Cloud, Awada would ice alongside future NHL player Tyler Arnason.
Awada would start the 2001–02 season in Richmond, but after just two games moved to the New Orleans Brass, ECHL rivals of the Renegades.
Awada's improvement would continue and it would prove to be his most productive season at ECHL level, comfortably breaking the 50 point barrier.
Awada would choose to make a significant move in the summer of 2003, flying across the Atlantic to play for the Manchester Phoenix, a then newly established organisation playing in the EIHL, the highest standard of ice hockey in the U.K. Awada quickly became a key player for the Phoenix, and scored 48 points in 52 regular season games.
Awada was eventually named club captain and lifted the EIHL league title in the 2005–06 season.