Cillian Flavin, Henry Best and Frank Cabe Highlight 2018 Team Awards

The James Connolly Albany Rebels recognized individual players at their 2018 team awards at a club social night on Saturday at the Irish Hall in Albany. Veteran forward Cillian Flavin was named Player of the Year, Henry Best won Rookie of the Year and Frank Cabe earned Most Improved Player.

Flavin contributed clinical finishing for the Rebels all season, averaging 3.25 points per game in full-sided matches. He scored a season-high seven points in a convincing victory against Syracuse at home in the first leg of the New York Cup.

“In a season of ups and downs for the Rebels, Cillian was a source of consistency that was sorely needed,” said Rebels coach Ryan Moloney. “His ability to calmly place points over the bar whether we were chasing or protecting the lead was invaluable.”

Best joined the Rebels ahead of last season, and instantly brought a tenacious style of play to the defense. He appeared in all six full-sided matches, helping the team to win its first New York Cup.

Cabe took his game to the next level in 2018, adding more ball control and timely scoring to his ferocious speed. Cabe’s biggest moment came in the second leg of the New York Cup, when he scored a late goal to secure the victory at Syracuse.

Moloney won Play of the Year, a new award for the Rebels, for his game-saving goal against Syracuse in the Syracuse Tournament. Down three points with less than a minute left in the game, Moloney took the ball through midfield and scored a goal to force overtime. The Rebels won the game in overtime which helped them to a 3rd place finish in the tournament.

Tim Gerrish received the Most Like Chuck Flood award for his lead by example attitude and physical play, named after an original member of the club who was a force to be reckoned with in his playing days.

The Rebels continue indoor winter training with a team scrimmage on Sunday, March 10 from 1:00-2:00 p.m. at the Sage College Armory in Albany.