CARLYLE - It was a night to remember as Carlyle Minor Hockey honoured its own.
An estimated 200 people attended the awards presentations held at the Gordon F. Kells High School gymnasium.
Carlyle Minor Hockey vice-president Jason Dixon was the master of ceremonies. He thanked all 136 players that registered this past year, their parents, grandparents and fans.
“Minor hockey has had a great season and we have so many people to thank,” said Dixon. “President Chris Light, secretary Colleen Getten, treasurer and fundraising chairperson Jenna Brady. All the coaches and managers. The Town of Carlyle recreation director Danielle Steele, and rink employees Kevin (Rook) McAuley and Wayne Golling.
“I also want to give a big shout out to kitchen manager Diane Johnston, equipment manager Jennet Lachapelle, media guru Scott Kirkness, and Shawn Peterson for all the little things she does.”
After the young volunteer referees were recognized, the players from the under-7, U9, and U11 teams were presently with individual trophies. As is tradition, player names were etched on the hardware along with a nickname. Many of the names drew laughter from the large audience.
Liam (Hustle) Hislop, Emmett (Sniper) Fleming, Keller (Fast Hands) Wilson, Renner (The Napper) McLean, Ben (The Dinosaur) Kirkness and Donovan (The Dominator) Humphries were some of the recipients.
Starting with the U13s, individual awards were presented. Kacey Fleming was named team MVP. Other recipients were Terran East (MVP offence), Mason Hunt (MVP defence), Reese Rutten (most improved), Kayden Holonics (most dedicated) and Rylan Levesque (most sportsmanlike).
Individual U15 award winners included Myles Lequyer (team MVP), Sean Kachur (MVP offence), Sawyer Tomaszweski (MVP defence), Hunter Colpitts and Rollie Standingready (most Improved), Rhett Lachapelle (most dedicated) and Hayden Miller (most sportsmanlike).
The U18s lost to Radville in a best-of-three Moose Mountain Minor Hockey League series that went the distance. Award winners were Tyrell Dixon (MVP), Mitch Himmelspach (MVP offence) Mac Keeley (MVP defence), Porter Barnett and Jakson Humphries (most improved), Kolton Schulhauser (most dedicated) and Kale Arndt (most sportsmanlike).
The U18 Carlyle Wildcats were also honoured but could not attend as the young players were competing in a season-ending tournament in Saskatoon. Winners were Alexys Roppel (MVP), Kasenya Einarson (top forward), Paige DuPerrier (top defence), Morgan Balogh (most improved, Jaycee Gervais (most dedicated) and Dixie Corscadden (most sportsmanlike).
“Right on up from the U7s to the Carlyle Cougars senior hockey team, the Town of Carlyle had a wonderful season,” said Dixon. “Thank-you to Rob Klassen and Blair Andrew for mentoring our young officials, and to Shane and Ashley Valentine for the purchase of team jerseys. And a big thank-you to all our sponsors and to anyone else I forgot to mention.”
Dixon has been promoted by Carlyle Minor Hockey to president for the 2023-24 season. “Nearly all of next year’s executive positions have been filled but we still require a vice-president and referee co-ordinator. If anyone is interested, please give me a call.”
The night concluded with final thoughts from this year’s Carlyle Minor Hockey president Chris Light.
“I have worked with a great team of board members over the years. It was very fulfilling and fun to be a part of this group. Four years ago, Carlyle Minor Hockey changed its focus from just winning to player development. We have spent a great deal of time and resources on this model and have had a lot of positive feedback from the coaches and community.
“This strategy has worked well, and Carlyle should have a strong minor hockey league system for years to come. Thanks again to all the volunteers. Without you there is no such thing as a successful minor hockey program.”
This story has been updated to correct the name of Kevin (Rook) McAuley.
