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Gala banquet and awards for Heat

As the KIJHL regular season wound down, the Chase Heat held their Annual Banquet and Awards Night

As the KIJHL regular season wound down, the Chase Heat held their Annual Banquet and Awards Night.

On Sunday, Feb. 21 at the Adams Lake Conference Centre, 175 parents, billet families, fans, volunteers, staff and players congregated. The event included a succulent roast beef and ham dinner, special desserts, a fundraising silent auction, a guest speaker and the award presentations.

The evening’s master of ceremonies was Tom Atkinson, the guest speaker Vic Bifano, and Andrea Stelter compiled an excellent, well-received video of the players.

Director of hockey operations/head coach Brad Fox presented the well-deserved player awards:

• Most Valuable player – Nic Bruyere, #31.

• Top Defenceman (tie) – Trevor Okino, #7, Braden Hughes, #20.

• Top Scorer                                      – Kolten Moore, #11.

• Rookie of the Year – Michael Fidanza, #14.

• Most Sportsmanlike – Alexander Durbeniuk, #5.

• Warrior (tie) – Spencer Farstad, #26, Travis Beaubien, #17.

• Unsung Hero - Grady Musgrave, #6.

• Most Improved – Pat Brady, #9.

• Top scholastic – Michael Fidanza, #14.

• Game Star (tie) –Travis Beaubien, #17, Kolten Moore, #11.

• Fan favourite – Kolten Moore, #11.

• Most Dedicated – the team.

In a surprise announcement, “Foxy” explained the special reasons why the team first-roster received the Most Dedicated award. Those in attendance gave the team a rousing standing ovation in agreement.

A special presentation was made to the four 20 year olds on the team who have completed their junior hockey eligibility.  They were the leadership group all season and wore the “letters” as a result. Captain Trevor Okino and assistants Alexander Durbeniuk, Braden Hughes and Tommy Brown were presented with framed mementos, personalized travel bags and Heat golf shirts.

In a second surprise of the evening, the four veterans presented Brad Fox with a gift in appreciation of all that he has done for them in their development on and off the ice.

The presentations were concluded with the Volunteer of the Year award going to billet co-ordinator Janice Winfield. She works tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the players have suitable billet homes provided in the community.  Without billets, the KIJHL franchise would be nonexistent.

The Heat hockey organization is very proud of each and every one of the players who stood united and made 2015-16 the best in franchise history.