Zach Bannister receives the award for Most Valuable Player. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

Junior Hockey

Bannister receives Most Valuable Player at Ice Wolves awards banquet

Mar 10, 2019 | 11:42 AM

It was a time of celebration for the La Ronge Ice Wolves Friday night as players, parents, billets, board members and supporters came together for the year-end banquet.

“There’s a good buzz in the air,” said Ice Wolves board member Randy Johns. “We finished the season strong. I think the team has really gelled. We’re looking forward to a really good year next year.”

The main focus of the banquet held at Eagle Point Resort was the presentation of awards to players to recognize their success this season. The winners included Zach Bannister for Most Valuable Player and Top Scorer, Jordan Frey for the Community-Minded Award, Kevin Fillier and Grant Longtin for Most Improved Player, Jake Gudjonson for Diamond in the Rough and Mr. Hustle, Dalton Dosko for Most Sportsmanship Like, Dylan Thackeray for Rookie of the Year, Jordan Mish for Best Playmaker, Ben Mason for the Coaches Award, and Antonio DiPaolo for Most Dedicated Player and Top Defenseman. Bannister and DiPaolo were also given the Fan Choice Award.

“It’s a great feeling,” Bannister said about receiving the MVP award. “None of it was do-able without the organization, my billets, family, friends and lastly my teammates. They push you every day to be a better player and person, and it really has helped me. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without them.”

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Bannister, who was traded last season to the Ice Wolves from the Olds Grizzlys in the Alberta Junior ‘A’ Hockey League, also wanted to thank the support of his parents and brothers back home. Friday night marked the first time Bannister received an MVP award and he said winning one was special.

Antonio DiPaolo, center, accepts the award for Top Defenseman. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

Bannister also has high hopes for next season, stating he sees a bright future and is excited for what could happen.

“We didn’t have the year we had planned, but there are great things looking ahead,” he said.

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno