The final regular season game gave the Portage Terriers a chance to present a couple of the team's year-end awards, with several categories, except the post-season MVP, which Marketing Director Cody Buhler noted, hopefully won't be for another two months.
Grant Dardis was one of several players to come away with multiple team awards, and became the first ever winner of the Brady Grasdal Memorial Award. He shares that the award means a lot to him.
"It's such an honour to be able to receive that award, and how much it means. I know, with Brady, that he was a big part of the community, and I'm honoured to receive an award in his name. It's a big deal for me, and I'm happy I could be the first."
Dardis was also named the Outstanding Team Player award, and was presented with a Veterans award alongside all the other players who will be graduating from junior hockey at the end of the post-season.
He notes that despite the end of his junior career being near, he and the team are not really looking too far ahead yet, with their eyes on Game 1 of the Turnbull Cup Playoffs against the Steinbach Pistons.
"I think we're just going to take it one game at a time through this playoff run. Just focusing on our next goal, winning the game, or winning our next shift, really simplifying everything, winning all our battles. If we continue to do the right things, it will build, and we'll be successful."
The event preceded the skills competition, which was held on Sunday afternoon, March 16.
Award Winners
Fan Appreciation – Parker Scherr
Rookie of the Year – Mitchell Kathler
Best Defenseman – Owen Witt
Most Improved Player – Will McKay
Best Defensive Forward – Decker Mujcin
Sportsmanship with Ability – Tristan Gravenor
Outstanding Team Player – Grant Dardis
Community Spirit Award – Nolan Nenow
Best Defensive Defensemen – Parker Scherr
Most Valuable Player – Nolan Nenow
Geno Romanow award of Dedication – Jim Tkachyk
Veteran Award – Parker Scherr, Nolan Nenow, Cam Bullinger, Sully Ross, Grant Dardis, Scott Cousins, Decker Mujcin.
Award of Commitment & Dedication – Parker Scherr
Top Scorer – Cam Bullinger
Most Valuable Player for Central Plains – Koy Funk
Brady Grasdal Memorial Award – Grant Dardis