Jon Ahlgrim was this year's recipient of the Bob Hill Memorial Award recognizing volunteers and community members who contribute to the Olds Grizzlys.
He was presented with a framed photo composite before a standing ovation at the team's awards night on April 1 at the Evergreen Centre.
Ahlgrim spent over a month taking out different Grizzlys players while he did his job — collecting bottles and recyclables from businesses in town.
They started at 10 a.m. each day and returned to the rink at 1 p.m. for practice, Algrim said.
Head coach Dana Lattery said Ahlgrim taught his players a work ethic and a positive attitude, which was instrumental during the team's struggles in the latter part of the season.
Despite the piling losses, the players never turned on each other, Lattery said. He credits much of that cohesiveness to Ahlgrim's influence.
“This is why we're playing hockey,” he said. “We're out to win, but it's also about giving back.”
Ahlgrim has a long-standing connection to the team. His parents buy him season tickets.
In his speech introducing him, Lattery said he first met Ahlgrim as a player, working at a local restaurant. He learned the same lessons then, which he wanted to pass on as coach.
Regular season MVP: Wyatt Noskey and Chase Olsen
Playoff MVP: Tyr Thompson
Most Dedicated Player: Landon Kletke
Top Scorer: Wyatt Noskey
Rookie of the Year: Chase Olsen
Top Defenceman: Jack Goranson and James Miller
Myrl Goddard Most Improved Player: James Gaume
Rubydale Rock Solid Award: Logan Kerner
Tammy Moritz Community Award: Jeremy Klessens
Scholastic Award: Matthew Holzer
"This is why we're playing hockey. We're out to win, but it's also about giving back."DANA LATTERYGRIZZLYS HEAD COACH
