Streets were quiet around Powell River on Wednesday night, March 30, while more than 800 people attended the annual awards ceremony to mark the end of another successful year in minor hockey.
Hockey dad and coach of the Bantam’s house team, Warren Behan emceed the event that honoured players, volunteers and families for their dedication to the game.
Big news this year was the Canadian Tire Atom Development Kings who hosted the playoffs and won. After a season of 11 wins, one loss and one tie, the team found itself in first place for the league and into the playoffs. In the finals, the Kings faced Nanaimo Clippers, winning by a wide margin of 5-0. Steve McNeil, contact for the Kings, said “The team played together well, continued to improve as the season went on and were deserving of their success.”
The awards presented on March 30 carry their own history and are memorials to lives dedicated to enjoyment of the sport.
Dennis Clancy memorial trophy: Cullen Buholzer and Caleb Parkhouse
Spirit of the Game award donated by the Clancy family in honour of Dennis and awarded annually to an Atom player who best exemplifies the “spirit of the game.”
Dustin Clark memorial trophy: Steve McNeil
Donated by Powell River Regals Hockey club in memory of Dustin Clark, a five-year-old Novice player who died tragically in 2000. This trophy is awarded to a junior coach who best demonstrates dedication, sportsmanship and leadership qualities.
The following five awards demonstrate sportsmanship, dedication and all around hockey ability and academic achievement.
Rick Hopper Pee Wee House Player of the Year Award: Calli-Ann Abbott
Donated by Rick Hopper.
Brandon Kremsater memorial plaque: James Southcott
Donated by the Kremsater family in honour of Brandon to the Pee Wee Rep player who was most inspirational.
Brad Bombardir Bantam House Player of the Year Award: Chase Krompocker
Donated by Brad Bombardir.
Gary Lupul memorial plaque: Nico Sansalone
Donated by Jeff Sauvé in honour of Gary Lupul to be awarded annually to a Bantam Rep player.
Powell River Kings Midget House Player of the Year Award: Brody Boese
Donated by the Kings.
Sokolowski award: Brett Martin
Donated by Powell River RCMP detachment in memory of Constable Doug Sokolowski. This award is given to any Powell River minor hockey graduating Midget player who has demonstrated the most sportsmanship desire for fair play and respect in the minor hockey program.
Harvey Small award, Senior Coach of the Year: Mickey Adam
This award is presented to the House League Coach who best demonstrates the dedication, sportsmanship and leadership qualities exemplified by Harvey Small.
Frank Sutton memorial award, Volunteer of the Year: Sonia Csuk
Donated by the Powell River Regals Hockey club, this award is emblematic of dedicated service to the promotion of minor hockey in Powell River.
Officials’ awards were presented for outstanding dedication and commitment to excellence in officiating minor hockey games in Powell River, as follows:
Jack Hildebrand plaque, Rookie Official of the Year: Connor Ford
Mike Fraser plaque, Junior Official of the Year: Zach Brach
Luke Bombardir plaque, Senior Official of the Year: Bob Nicol
The association works hard every year to further the sport of hockey. Interested readers are welcome to attend the annual general meeting, 7 pm on Tuesday, May 3rd in the Poplar Room at Powell River Recreation Complex.