The Williams Lake Stampeders held their annual awards banquet Saturday at Boston Pizza in Williams Lake.
Stampeders players and coaching staff were paraded into the event by Mike Berns, playing bagpipes, and Francis Johnson Sr., on drum, while the Coy Cup senior men’s ‘AA’ provincial hockey championship was held high by the enthusiastic team while restaurant patrons cheered them on.
This year’s award winners are as follows:
• Rookie of the Year — Dylan Richardson
• Most Improved Player — David DeBeer
• Best Offensive Defenceman — Brent McIsaac
• Best Defensive Defenceman — Jared Kohlen
• Best Forward — Nathan Zurak
• Plugger of the Year — Michael Kohlen
• Unsung Hero Award — Jassi Sangha
• Most Valuable Player — Justin Foote
In addition to the player awards presentations were made to longtime team trainer Stewart Bell, who is retiring from the team, as well as to longtime team executive members Darryl Davies, Don Hanson and Lynn Hanson. The Hansons indicated that after 17 years of volunteer work with the team, this season would be their last.
“I want to express our gratitude from the executive for all their help,” said Stampeders president Marko Zurak. “We’re really grateful for all the work they’ve done over the years.”
Davies, Don and Lynn were presented lifetime memberships to the Stampeders organization.
“They’ll be hard to replace,” Marko said. “The Stampeders are better for it [because of them].”
If anyone is interested in volunteering for the Stamps next season call Marko at 250-305-4499.