SUNDRE – The families of Sundre Minor Hockey Association’s players gathered last week to celebrate the past season during the 2024-25 awards night.
A large crowd got together at the Sundre Community Centre on the evening of Thursday, April 3 to recognize the achievements of players as well as the contributions of coaches and volunteers.
“Regardless of the difficulty – whether it was a practice or a game – every player showed up and worked hard all season,” said U9 Huskies White coach Chris Wangler.
Between practices, regular-season games as well as three tournaments and participation in a power skating clinic, the team had “a staggering 95 ice times,” he said.
That represented a cumulative total of approximately 1,000 hours of volunteer time from the team’s four coaches and manager.
“This suggests that more than 10,000 hours were contributed by volunteers from all teams and the board combined,” he said.
Lee Martineau, coach of the Huskies U9 Black, hailed the past season as “nothing short of spectacular” and praised the players’ dedication and spirit as well as the volunteers who helped for making it possible.
“Together, we’ve faced challenges, celebrated victories, and grown more than we could have imagined at the start of this journey,” said Martineau.
Steve Pettie, assistant coach for the U11s, remarked how the team – which narrowly missed the league banner by one goal – took the defeat in good stride.
“I believe losing, as part of a team surrounded by your friends, is an experience that teaches these kids a lesson that is hard to learn in any other situation in life,” said Pettie.
Following the presentations, which included a shoutout to the Sundre Arena’s staff, was a slideshow and a call to encourage everyone to vote for Crossfield in this year’s Kraft Hockeyville contest.
SMHA 2024-25 team awards
Team recognition U9 Black
• Most improved – Beckett Wanner
• Most dedicated – Luke Hannah
• Iron Man – Layne Speight
• MVP – Renn Rock
Team recognition U9 White
• Most improved – Grady Fenrich
• Most dedicated – Logan Wangler
• Iron Man – Lincoln Sklivas
• MVP – Bensyn Shuya
Team recognition U11
• Most improved – Kash Berquist
• Most sportsmanlike – Scarlett Steuer
• Iron Man – Coulter Leney
• MVP – Cash Smith
Team recognition U13
• Most improved – Shane Lillehei
• Heart and hustle – River Holmes
• Iron Man – Mason Prince
• MVP – Sawyer Suitor
Team recognition U15
• Most improved – William Hoogenboom
• Most dedicated – Conner Mackenzie
• Iron Man – Carson Nault
• MVP – Grayson Suitor
Team recognition U18
• Most improved – Tylan Mahan
• Grinder award – Ty Smith
• MVP – Brady Smith
Troy Groenewegen Memorial Award – Brody Weatherbee
This award is presented to the U13 player who the coaching staff felt displayed superior sportsmanship, fair play, and respect for others on and off the ice.
Scott Jackson Memorial Award – Drake Weatherbee
This award is presented to the U15 player whom the coaching staff felt displayed phenomenal leadership skills, superior sportsmanship, fair play, respect, and most importantly was a gentleman on and off the ice.
Kenneth Miller Memorial Award – Payton Martyn
This award is presented to the U18 player whom the coaches felt was the most valuable player showing skill, dedication, and sportsmanship.
Association Awards
Outstanding Contribution Award – Nicole Weatherbee and Dani Bird
Safety Award – Shannon Frankhauser
Tireless Award – Kim Johnson
Referee of the Year – Jaydon Braybrook
Bent Nail Award – Matt Carroll
Coach of the Year – Jason Martyn
