UNITY — Residents of Unity know when you talk of volunteers and committed community contributor, it is often synonymous with the name Brian Woytiuk.
Woytiuk was chosen to receive the league’s annual Harvey Sommerville award, dedicated to the memory of the late Harvey Somerville, who was a longtime supporter of the Eatonia Huskies. The award is given in recognition for service and dedication to senior hockey and the Sask. West Hockey league.
Once the league receives the nominees for this award, they ask teams to vote for their top three choices on a point scale from 1-3. League secretary Candice Kraft says the voting is often so close it usually comes down to a point or two with all nominees so deserving of the recognition. “Without those people on the list, there is no senior hockey and certainly not the reputable league that has been built.”
Woytiuk has been instrumental in keeping the Unity Miners afloat. He continues to rally for, and enlist more volunteers for the club each year. He is one of the people who looks after their biggest fundraisers in the fall, “Fun Day of Golf,” lining up sponsors, players and all that goes with the tournament. He can be seen at the rink early before every game setting up 50/50 tables and volunteers, as well as running the score clock for the home games. Many affiliated with the organization say he is the face behind the team and will be quick to defer any accolades sent his way, noting other volunteers within the organization. Woytiuk's contributions were best described by a team spokesperson as “infinite.”
Senior hockey is just one of many roles Woytiuk serves in the community of Unity. He recently received the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee medal at a January ceremony. He was named Unity’s 2018 citizen of the year. He has also served on the Unity Chamber of Commerce, was a key force behind the Unity Facilities Committee who helped fundraise for the new pool and upgrades to the Community Centre Hall. Woytiuk is also a hands-on helper as he assembled a team to help undertake the hall renos. He is a driving force behind Unity Western Days. His love of community clearly shows through all that he does, and as one resident stated, “this is a long list, with many of his contributions behind the scenes and some people might now even know about.”
Stephen Chandler was the 2022 winner and due to the pandemic, there were no awards in 2021. Trevor Kissick was the 2020 winner with Jim “Percy” Williams winning the in 2019. Woytiuk has had his name submitted for this honour in the past.
