by CONNIE TABBERT
Editor
WHITEWATER REGION (Cobden) — The Whitewater Kings celebrated the accomplishments of certain hockey players during the past season.
At season’s end, the Kings placed seventh out of eight teams in the Richardson division of the CCHL2. However, there’s always next year.
The first awards banquet for the Whitewater Kings was held Friday evening, March 1 in the upstairs hall of the Astrolabe Arena in Cobden.
Following dinner, general manager Jamie McConnell took to the podium.
“Last August, when I sat back and saw the team that we had shaping up, I believed that it was a team of great potential and was totally destined for greatness,” he told the players, family and friends gathered.
While the team didn’t reach its greatness this season, these players are leaders, McConnell said.
“I can see a possible doctor, lawyer, prime minister…” he said, bringing laughter from the crowd.
He noted there were trying times, but not one player gave up.
“The first few months of the season I commend the players for staying true and having faith in their abilities,” McConnell said, adding, “I think we all believe in our hearts that if we had 10 more games we would have got a playoff position.”
This night is to recall highlights of the season and of some of the players, he said.
“I hope all the players remember this season and that having the ability to play junior hockey is an honour, not a privilege,” he said. “I know for certain that each one of you will remember your time spent together. It will be the little things that you will remember the most, like the bus rides or the bus rides with a victory song playing at a medium pace, hanging out in the dressing room after a game.”
Following a few stories about the players, McConnell thanked several people and sponsors. It’s these volunteers and sponsors who make the season possible, he said. The sponsors are Olmsteads Home Hardware, BEI and Canadian Tire. The volunteers are those who take care of security, door staff, canteen and bar staff, hockey operations support staff, graphic artist, off-ice officials and the game emcee.
“These people are the backbone of this team, making everything run so smoothly,” MConnell said.
McConnell then went on to thank team owner Dale McTavish, Trevor Smith for stepping up to the trainer’s position; part-time coaches Chris Olmstead, Keith Roach and Gordie Goldberg. He also thanked head coach Tony Iob who arrived in early November “and gave us stability and confidence that was greatly needed.”
McConnell then began presenting the awards.
Volunteer of The Year — Courtney Plath
“Every year we give away an award that is, what I believe, the most important award that the team has,” he said.
Last year it went to the Ready family and the tradition was started of the volunteer of the year dropping opening night puck.
This year’s volunteer of the year … “put in hours and hours of service to the team. They have went above and beyond on many occasions. They put in hours and hours of time away from the rink. This person’s dedication and passion is second to none. They have given each and every player a memory that they will cherish for their whole life. She has spent countless hours freezing by the rink all while taking over 10,000 pictures.”
Team photographer Courtney Plath was then presented with a bouquet of roses and advised the plaque was not yet ready.
Rookie of the Year — Johnny Enright and Jake Pilon share this award.
This award is presented to a player who shows potential and dedication to the team. Enright played solid defence, was reliable and dedicated. Pilon played a lot last season and got better each time he stepped onto the ice. “This player is a menacing big part of our team that has heart of a lion…” He can play up front or defence.
Hometown Hero – Quinn Vanhoof
It is presented to a player from the Upper Ottawa Valley who shows ability and skill to the team. He was one of the top scorers, is a great teammate and a great guy in the rom.
Coaches Award – Jared Campitelli
It is presented to a player who is an unsung hero who is not looking for accolades, but just wants to do what is best for the team and is dedicated to doing whatever it takes to win.
Top Defensive Player – Liam Enright
This is for the top defenceman or goaltender. This player was someone the team relied on throughout the season, who gave everything he had night in, night out.
Leading Scorer – Dylan Kuehl
He was a model of consistency scoring 24 goals, 25 assists in 49 games.
Olmsteads Home Hardware Most Valuable Player – Tommy Cahill
This player is a constant threat every time he steps onto the ice. He was an imposing player that made everyone play six inches taller. He was a leader on and off the ice and a has a bright future ahead of him.
Graduates — There are two players who are not eligible to return to the team for next season. Each of them were presented with a poster of a collage of photos taken by Courtney Plath. The players are goal tender Bennett Oxborough and captain Tommy Cahill, who showed great leadership and was a fan favourite.
Following the presentations, McConnell said they had a season that was very up and down.
“I thought we played well in the second half of the season, but we got so far behind the eight ball, we couldn’t catch up,” he said.
There were some key acquisitions prior to the December 1 deadline who helped stabilize the team, but “it was too little too late.”
This is the second season for the Kings and the second time they have not made the playoffs.
McConnell said this is a young team still. Coaching staff met with each of the players and noted many are coming back for next year.
“We’re going to have up to 15 players coming back next season, so we have a good nucleus to build off of,” he said.
McConnell said a Christmas party was held last year instead of an award’s banquet. However, he didn’t feel the same way this year.
Coaching staff decided on which players should be rewarded with an award, he said.
“It’s a good way to have the guys come together one last time, meet, reward them for all their hard work,” McConnell said.
