The Beth Champie Memorial Award
 Beth Champie and Irene Schwartzbaur were great friends, and there
was nothing they enjoyed more than attending Phoenix Coyotes games
and other special events. If that doesn’t seem all that remarkable,
consider they live in Payson!
Toward the end of last season, Irene, the Booster Club and the
Phoenix Coyotes lost a great friend when Beth Champie passed away in
her sleep after watching the Coyotes play on TV.
In honor of the dedication to the team shown by Beth and Irene on
a regular basis, the Phoenix Coyotes Booster Club will award the
Beth Champie Memorial Trophy to the player who demonstrates
significant dedication to the fans each year.
The definition of Dedicated is -
The act of binding yourself (intellectually or emotionally)
to a course of action; "his long commitment to public service"
When we talk about dedication to the fans, it may mean different
things to different people. Here are some examples of actions by the
players that could demonstrate dedication to the fans -
- Number of appearances he made during the season / off-season
- His overall attitude during the appearances
- Your experience with the player at a Backstage Pass (STH) or
Meet & Greet
- His community involvement
This award isn't the same as a fan favorite award. We really hope
to reward someone who makes an effort to connect with the fans and
appreciate what we do for them. So don't just pick your favorite,
who might not be the best with the public. Think about your
experiences and vote for the player who made a real effort.
The player is selected from the current Coyotes roster. Each
current Booster Club member is eligible to cast one vote.
The award will be presented on ice during the end of the year
awards ceremony.
 Award Winners
Here are some of the things members had to say
about Derek -
Derek always greets with a smile. He was
around at many events when others weren't. Always willing to
talk to anyone. Just a great guy on and off the ice.
I wasn't able to attend a lot of events this
year. I did attend an open house before the season & Derek
took a lot of time talking to us, asking us questions,
SMILING. He was personable & I saw that he was at other
signing events during the season.
 Derek is a
people person, is very into the fans. I observed him at the
game day thingy and he was always smiling the whole day
while signing autographs. I have seen him at several
appearances and he is always smiling!!!! a couple years ago,
when i had to use a cane to walk and almost could not do
stairs at all, I went to an autograph signing at the arena.
The table was set up down on the 'field'. My grandson Jr
went down to meet Derek and get his autograph, and he told
Derek hi and Derek stood up and waved at me at the top of
the seats. I really wanted to meet him, so finally I made it
down the stairs and Derek told me I should have just had Jr
tell him I wanted to meet him and he would have come up to
me. I was so impressed with him. Today that is my favorite
memory of Derek Morris!!! I love him dearly.
No matter where or when I have seen Derek
Morris throughout the season, he has always seemed to take
the time to greet the fans, and thank them for their
support. I have never seen Derek appear as though he did not
want to be at any of the events he has appeared. When he id
communicating with the fans, he always has a smile to greet
them with.
I go to a lot
of player parties, and other coyotes events and every time
Derek is out at these events he really interacts with his
fans. He will make conversation and interested in what the
fans have to say. He always has a smile on his face and is
very willing to take photos and sign items for fans. I
believe that Derek deserves this award!
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