The Canora Minor Hockey Association celebrated the end of the 2018-19 season with its awards banquet on April 9.
Dwayne Wolkowski, executive committee president, acknowledged the hard work of the players and parents as well as the dedication of the committee members, in helping to make it a successful season.
Wolkowski paid tribute to the officials who worked the games, and was pleased to see that a number of younger officials got started and progressed well throughout the season.
The most improved, most dedicated and most sportsmanlike players on each team were recognized by their coaches.
IP
The IP team was coached by Meridee Kopelchuk and Leona Kitchen. Kitchen congratulated the players for being very coachable and always ready to work when they came to the rink.
She said they should be very proud of themselves and their progress during the season, highlighted by “a thrilling sudden death overtime victory to take first place in the B side of a tournament in Yorkton.”
The award for the most dedicated player went to Drew Kitchen. Courtlyn Heshka was judged the most improved player, while Hailey Kraynick was the most sportsmanlike.
Novice White
Dwayne Wolkowski coached the Novice White team, with help from assistant coaches Leona Kitchen and Shane Kraynick. Kim Wolkowski was the team manager.
The head coach said the team played a total of 32 games during the season, with a record of 18 wins and 14 losses. “They showed good sportsmanship regardless of the outcome of the games.” Kitchen added that the second year players demonstrated a great deal of maturity in encouraging and helping the first year players.
Parker Kraynick won the most dedicated player award, while Caden Doogan was chosen the most improved. Walker Wolkowski won the award as the most sportsmanlike player.
Novice Black
Terry Demchuk was the coach of the Novice Black team. The assistant coaches were Jeff Sznerch and Trent Wolkowski. Anita Demchuk, team manager, shared the remarks of her husband (the team’s coach) who was unable to attend the awards evening.
“They were great kids to coach and really supported each other and developed into a true team. The players worked on their skills during the season and improved their play noticeably. One of the highlights was winning the C side of a tournament in Kelvington.”
The award for the most dedicated player went to Ty Northrop. Wade Vangen was judged the most improved player, while Zarin Godhe was the most sportsmanlike.
Atom
Jeff Sznerch was the coach of the Atom team, aided by assistant coaches Ryan Hauber and Trent Wolkowski. Genevieve Shukin was the manager.
Sznerch said all but three of the players were in their second year, which contributed to the team’s success. The squad went undefeated through the entire regular season, with 18 straight wins.
“They all had fun right from the start of the season to the finish, and were focused on getting better.”
The award for the most dedicated player went to Jhett Kelly, while Katherine Hauber captured the most improved honours. Kale Strelioff was recognized as the most sportsmanlike.
Peewee
Bryan Heshka was the coach of the Peewee team. The assistant coaches were Shayne Kraynick and Colby Wolkowski. The manager was Kelly Beblow.
Wolkowski said the team members “worked hard and gave a great effort all season long, showing significant improvement.”
One of the highlights of the season was the Canora Minor Hockey Day game against the visiting Kamsack Flyers. Kamsack jumped out to a 4 to 0 lead near the end of the first period, and things were looking grim for Canora. But the Cobras got on the scoreboard before the first intermission and eventually came all the way back to score a 6 to 4 win.
Keegan Dyck won the most dedicated player award. Porter Wolkowski claimed the award for most improved player, while Connor Kraynick was named the most sportsmanlike.
Projections for 2019-2020
The Canora Minor Hockey Association gave out player projections for next season, assuming all players register to play again.
IP has 4 players; Novice, 21; Atom, 12; Peewee, 22 and Bantam, 5.
Of course, these player numbers are subject to change as the new season approaches, it was said.
