Kings hand out hardware

Justin Seward
Times Reporter

 

The Wheatland Kings officially capped off their 2014-2015 season with their year-end awards banquet on May 30.
The organization awarded Brayden Beckley with the MVP, Read Douglaswas named the Best Defensive Player, Ryan Grasdahl the Most Improved Player, Kirby Ruzesky with the Strathmore Times Player of the Year and Chris Williams with the hardest working player award.
Head coach Jeremy Blumes was extremely proud of each player for what they did on the ice for the Kings this season.
He could not say enough good things about his rookie rearguard, Read Douglas, and how responsible he was on the blue line.
“As a rookie, he was one of our most reliable penalty killers, he’s certainly if he didn’t lead our team in block shots, he was among our leaders,” said the coach.
Blumes gave credit to Douglas for laying his body on the line and being a team first player all season long.
As for local product Ryan Grasdahl, Blumes felt that he came a long way considering he did not play a high calibre hockey before joining the Kings.
“For a guy that played midget 1, and step in and play in one of the best junior B leagues in Western Canada and become a reliable physical shut down guy, that plays with an edge but played with lots of discipline, we couldn’t be more pleased with his development,” said Blumes.
Forward Chris Williams was seen on most nights giving it an honest effort.
“He played the game at a very high pace, and he forced the opposition into all kinds of mistakes with his tenacity,” said Blumes.
He admits the team was pretty fortunate to have true leader in captain Kirby Ruzesky around for one season.
“I’ve coached many players but not like Kirby who have the ability to put the puck in the back of the net. He is by the very definition a natural goal scorer,” said Blumes.
“We were happy the (Strathmore) Times recognized him after all those three star selections.”
Brayden Beckley was a prime example of being a player who could play in all situations and be effective.
“He was a big part of both special teams, our top PK unit and our power play units,” said Blumes. “He played with a lot of tenacity, (and) led our team in scoring.”