By Kevin Grimm
On March 10 Revelstoke Minor Hockey Association held its year-end wind up and awards night. It was the first such evening for RMHA after a three-year hiatus. As an association it’s important that we remember the past members who have awards dedicated in their honor and to recognize those qualities for which the awards are dedicated in our current members.
Equally important is the chance to thank the association’s families and players whose participation means so much to us. The evening also provided an opportunity to recognize the exceptional team efforts of the Atom, Peewee and Bantam teams who all won their division playoffs, with the Atoms winning their Valley Championships and the Peewees and Bantams advancing to the provincials. The highlight of the night was the smiles and struts of the pre novice and novice players as they came up and received their certificates of recognition from their coaches.
The event was presided over by MC Dennis Berarducci and RMHA welcomed The Revelstoke Grizzlies Head Coach and GM Ryan Parent as it’s keynote speaker. The night’s big winner was Spencer Spannier who took home the Bob Vigue trophy for the association’s top goaltender as well as the Joseph Naccarato Award for excellence in hockey, academics and leadership skills. In addition to his skill on the ice, Spcncer also has a 97.2% grade average. Rylan Bokis took home the newly established Mike Bafaro Award for dedication to hockey. Not starting to play hockey until Atom, at the age of nine, Rylan’s enthusiasm for hockey, his staunch work ethic and fierce competitiveness has made him a very important member of the Bantam team.
Voted by the association’s members, Steve Bull was presented as the first time winner of the Larry Black Award for coaching excellence. In addition to winning, (back to back trips to the Tier 4 provincials), Steve pays attention to his players’ needs and ensures that everyone is given the instruction and opportunity required develop to their maximum potential. Also voted on by the membership is the Heather Ward Award for the association’s most dedicated volunteer. Shawn Bracken took home that honor. Every boy and girl in our association has benefited in some way by the service and leadership Shawn has provided. Whether it is as a coach, skating instructor, on ice official, Referee In Chief, organizer of the Revelstoke Grizzlies Hockey School or RMHA executive board member Shawn always gives an honest effort with excellent results.
This year’s event was a simple affair, but RMHA hopes to move on with this year’s successes and mistakes and have the evening evolve into a more formal affair befitting the deserved recognition of the hard working players, parents and volunteers that help the Revelstoke Minor Hockey Association provide a meaningful hockey experience to its members.
