OLDS — The Olds Gizzlys Most Dedicated Player award winner was acknowledged Wednesday as a finalist for a similar Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) award.
Team captain Cade Moxham was named the Olds Grizzlys Most Dedicated Player during the annual Olds Grizzlys awards banquet held Feb. 18.
Moxham was named on Wednesday as one of four finalists for the AJHL's Most Dedicated Player award for the 2023-24 season.
During the Grizzlys award's banquet held in the Pomeroy Inn & Suites in Olds, goaltender Aidan Comeau was named the team's Most Valuable Player and Quinn Abbott the Most Sportsmanlike Player.
Greye Rampton was named the Community player of the Year and received the Top Teammate award, which is voted on by the players themselves.
The Rookie of the Year award went to Mitch Patrick. Unfortunately, he was not able to attend to receive it in person, due to illness.
Tait Humphries was chosen Defenceman of the Year.
Head coach Scott Atkinson announced the award winners.
He had high praise for all, especially Comeau.
“I just feel … a lot of gratitude to this player because he’s been in for us all year long, been the backbone of our team and has stood through some very tough times,” Atkinson said.
“I can’t think of any other goalies in the league that have the assistant captain moniker as well.”
Atkinson said it was really difficult to choose who should receive the Most Dedicated Player award.
“We have so many dedicated players (that are) always working on all things and finding ways to get better and generally a joy to be around,” he said.
Atkinson said Abbott, a member of the team’s “B.C. East movement” has done a “phenomenal job” since he was acquired from the Sherwood Park Crusaders.
“(He’s) a guy that works hard every day and really (pushes) himself in his skill development,” Atkinson said.
He said not only is Abbott the team’s points leader among defencemen, but he is also “very seldom penalized.”
Atkinson said Rampton is one of the team’s most enthusiastic players when it comes to getting out in the community, participating in visits to schools and doing on-ice activities.
“He’s always a happy contributor and has a great time connecting with the kids,” Atkinson said.
He noted that the Top Teammate award is the only one voted on by the players.
“I think it makes it especially meaningful,” he said.
Atkinson said Patrick has had a “phenomenal” season so far, having picked up 26 points in 46 games as of late last week. He was also tied for the team lead in assists as of that point.
Atkinson noted that Humphries is another member of the team’s B.C. East movement.
He described Humphries as “a guy that’s got a lot of spirit as well as skill and tenacity.”
“He’s one of our real warrior players,” he added.
