The minor hockey season wrapped up as it always does, with food, awards and lots of laughter.
Players, their coaches and other volunteers gathered at the Port aux Basques Fire Hall for their annual year-end banquet on April 30. Association president Andrew Parsons acted as emcee for the event.
The evening began with a potluck dinner followed by recognition of the sponsors who make minor hockey possible.
Parsons commented on some of the highlights of the past season, including a provincial tournament win by the Peewee team and a bronze medal finish in the Easter tournament by the Bantam team.
Guest speaker Derek Tapp told the players about his memories of minor hockey in Port aux Basques, which included a season playing on the Triple A Midget team. The team went undefeated in the province and represented Newfoundland at the Air Canada Atlantic Cup.
Tapp was coached by Joe Lane for part of his minor hockey career. He spoke highly of Lane's leadership and recognized all the coaches who volunteer for minor hockey.
"You put in a lot of time away from your families. It's amazing, and I've got a lot of respect for you guys," said Tapp.
Departing Peewee player Aaron Mills, who is moving to Labrador with his family, was presented with his Blaze jersey.
Volunteer of the Year went to Irving and Sylvia Seaward. President's Awards went to Cindy Butt and Bruce Billard.
Craig Carter was named the Coach of the Year.
The George B. Pike Award for perseverance through the season at the Midget level went to Mark Coley. The Sam Rose Memorial Award and Scholarship ($500) for a graduating Midget player went to Dustin James.
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Player of the Year - Noah King
Easter MVP - Andrew Pike
White Team
Most Dedicated - Jackson Butt
Most Improved - Nicholas Bryan
Most Sportsmanlike - Jasmine Walters
Orange Team
Most Dedicated - Luc Strickland
Most Improved - Matthew Andrews
Most Sportsmanlike - Samantha Dominix
Peewee
Player of the Year - Tristan Butt
Easter MVP - Andrew Graham
Green Team
Most Dedicated - Andrew Clark
Most Improved - Ryan Savoury
Most Sportsmanlike - Mitchell Clar
White Team
Most Dedicated - Mitchell Warren
Most Improved - John Coleman
Most Sportsmanlike - Jonathon Seaward
Bantam
Player of the Year - James Devoe
Easter MVP - Nathan MacNeil
Most Sportsmanlike - Stephen Fiander and Corey Skinner
Most Dedicated - Nelson King and Nicholas Warren
Most Improved - Robert Dalrymple and Nicholas Battiste
Midgets
Player of the Year - Sidney Ransome
Easter MVP - Scott Francis
Most Dedicated - Cody Coleman and Chad Leriche
Most Improved - Lucas Carroll and Johnny Anderson
Most Sportsmanlike - Jordon Devereaux and Krista Boyles
