scoring 44 goals and 57 assists in just 43 appearances.

A judging panel statement said: “This award is for a player who not only coached the side, but carried them through injury crisis and suspension crisis game after game.”

Gospel, 26, beat off fellow nominees Renny Marr, of Swindon Wildcats and Basingstoke Bison’s Alex Mettam.

Facing a total of 1,777 shots - the highest in the division - the 26-year-old produced a save percentage of 88.91, sixth highest among the division’s first-choice goalies in a team that finished bottom of the standings when the season was brought to an earlier-than-scheduled conclusion due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The panel added: “Sam “Gospel had arguably the toughest job in the National Division, facing just under 1,800 shots and still turning in a creditable save percentage rate in the Chiefs’ first season under difficult circumstances.”

Elsewhere, Hull Jets’ defenceman picked up player of the season in NIHL North Two, with Bradford Bulldogs’ Ian Thirkettle judged to be the best netminder.