After a long hockey season, the Naicam Minor Sports committee wrapped up the year with an awards banquet and dinner.
This year’s minor hockey program was comprised of four teams, who were all recognized at the April 8 banquet in the Naicam School gym.
Handing out the awards is an important part of the evening, because it is good to recognize the athletes for their hard work, said Angela Wilson, the Naicam Minor Sports fundraising co-ordinator.
“Everyone likes the recognition and to know that they’re at least growing or improving in their sport.”
Since all of the members of the initiation, novice, and atom teams received awards, it was only the midgets that competed for recognition. The initiations received personalized jerseys, the novices trophies and the atoms gift cards.
The midget team, which featured approximately 20 athletes from six different communities, handed out six awards, with Ryan Anderson winning Most Valuable Player, Miguel Paquette being named most improved, Dawson Porter winning top defenseman, Cody Stomp winning top forward, Tyler Hutchison taking home most sportsmanlike honours and Orrin Voldeng being named most dedicated.
The banquet was a free event for all players, coaches, referees and rink caretakers, with Naicam Minor Sports footing the bill.
To help offset the cost of the evening, they also had a 50/50 draw, which was won by Daryl Porter, who took home $102, and a loonie stick, which raised $50 and was won by Kade Patterson.
While handing out awards is nice, Wilson said the evening is also a great opportunity to share in the accomplishments of the athletes.
It is also a chance to recognize the tremendous efforts made by everyone to make the hockey season go as smoothly as possible, said Wilson, including parents, game schedulers, referee schedulers, referees, and the caretakers, among others.
A lot of local businesses stepped up to help make the evening a success, notes Wilson.
“All those things help.”
Naicam Minor Sports now turns their attention to baseball, with the registration deadline having just passed.
