COBDEN — The season for the Muskrat Voyageurs Hockey Association has come to an end.
To celebrate and remember the season, the annual banquet was held last Friday evening in the Cobden Agricultural Hall.
President Brent Gould said it was an exciting year with many of the teams finishing in the top half of the league. He further noted two teams made it as far as the semi-finals.
This was also the first year that players from Fort Coulonge Minor Hockey were on teams in this league.
“It was a success,” he said.
Mr. Gould said it was his first year as president and was pleased with how it went.
He introduced the executive members: Wayne Ready, Blair Dick, Mike Hennessy, Kristina Misener, Vera Gould, Jason Gould, Julie Huckabone, Peter Ethier, Tim Lynch, Brenda Grady, Derek McIntyre, Jamey Mick, Julie Hennessy, Derek McLaughlin and Lisa MacDonald.
Murray Sutherland of Micksburg was presented with the Fan of the Year award by Jamey Mick.
“This man is no stranger to the rinks,” said Mr. Mick.
He watched both grandsons and his granddaughter play on the ice as well as in the ballfield and in the showring with their cattle.
After accepting the trophy before a standing ovation and thunderous applause, Mr. Sutherland said the coaches deserve a big thank you.
“I’ve watched a lot of hockey,” he said. “It takes a special person to be a coach.”
Mr. Gould then noted that Ron Laronde, who couldn’t attend the event, received the Referee Recognition Award. Mr. Gould thanked Mr. Laronde for 40 years of reffing, believing he has refereed three generations on ice.
He doesn’t believe there’s a referee in Muskrat League who has not been trained by Mr. Laronde.
“When you see him, please shake his hand and thank him for 40 years of dedication to the association he loves,” Mr. Gould said.
The Bench Staff award is presented to the staff who worked hard all year long to develop the players and have fun along the way, Mr. Gould said.
“Two are former Muskrat players, a past Muskrat coach and a guy from Renfrew,” he said.
“Muskrat is proud to present this year’s Bench Staff Award to the peewee bench staff.”
In between presenting the awards, each team was brought to the front and their coach spoke about their season. Then, each player and members of the bench were presented with a gift.
