A couple of new awards took centre stage Wednesday night as Smithers Minor Hockey honoured their best and brightest from the 2012–2013 season.
Wynona Creyke was a double award winner, capturing both the brand new Female Hockey Player of the Year award as well as her Pee Wee Storm team’s Most Dedicated Player trophy.
Smithers Minor Hockey president Dave Turko said the award was created to increase interest in female hockey in the area.
“We’re still trying to develop girls hockey, it’s an ongoing thing,” Turko said.
“She was the perfect girl to win the award.
“She includes everyone in her play and she always plays hard.”
Creyke’s coach, Dave Tucker, said she is someone who is always positive and is looked up to by her peers.
“She is well regarded by her teammates on and off the ice for her sense of camaraderie and spirit, her positive attitude and dedication to play her best every game and try with every practice,” Tucker said.
Another new trophy, the Goalie of the Year award, was presented to Midget Storm netminder Joey Karrer.
Karrer had the opportunity to play Junior B hockey this past season, but chose to stay in Smithers to finish his minor hockey career, said coach Brendan Hutchinson.
“This season has blessed us with so much success but often Joey has not received much credit for his calm, solid play,” Hutchinson said.
“Often Joey does not stand out due to his quiet personality, sound technical play and perfect angles.
“Joey truly is our backbone, always the most prepared and focused player in every game that he plays.”
Next up for Smithers Minor Hockey is the Annual General Meeting, May 22 at 7 p.m. at the Aspen Riverhouse meeting room.
All parents and members are welcome to attend.
Also, for the first time, Smithers Minor Hockey is shifting to a fully online registration system.
More details are on Smithers Minor Hockey’s website, www.smithersminorhockey.com, and their Facebook page.
The registration should be available by mid-June, Turko said.
Smithers Minor Hockey Association Memorial and Other Awards
Lee W. Arnold Memorial Award: Hannah Pow (house) and Levi Olson (rep)
Roger Logan Memorial Award: Jean-Rene Lecourt
Bill Robinson Memorial Award: Logan Groves (house) and Fraser Dodd (rep)
Pietro Lorenzon Memorial Trophy: Matt Kapelari (house) and Riley Coish (rep)
Mark Green Memorial Award: Westin Creyke (house) and Ross DeBeck (rep)
Ted and Annabel Tucker Memorial Award: Matthew Tucker
Cody Boot and Family Memorial Award: Jake Frentz and Torin Comiskey
Ruth Griffin Memorial Award: Carson Golder
Volunteer of the Year: Lorne Schmidt
Female Hockey Player of the Year Award: Wynona Creyke
Warren William Memorial Award: Dylan Delany (house) and Jesse Howes (rep)
Goalie of the Year: Joey Karrer
Volunteer of the Year: Brent Muir
Rob and Belinda Layfield Award: Erin Rowsell