The Richardson Pioneer Weyburn Red Wings handed out their year end awards Friday night, honouring some of the best achievements by the players throughout the season.
The biggest honour of the night was presented as the last award – Most Valuable Player. Who the recipient of that award would be was perhaps one of the worst kept secrets in Weyburn, as this player had already been nominated as the league’s most valuable player. The recipient – Ryley Morgan.
“It’s really awesome to get some individual recognition, but its all due to my teammates, you know?” Morgan said after the awards presentation. “They’re pushing me out there – great group of guys, and of course a big thanks to my linemates out there too – Ty Mason and (Jackson) Hassman.”
The Graham Christie Memorial Award this year for the Most Inspiration Red Wing was presented to the captain of the team, Matthew Reidy. He would also be named, for the second year in a row, the team’s top defensive forward.
“It was a good year, I think,” Reidy said. “We achieved out goal coming into the year, which was to make the playoffs and build from the end of last year. So year, overall it was a successful year so far.”
Here is the complete list of award winners:
- Best Defensive Forward – Matthew Reidy
- Outstanding Community Service Award – Ty Mason
- Most Improved Player – Nick Kovacs
- Most Valuable Defenseman – Blake Norris
- Most Popular Player (Fan Vote) – Ty Mason
- Dedication & Ability to the Game of Hockey (Marcel Labelle Memorial) – Blake Norris & Ian Maier
- Most Valuable Forward – Ryley Morgan
- Rookie of the Year – Lucas Jeffreys
- Outstanding Ability and Gentlemanly Conduct – Jakob Kalin
- Unsung Hero Award – Max Monette & Ian Maier
- Most Popular Player (Team Vote) – Jackson Hassman
- Most Inspirational Red Wing (Graham Christie Memorial) – Matthew Reidy
- Most Valuable Player – Ryley Morgan
The evening also included comedy from Weyburn local Ryan Skjerdal and Saskatoon’s Myles Morrison. There were also a number of fundraisers such as a 50/50, with the various draws and raffles raising more than $2500 for the hockey club.
The Red Wings will now get set for their final regular season game Saturday night, as they host the Estevan Bruins at Crescent Point Place.