KAMSACK — Kamsack Minor Hockey honoured the season that was with a presentation of hardware at the Kamsack Playhouse Theatre.
The awards ceremony for the 2024-25 season was held March 20.
Chris Leis, Kamsack Minor Hockey’s president, said it was a great year for all four of Kamsack’s teams. The U7 team attended quite a few tournaments and jamborees.
“They had a successful year with developing the next wave of future Kamsack hockey stars,” Leis said.
The U9 team had a great season, the president said. They went 10 and two in league play, attended three tournaments and hosted a successful tournament of their own They ended up going to the A pool for playoffs.
The U11 finished in the top five of the North reseed, competed hard in the second half and finished strong.
The U13 group finished seventh in the league. They made the A semi finals, ended up winning B in a Langenburg tournament, and we won the A in a Rocanville tournament.
Referees honoured
Leis began the night honouring Kamsack Minor Hockey referees.
“You play an essential role in ensuring the game is fair, safe and enjoyable for everyone involved, your commitment to upholding the rules and maintaining the integrity of the game is truly commendable,” he said. “We appreciate the hours you spend on the ice, making tough calls and managing the flow of the game with professionalism and respect.”
Volunteers recognized
The minor hockey president then recognized the volunteers that kept the organization running
“It means stepping up when needed, offering support and working together to create a better environment for everyone. Our community thrives when we all contribute our unique skills and talents and recognize that we are stronger,” Leis said.
“Your efforts are the backbone of our hockey community, and your impact is immeasurable. Let us all be inspired by your example and strive to be active, engaged and caring community members.”
Shanneen Tataryn, who was the volunteer of the year for the 2023-24 season, presented this year’s award to Amanda Hunter. She read out some comments from those that nominated her for the award.
“She goes above and beyond to help whenever she can,” said one comment.
“She made sure the new managers had everything they needed to succeed, and was always available for questions.”
“All the behind scenes work she has done this season kept things moving smoothly.”
“She assisted me and my new role as manager, and was always there to answer questions and help make the season go smoothly. I couldn't have done it without her guidance, and I really appreciate it.”
U7 awards
After recognizing the referees and volunteers, the evening switched to its main focus: the four teams.
“To our U7 team: You have brought so much energy and enthusiasm to the rink,” Leis said. “Watching you learn and enjoy the game has been a joy.”
Shelby Whims, the team manager, presented the awards. The most dedicated award went to Kairo Whims, the most improved award went to Anton Wosminity and most team spirit award went to Vadik Lehky.
After the awards were presented, a slideshow presenting the team’s most memorable moments played on the big screen, something that the other teams would also do at the end of their award presentations.
U9 awards
As the coach of the U9 team, Leis also presented their awards.
“To our U9 team: your progress this season has been outstanding. You have shown great determination and have made significant strides in your development.”
The most dedicated award went to Jayden Leis.
“This guy works hard at every practice, every game, cares about all the details and just loves the game. He played goalie, scored many goals for us and kept our heads above water when we needed it.”
The most improved award went to Owen Rudy.
“Where he started playing hockey only two years ago, and from last October until now, he has grown his game to be one of the best players on the ice at all times,” Leis said. “Looking forward to what that young man can do in the years to come.”
Wilder Lawless won the most team spirit award. Leis said he had a great attitude, shared compassion for all his teammates and help the team find the spark they needed.
U11 awards
Bryce Erhardt, the coach of the U11 team, presented their awards.
“I emphasized a lot of things at the start of the year, one of them being respectful for the community, their players, their teammates, their coaches,” he said. “That's something this team has done all year. They've been resilient. We've had some tough goes, and pulled through all of them and come out better players and better people.”
The most dedicated award went to Paysen Erhardt.
“One of the most intangible skills in sports is passion, dedication, hard work. This player literally lives at the rink. When he's not at the rink, he's in the garage shooting hundreds of pucks, stick handling, or he's watching hockey videos in his room, tutorials, a true student of the game,” the coach said.
“His dedication to the game is shown in his skill set. He led the team in scoring, playing sound defense, playing every position on the ice through the year. Passion is just something you can't teach, and he has as much passion as I've ever seen in a player.”
Anna Reilkoff won the most team spirit award, which Erhardt said he thought of as a leadership award.
“This player was vocal to the team at all times, whether it be telling them to smarten up and listen, don't shoot the pucks, helping with drills, organizing, helping your teammates understand, preparing the players for the game and standing up for her teammates.”
Erhardt said Reilkoff’s work ethic was always there and her competitive spirit was always top of the charts.
U13 awards
This year’s U13 team was a joint effort of Kamsack and Canora players.
“To our U13 team: you guys have set a high standard for excellence,” Leis said. “Your leadership on and off the ice has been inspiring. You have shown that with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible.”
Jared Ruf, the coach, presented the awards,
The most dedicated award went to Angel Sliva and Courtlyn Heshka.
“Both these girls contributed this team, made the team what it was,” Ruff said. “We couldn't have done it without these two.”
Kenzee Kopelchuk won the most improved award.
“From the beginning of the year till the end, she improved all the time,” the coach said.
“She played forward, she played defence, wherever we put her. She did well at it, and she improved in both positions.”
Houston Keshane and Flynn Ruf won the most team spirit award.
“You guys kept the dressing room loose, fun.”
Encouraging them to continue
Leis ended the evening by encouraging the players to continue playing hockey in the next season.
“The bonds you have formed and lessons you have learned and the memories you have created will stay with you for a lifetime,” he said. “I encourage each of you to continue pursuing your passion for hockey, to support one another and to always strive for your best.”
