The Battlefords Stars wrapped up the 2013-14 season with their annual awards banquet Saturday evening. Friends, family, billets and volunteers were in attendance to celebrate the accomplishments of the team from the past season.
Spencer Bast took home two awards and was the co-recipient of another. Bast, who had 31 goals and 37 assists in the regular season, was the team's top scorer and won the Alan Welykochy award.
Bast picked up 10 goals and 11 assists as he shared the playoff most valuable player award with goaltender Rylan Toth. The Stars netminder had a 7-2 record in the post-season.
Josh LaFramboise also took home three awards. He was named the rookie of the year and the regular season most valuable player as he registered 33 goals and 28 assists. LaFramboise also had the highest plus/minus rating on the team.
Josh Bly was named the team's most valuable player for their games at the Mac's Midget AAA Tournament in Calgary in December. In four games played at the tournament, Bly had 10 goals and an assist.
Six other Stars earned awards. Alex Pernitsky was named top defenceman, Bryce Neufeld was given the most improved player award, Ryan Rewerts and Layne Young shared the most underrated award, Logan Nachtegaele won the coach's award and Michael Korol was recognized as the most dedicated player.
Team governor and board chairperson Bruce Yockey opened the awards program by thanking the players for their outstanding commitment, dedication and work ethic on and off the ice. He went on to commend the coaching staff of Martin Smith, Jody Reiter, Jean Fauchon, athletic therapist Ryon Haggard and manager Shawn Robinson for the countless hours they commit and dedicate to the hockey program.
He said the staff has done an incredible job developing this team into one of the best in the SMAAAHL. The players were prepared to play at a very high level and have gained valuable knowledge and experience this season that will give them the opportunity to move to the next level in their hockey careers.
Yockey also thanked the billets for opening their homes and looking after the players, the volunteers and sponsors who are vital to the operation and success of the program.
The individual awards were presented and Smith spoke about each award winner. After the awards were presented, Smith delivered his thoughts on the season. He had words of praise for all of his players and spoke about them being a special group of players.
He thanked them for their effort and commitment to the program, and reminded everyone about a great season and how close they were to becoming league champions.
Smith spoke about the graduating players and wished them all the best in their future and said they would always be part of the Stars' hockey family.
He thanked the rest of the staff and manager for their efforts this season and was extremely grateful for the parents, billets, and volunteers that help the program.
