Wheatland Kings dish out hardware
Amy Gregson – Times Reporter
With the playing season over, the 2009-2010 Wheatland Kings hockey team got together one last time as a group for their annual awards dinner.
The night recognized not only outstanding players, but also those behind the scenes.
“It was a really good night,” said Doug Murphy, head coach. “It was good to see everybody together again. It’s an opportunity to thank the sponsors, volunteers and fans.” Volunteers were recognized for their time spent selling tickets and acting as scorekeepers, penalty box officials, announcers, photographers and the national anthem singer.
Player awards were given out for leading scorer, most improved, sportsmanship, most dedicated player, rock solid player, outstanding forward, outstanding defenseman, unsung hero, rookie of the year, player’s choice and most valuable player.
The coaching staff decides on the awards over the course of a couple weeks.
“This year they were all fairly difficult,” said Murphy.
This year, goalie Korey Burne of Strathmore took home the Most Valuable Player award and the Kemstone Rock Solid Player award for being awarded the most points in the three star selections after every game.
This was second year Burne was honoured with both awards.
“He’s just an exceptionally good goaltender,” said Murphy. “He keeps us in games that we could be getting blown out of and guys play with confidence in front of him.”
Burne is eligible to come back to the team next year and be one of the four 21-year-olds the team is allowed to play.
The team also honoured and presented Justin McKinnon with a signed jersey from the team as he finished his junior career and is now too old to return to the team next year.
“He is just an exceptional young man, hard working and will do anything for the team and his teammates and leads by example,” said Murphy.
The dinner also featured a silent auction with numerous jerseys and framed pictures up for bids.
The money raised goes toward the Wheatland Kings hockey program.
Wheatland Kings Award Winners 2010
Kemstone Rock Solid Player: Korey Burne
Leading Scorer: Jeremy Smith
Most Improved: Brendan Jackson
Most Sportsmanship: Ashton Kathol
Most Dedicated Player: Miles O’Keefe
Outstanding Forward: Tyler Brandon
Outstanding Defense: Mark Goodman
Unsung Hero: Ashton Kathol
Rookie of the Year: Braydon Helfrich
Player’s Choice: Justin McKinnon
Most Valuable Player: Korey Burne