Dempsey wins prestigious Carlton Award – Bruins recognize Harvard-bound Winthrop resident at TD Banknorth Garden

Delaware North Companies and Boston Bruins Principal Charlie Jacobs announced recently that Winthrop’s Jillian Dempsey of the Rivers School and Wayne Simpson of the Lawrence Academy are the re

cipients of the 2009 John Carlton Award. Named after the late Bruins scout and administrator who died in 1982, the John Carlton Award is given annually by the Boston Bruins to an outstanding male and female student-athlete in an Eastern Massachusetts high school or junior hockey. The award is given to the high school seniors who combine exceptional hockey skills with academic excellence.

This year’s recipients have excelled both in the classroom and on the ice. Jillian Dempsey of Winthrop led the River School girls hockey team in scoring in the 2008-09 season with 22 goals in 13 games. She was a national gold medalist at the 2009 Under – 18 World Championships for the United States and was a national gold medalist for the Assabet Valley girls ice hockey team. Dempsey is an honor roll student and plans to attend Harvard University in the fall.

Wayne Simpson led his team to the Independent School League Keller Division Championship after scoring 34 goals and 31 assists in 30 games this season. He is an honor roll student and plans to attend Union College in the fall.

Boston Bruins Vice President Cam Neely will present the award to Jillian and Wayne during the second intermission of Tuesday’s Bruins game at the TD Banknorth Garden.

The Boston Bruins organization is also proud to announce the 2009 winners of the Boston Bruins Ice Hockey Sportsmanship Award winners. These student-athletes were selected for best exemplifying a commitment to the ideals of sportsmanship throughout the season. These young men and women demonstrated a tremendous commitment to teamwork and exhibited respect both on and off the ice. For seven years, the MIAA and the Boston Bruins have partnered to honor one worthy student-athlete from every boys and girls ice hockey league statewide. A complete list the 2009 recipients can be found below.

Immediately following the presentation of the Carton Awards, Boston Bruins Hall of Famer and hockey legend John Buyck will present each of these deserving athletes with their awards.

For more about the Boston Bruins, visit www.bostonbruins.com or call 617-624-BEAR.