Nakusp Minor Hockey presented its annual awards at the Nakusp Arena Auditorium. The evening began with the Novice group under the leadership of Wayne Abbott being recognized for their efforts to learn this year. Assistants for 2012-2013 included local RCMP officers Ryan Fehler, Mark Macaulay, and Paul Tithecott.
Mike Smith presented the awards for the Atoms squad. Before presenting the awards, he had some words for those he had worked alongside.
“Congratulations to the Midgets for bringing home the banner,” he remarked. Later he added, “next year we’re gonna take a shot at the banner.” He thanked the minor hockey executive and other volunteers for all their work, as well as “the fans that always keep hockey going in Nakusp.” Best all around player and playmaker honours went to Devon Coates, who Smith noted had scored 60-70 per cent of their goals.
Next, the officials’ “Ref ‘n’ Chief” Connor Reimer presented the referee awards. NMH President Rusty Reimer thanked his son for filling the role. Ron Palmer received the award in the Senior category, while Dugan and Nathyn McInnes shared the award in the Junior category.
Coach Rodney Volansky then presented the awards for the PeeWee House team.
“For a bunch of kids they did awesome…way more than we expected,” he exclaimed. He thanked the parents, referees, and other volunteers for their help. All the players on the team received an award.
“We thought everybody deserved something,” explained Volansky. Adam Volansky and Anthony Maxinuk shared Best All Around recognition.
Last but not least, to considerable applause, Midget House Coach Rusty Reimer introduced the local champs of the West Kootenay Minor Hockey tournament. They clinched the title by defeating the Grand Forks Bruins 5-2.
“What a year,” said Reimer. “We started out slow… and they got better and better.” He continued to heap praise on his team.
“When we went to the final, they showed their true grit.” Connor Reimer was recognized as Best All Around, while Kobe Nishida (son of assistant coach Ken Nishida) was Most Sportsmanlike.
“He took down some pretty big buys compared to his size,” Reimer said of the junior Nishida.
This was the final year not only for six of the Midget House players, but for NMH President and Midget Coach Rusty Reimer as well.
“It’s bittersweet…but I’ve put in my time. It’s time for someone else to take the reins,” commented Reimer. He added that he hopes to see hockey continue here.
Kylie Carson, 17 and also in her last year, wanted to say she enjoyed playing hockey with the boys for the past 10 years.
“We called her ‘Kyle’, because she played better than most of the boys,” noted Reimer. “She was an equal 100 per cent.”
Complete List of Coaches and Awards
MIDGET HOUSE – Rusty Reimer and assistant coach Ken Nishida
Best All Around – Connor Reimer
Play Maker – Nathyn McInnes
Most Defensive – Max McCoy
Best Goalie – Josh Rivers
Most Sportsmanlike – Kobe Nishida
Most Improved – David Faucher
Most Dedicated – Tyson Cann
PEEWEE HOUSE – Coach Rodney Volansky, Assistant Coach Thomas Atherton, and Kylie Carson
Best All Around – Adam Volansky and Anthony Maxinuk
Playmaker – Viktors Vilks
Best Defensive – Ben Gardner
Goalie – Brayden Reardon and Alex Roberts
Most Dedicated – Brayden Reardon
Sportsmanlike – Eric Vieira and Killian McCrory
Most Improved – Kalen Jones, Raven Atherton, and Madison McCrory
ATOMS HOUSE – Coach Mike Smith
Best All Around – Devon Coates
Play Maker – Devon Coates
Most Defensive – Darian Smith and Aidan Hascarl
Most Sportsmanlike – Lucas Robins
Best Goalie – Noah Fizzard
Most Improved – Jackson Langlois
Most Dedicated – Wyatt Petterson
OFFICIALS OF THE YEAR – Presented by Connor Reimer, Ref ‘n’ Chief for Nakusp Minor Hockey
Senior – Ron Palmer
Junior – Dugan McInnes and Nathyn McInnes
