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The Canora Minor Hockey Association celebrated the end of the 2016-2017 season at their awards banquet on April 13. Kelly Beblow, executive committee president, said a committed group of players and adults put in a great deal of hard work to make it a successful season.

            Coaches from each team presented their players with certificates and medals.

Red Squirts

            The Red Squirts team was coached by Colin Kitchen and Leona Kitchen, the assistant, and Genevieve Shukin served as manager.

            The coaches congratulated the players for working hard and doing their best all season long.

            The award for most improved player went to Caleb Daniels. Mason Reine was judged the most dedicated player, while Ashton Strelioff was the most sportsmanlike player.

White Squirts

            The coach of the White Squirts team was Meridee Kopelchuk, with Aimee Ruf as the assistant coach. Kim Wolkowski served as the manager.

            The coaches were so impressed with the work ethic of the players that they chose the entire team for the most improved award.

            Wade Vengen won the most sportsmanlike player medal and Colby Fast took home the award as the most dedicated player.

Initiation

            Greg Smith was the coach of the IP team, with Jeff Sznerch and Trent Wolkowski helping out as assistants.

            The players all made noticeable improvements during the season, while having fun at the same time, Smith said

            Ryea Harper won the most improved player award, while Parker Kraynick was picked as the most dedicated. Kasen Heshka took home the most sportsmanlike player award.

Novice Black

            Novice Black team coach Jeff Sznerch received lots of valuable help from his assistants Trent Wolkowski and Ryan Hauber, as well as Cindy Sznerch, team manager.

            The team made impressive strides during the season. Winning the Wadena Novice Tournament definitely stood out as the highlight of its season.

            The award for most improved player went to Cody Vangen, while Logan Sznerch was chosen the most dedicated. Wyatt Wolkowski won the award as the most sportsmanlike player.

Novice Red

            The coach of the Novice Red team was Nicole Korpusik, while Greg Smith was the assistant and Jarod Butler served as the trainer. Genevieve Shukin was the manager.

            Even though the team was not at the top of the standings in wins, the players always seemed to put in a strong 60-minute effort, and won the third period in most of their games.

            Ayden Luke won the most dedicated player award and Kale Strelioff was chosen the most sportsmanlike. The most improved player award was a three-way tie among Cale Smith, Jack Korpusik and Jhett Kelly.

Atom Black

            The Atom Black team was coached by Matthew Wilgosh, with Kurtis Shukin and Kevin Ebert working as his assistants. Shawn Sleeva was the trainer and Jennifer Sleeva was the manager.

            At times during the season the team was short-staffed, but Novice Black coaches picked up the slack and helped out, allowing the Atom Black team to have an enjoyable season, said Wilgosh.

            Keegan Dyck was chosen as most improved player, while Taye Shukin was judged the most dedicated. Ty Sleeva won the most sportsmanlike award.

Atom Red

            Colby Wolkowski was the Atom Red coach, while Kevin Ludba and Rod Bletsky were the assistants. Tracey Bletsky served as team manager.

            Atom Red had a very successful season, going unbeaten in tournament games, which is a reward for all the hard work of players and staff, said Wolkowski.

            Connor Craynick was chosen as the team’s most improved player. Hunter Lamb was judged the most dedicated and Jessee Kopelchuk picked up the award as the most sportsmanlike player.

Peewee

            The Peewee team was coached by Dwayne Wolkowski with Brian Stratchuk as the assistant. Kevin Lewchuk was the trainer and Kim Wolkowski served as the manager.

            Stratchuk was grateful for the opportunity to be assistant coach. He said it was scary at times, but a very rewarding experience overall. He encouraged other parents to give it a try.

            The Peewee team struggled at times during the regular season. When the playoffs came around, members’ play had improved significantly, and they won the first round. The final series was close right to the end, but unfortunately the Canora team came out on the losing side, said coach Wolkowski.

            Jaxson Lindgren won the Peewee award as most improved player, while Codee Kopelchuk was chosen the most dedicated. Randi foster won the most sportsmanlike player award.

Other highlights

            During the evening coaches encourages players and parents to make a commitment to attending practises and games. If unable to attend, they were asked to notify coaches as quickly as possible, said Greg Smith, IP coach. Player numbers directly affect a team’s ability to play games, but lack of attendance also changes which activities can be planned for a practise.

            There is always a need for more referees, and the Canora Minor Hockey Association is focusing on recruiting young officials, said Dwayne Wolkowski, Referee-in-Chief. Parents and players are asked to be patient with these new recruits, and support them as they strive to improve over time.

            Near the end of the evening, the projected player divisions were given out for the 2017-2018 season. IP has 26 players; novice, 14 players; atom, 28 players and peewee, 15 players.

            Of course, these player numbers are subject to change as the new season approaches, it was said.