Minor hockey celebrates past season But also faces challenges ahead

Good food and good times were the order of the day as the Emo-Devlin-Barwick Minor Hockey Association held its annual awards banquet last Friday at the Emo-La Vallee Community Centre.
Nearly 300 people were on hand to reflect on the highs and lows of the past season as well as to enjoy a scrumptious potluck feast, highlighted by turkey and ham provided by the EDBMHA.
President Shane McDonald opened by expressing his gratitude to all the coaches and volunteers who made the EDBMHA such a success on the ice.
But he also reminded people there are off-ice issues that are not as rosy and that changes may be necessary to maintain the program.
“Our registration dues are intended to cover the cost of ice rental,” McDonald said. “Our ice rental for this season was approximately $6,000 more than the registration fees and rental fees will be substantially increased next year.
“We may be looking at an increase in the area of $15,000.”
Consequently, McDonald advised that significant changes may be in the offing—such as having EDBMHA members operate the canteen as part of their fundraising contributions.
In addition, McDonald remarked, canteen revenues have been decreasing and likely will show only a minimal profit this season. That is why participant trophies were not handed out at the banquet.
All was not doom and gloom, however, as the purpose of the banquet was to wrap up an otherwise-successful season by recognizing those who had made significant strides and contributions.
There were three trophies presented, including one for coach of the year, which went to Gord Huntley.
Meanwhile, the Robert Steele Memorial Award was presented to Mike Anderson as the most versatile player in the Midget division by Ross and Bob Steele.
And the Doug Wilson Memorial Award for sportsmanship and dedication in the Bantam division was presented by Jeanne Wilson to Matt Beacham (Predators) and Terry Carmody (Allstars).
In addition, the Esso Medals of Achievement were presented to:
< *c>IP1 Division
•Most Improved Player—Jeremy Shypit
•Most Sportsmanlike—Finn Chalupsky
•Most Dedicated—Blake Morken
< *c>IP2 Division
Most Improved Player—Lucas Koomas
Most Sportsmanlike—Shelby Rae
Most Dedicated—Jared Bethune
< *c>Atom Division
< *c>Hawks
•Most Improved Player—Cole Scheirer
•Most Sportsmanlike—Brandon Benjamin
•Most Dedicated—Matt Sigurdson
< *c>Esso Leafs
•Most Improved Player—Tyler Friesen
•Most Sportsmanlike—Jameson Shortreed
•Most Dedicated—Tyson McLean
< *c>PeeWee Division
< *c>Cobras
•Most Improved Player—Joey Jewell
•Most Sportsmanlike—Andrew Wilson
•Most Dedicated—Ryan McDowall
< *c>Thunderbolts
•Most Improved Player—William Anderson
•Most Sportsmanlike—Colin Kaemingh
•Most Dedicated—Justin Donaldson
< *c>Esso Girls
•Most Improved Player—Jaycee Ewald
•Most Sportsmanlike—Anikka McTavish
•Most Dedicated—Nicki Mosbeck
< *c>Bantam Division
< *c>Predators
•Most Improved Player—Scott Barker
•Most Sportsmanlike—Charlie DeBungee
•Most Dedicated—Ashe Woolsey
< *c>Allstars
•Most Improved Player—Andrew Friesen
•Most Sportsmanlike—Cole Benjamin
•Most Dedicated—Clinton Brown
< *c>Midget Division
< *c>Cowboys
•Most Improved Player—Nathan DeBungee
•Most Sportsmanlike—Tyson Quibell
•Most Dedicated—Richard Wieringa