Another hockey season is underway, with action on the ice interesting at all levels…
On the local front, Colin Burkas is back to coach the Nanaimo Clippers as the team competes in a new-look B.C. Hockey League with the integration of Alberta teams. And the Nanaimo Buccaneers are hoping to make some noise this year in the VIJHL, now an independent junior hockey league associated with the BCHL.
Nanaimo Minor Hockey is up and running with a new president, as Amanjit Pandher takes over from past-president Glenn Cook. Also on the executive this season are vice-presidents Dan Stav and Chris Lawson, Matt Hughes, Cody Gessner, Adam Bowman, Heather McEachen, Graeme Fipke, Allison Schneider, Brad Knight, Taylor Jenkins, Tara Scott-Legary, Cameron Park and Brad Remillard.
Games are underway and NMHA administrator Vicky Long sends word that registration numbers increased substantially this year to over 900 players taking part in recreational and competitive divisions from U7 to U21.
The association’s annual general meeting last May saw numerous awards presented giving recognition to players, officials and coaches from the past season. Starting with the boys’ recreational division, the Larry McNabb Memorial Trophy for the top U18 player went to Zach Graystone. Riley Butterfield was recipient of the Jason Gow Memorial Trophy for best U15 player. Named as the top graduating U13 recreational player was Payton Sobkowicz, while Oliver Jordan was top graduating U11 player.
From the girls’ recreational division, Hannah Ubilas was picked as the top graduating U18 player and Priya Pandher was top U15 graduating player. Sophie Chang wa named as best graduating U13 female player, with the top U11 graduating player award going to Caylen Reilly.
Turning to the competitive division, the Bud Dumont Award as top graduating U18 player went to Bodie Coburn from Tier 1 and William Brunet from Tier 2. In the U15 division, top graduating players receiving the Don Sarkasian Memorial Trophy were Tier 1’s Wyatt Fyfe and Tier 2’s Jackson Burns. The Dick Robinson Memorial Trophy for top U13 competitive player was shared by Ronan Gow from Tier 1 and Carson Bartley of Tier 2. From the U11 development division, top graduating players earning the Eric Kneen Memorial Trophy were Nash McNaught of and Isla Jacula.
Coaching awards were also presented at the AGM. The Ted Holder Memorial Trophy as most valuable coach in the competitive division was won by Mike Kirby. The Frank Crane Memorial Trophy as most valuable recreational coach went to Chad Pinda. Coach of the year in the female division was Lauren Madsen, while Brayden Epp received the Ethan Brown Memorial Trophy as rookie coach of the year.
Recognition was also given to Nanaimo Minor Hockey referees for their good work. Anastasia Trenholm and Rhys Wilcox shared the award for most improved official. Rookie official of the year was won by Azure Turner. Chosen to receive the Rick Hodgson Memorial Trophy as referee of the year was Wyatt Brand.
Looking ahead, Nanaimo Minor Hockey will be hosted several tournaments at Nanaimo Ice Centre in the coming months, starting with the U9 Coastal Classic this coming weekend, Nov. 9-11.
Whatever your sport, a reminder in closing to play your hardest, play fair, and show good sportsmanship.
