With 2017 coming to an end, it’s time to look back on all that happened in the Yorkton sports world. It was a true roller coaster year – championships were won, records were broken, and coaching staffs changed. This week, we’ll reflect on the events that rank higher in the list.
Ěý
Number ten – Ottenbreit named captain for WHL T-Birds
To start the list off is something that happened outside of Yorkton. In September, Yorkton born and raised hockey player Turner Ottenbreit was named as captain of the Seattle Thunderbirds of the WHL. This was after he spent time training with an NHL team.
Seattle’s general manager Russ Farwell made the announcement on Sept. 21.
In a press release, Thunderbirds coach Matt O’Dette said:
“Turner exemplifies what we are looking for in a leader. He understands our culture and will show the way for our young team. He along with [alternate captains] Nolan [Volcan] and Donovan [Neuls] will provide positive leadership for our group moving forward.”
Ottenbreit spoke to Yorkton This Week after the announcement and said he was definitely excited for his new role.
“It’s always a huge honour any time to be named captain in any organization - let alone one like this,” the defenseman said.
Number nine: RawTec Maulers release head coach
Early in 2017, the announcement was made that the RawTec Maulers Midget AAA Hockey Club was parting ways with then head coach/GM Graham Garrett. Garrett had spent two seasons with the team. Maulers’ president Glen Faford said “The RawTec Maulers board of directors felt that although Mr. Garrett’s philosophy and coaching knowledge is high performance and has been much appreciated, there was a change needed to finish out the rest of the season and to start immediately.”
With that came the announcement of the new head coach and GM – Kevin Rawlick. Rawlick became interim head coach for the remainder of the 2016-2017 season, leading the team to a playoff run. He became the official head coach for the 2017-2018 season.
Number eight: Amateur men’s golf tournament at Deer Park
Deer Park Golf Course was the host club of the 2017 SK Amateur Men’s Golf Championship over the summer. A total of 42 golfers from all around Saskatchewan and into the neighbouring provinces came to Yorkton to compete on the 18 holes at Deer Park. Eight of those golfers were from Yorkton. Tyler Wright of Wascana Country Club took home the first place trophy from the tournament.
Number seven: Lutz brings a championship home to Yorkton
During the summer, 17-year-old Kennedy Lutz came home to Yorkton with an impressive victory. She won the Canadian Women’s East MX National championships.
She has competed, and won, at big events in the States, but the eastern Canada title was Lutz’s goal for a long time.
“It’s something that’s been a dream all my life, so when you reach that it’s obviously very rewarding,” Lutz said.
Although she’s from Saskatchewan, she decided to compete in the eastern nationals this year. The women’s nationals are split between the east and the west, and racers can only pick one series.
Number six: Gage Bush has a successful year in powerlifting
Gage Bush is one of Yorkton’s most decorated young athletes. The powerlifter currently holds the provincial record in his deadlifting category. At nationals in March, which took place in Quebec, his combined total lifts were 700lb deadlift, 600lb squat and 330lb bench-press. With just over one year of competing under his belt, Bush keeps on pushing to get better and better.
