The Fort Frances Lakers will be kicking off their playoff season this Friday, April 3, but there was still time for celebration as they held their annual awards banquet to recognize the hard work and dedicated players who have carried them through the year and into the top spot in the SIJHL standings. The banquet was held at La Place Rendez-Vous on Friday, March 27.
The Lakers kick off their playoff run this Friday against the Kam River Walleye, with action getting underway at 7:15 p.m. at the Ice for Kids Arena.
Fort Frances Lakers 2025-2026 award recipients are as follows:
Rookie of the Year, sponsored by Fort Frances General Supply: Ronnie Bender & Brady Cates
Most Improved Player, sponsored by Super 8 Fort Frances: Max Caddo
Lanny Freeman Memorial Award for Best Defenseman: Judd Pesch
Volunteerism Award, sponsored by Heron Landing Golf Course: Daniel Tokariwski
Eugene McPherson Memorial Award for Sportsmanship: Wyatt Greer
Pam Bujold Allen Memorial Award, sponsored by Rainy Lake Sports: Nolan Barker
‘PITA’ Award, sponsored by Rusty Myers Flying Service: Carter Deschamps (PITA is an acronym for ‘Pain in the Ass to play against!’)
Leadership Award, sponsored by Boston Pizza: Pierce Gouin
Most Dedicated Player Award, sponsored by Badiuk Equipment: Cooper Hills
Flint House Fan Favourite: Ronnie Bender
Top Local Player, sponsored by Kitchen Creek Golf Course: Brady Cates
Top Forward, sponsored by RGB Trucking: Nick Fagnilli & Tie Schumacher
Duane Cridland Memorial MVP Award, sponsored by the Cridland Family: Brady Cates & Nolan Koethler
