The Weyburn Red Wings may have missed the playoffs by one game, but they ended their season with a 3-2 win over the Estevan Bruins.
The Wings held their year-end banquet on March 2 where members of the team were honoured with awards and members of the Red Wing community made their comments about the past season.
"It was a season of ups and downs. In January we won seven games in a row and it gave us hope. We missed the play offs by one game and it was heartbreaking, but we battled to the very end," said Red Wings Captain Josh Lees. "The returning players will remember that for next year."
Coach Bryce Thoma said the team didn't get where they wanted to be and where they wanted to go.
"At the end of the day we came up a game short. It's definitely frustrating but I thank the players for all their effort and hard work."
Wings General Manager Ron Rumball said over 22,000 people walked through Crescent Point Place during Red Wings games this season.
"It's all about the fans, they're the real reason we're here," he said.
In addressing the team, Rumball said wins and losses are not the only factor in success. "If you've given your best, you're successful."
The Red Wings have three graduating players this year and Assistant Coach Darcy Pindus honoured the three at the banquet.
Shain Scheschuk has played three years with the Red Wings.
"Sches is a hell of a shot. He's played every position for us and is a leader on and off the ice. He wants to be an electrician in the future. Thanks for your years of contribution to the Weyburn Red Wings," said Pindus.
Tyler Borstmayer also played three years for the Wings.
"Tyler always played well for us. He was the third leading scorer this year. You will be missed in the dressing room and on the ice. Thanks Tyler," said Pindus.
Brian Farkas has been with the Red Wings for two years and will be moving on as well.
"He played in all 56 games, never missed a shift or a practice and set a good example for our young guys. Good luck in the future."
Sixteen awards were presented at the banquet.
The Weyburn Security Award for Gentlemanly Conduct was presented to Colten Laroque. The NSWB Law Firm Community Service Award went to Shain Scheschuk. Tyler Borstmayer was awarded the Minard's Leisure World Most Valuable Defenceman Award. The York Jewellers Most Improved Red Wing Player was handed to Nick Pouliot. The Barber Motors Most Valuable Forward went to Brian Farkas. Ty McLean was presented the Weyburn Co-op Top Red Wing Scorer. The Dee Jay's Kentucky Fried Chicken Most Popular Player as chosen by the Fans was awarded to Ty McLean. The Weimer's Hometown Best Defensive Forward went to Josh Lees. The Nick Elchuk Memorial Award for Most Popular Player as chosen by the players went to Jon Brumwell. The Altus Geomatics Unsung Hero Award went to Brendan McKay. The Marcel Labelle Memorial Award For Displaying Dedication was presented to Braden Mellon. The Fellner Farms Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Award was presented to Josh Lees. The Graham Christie Memorial Award as Most Inspirational Red Wing went to Josh Lees. Rylan Parenteau was presented with Mel's On Third Rookie of The Year. The Weyburn Credit Union Most Valuable Player went to Rylan Parenteau. The Fred Dolinski Memorial Scholarship Award was presented to Shain Scheschuk and Brian Farkas.
In addition to his Red Wings accolades, Goalie Rylan Parenteau was also named Rookie of the Year for the Viterra Division. At the age of 17, Rylan Parenteau was in the top tier of SJHL goalies this season, nearly carrying a young Weyburn team to the playoffs. He was among the leaders in minutes played, and posted almost unheard of numbers for an underage rookie goaltender, with a 2.72 GAA, and a .926 save percentage, to go along with three shutouts.
See photo gallery for pictures of this event.
