This image of the Ice Wolves was taken in March 2022. (Submitted photo/Patricia Skalicky Photography)

By Derek Cornet

year end

Ice Wolves awards banquet highlights 2021-22 season and player success

Apr 4, 2022 | 2:45 PM

It was an evening of celebration for the La Ronge Ice Wolves on Saturday as players gathered for one last time.

The team’s annual Year-End Awards Banquet and Jersey Auction was held at Eagle Point and it sold out at 140 guests. It was an event to cap off the 2021-22 season, board member Randy Johns said, along with raise funds and recognize individual players for their success.

The jersey auction and other proceeds from the banquet generated $27,000 for the Ice Wolves.

“We auctioned off the other home jerseys and they are those nice black and teal jerseys,” Johns said. “They are a collector’s item because we are going to go to a little different jersey next year and they also have the Hugh Watt crest on them.”

Johns noted there were 10 20-year-old players on the roster this past season and they will age out of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League. In recognition of the contribution they made to the team and tri-communities during the years, they were gifted their jersey, as well as given a Yeti mug.

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This season’s Most Valuable Player Award went to Xavier Cannon and Brandon Della Paolera, while Paolera also received Top Scorer and Best Playmaker. Paolera shares the Hugh Watt Memorial ‘Ironman’ Award with Kole Christensson.

Christensson was also awarded Mr. Hustle, as well as Most Dedicated Player alongside Ethan Strik. Fans Choice went to Parker Layton and Holden Knights. Knights also took home the Coaches Award, and Playoff Most Valuable Player with Mkyllan Couture.

Brian Gilman received Diamond in the Rough, Dawson Smith was awarded Most Improved Player and Walker Jerome took Rookie of the Year. Top defenceman went to Nate Looft and the Community Minded Award was earned by Connor Abric.

“They went through a lot this season,” Johns said. “There was COVID, injuries, we weren’t even sure if we were going to get shut down and all that was going to happen. We haven’t played a whole season for three years, so there was a whole lot. These guys came through really well, and we really made a push to get in the playoffs.”

In the coming months, the Ice Wolves will host their annual camp at the end of May in Saskatoon. Head Coach Kevin Kaminski will also begin recruiting for the 2022/23 season and travel to places such as Calgary, Medicine Hat, Vancouver and Las Vegas.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno