More than 600 people packed into the Juan de Fuca curling rink recently to celebrate the end of the 2014-15 season for the Juan de Fuca Minor Hockey Association.
Players, coaches and volunteers were honoured, including current president Harold Bloomenthal, who was presented with the Debbie Cooper Memorial Award.
The award, named for the tireless longtime volunteer who passed away in 2009, is given to “an exceptional member of the JDFMHA community” (who has) “selflessly dedicated their time, enthusiasm and abilities to help provide a positive environment for children through the sport of hockey.”
Similarly, former association treasurer Terry Phelps was given the Const. Mike Mason Award as volunteer of the year.
The top award recognizing efforts of the players, the Saunders Family Graduating Midget Player of the Year, honoured Brendan Turcotte and Cara Dillon in the male and female divisions, respectively. The award goes to players who have shown good sportsmanship, attitude and enthusiasm, contributed in other ways to association through such activities as refereeing, and also are involved in other sports or volunteer efforts in the community.
The Saunders family provides a $500 bursary for the two winners each year.
Other major award recipients on the night were Tanner Pahl-Johns, Unsung Hero recreational division sportsmanship award; Aiden Small, referee of the year; Dylan Thorpe, most improved referee; and coaches of the year, Ken Duncan (recreational initiation to atom), Mike Chicorelli (recreational, pee wee to midget), Warren Campbell (rep teams) and Yancy Sparrow (female).
The Atom C3 team earned the Gary Woodford Atom House Team award.
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