The recipients for the annual association awards were announced at this year's coach and volunteer appreciation event. Here is a list of the awards and this year's recipients.
Someone who has provided exemplary leadership, dedication and commitment towards the activities of the WGHA during the past year(s). This person is likely a member of the WGHA Executive, but could also be someone outside the executive who has worked hard to help the WGHA in a significant way this past year.
Recipient: Christine Honderich
Quote from the nomination: "Christine has taken over the role of Registrar - which is not an easy role to take over. There are many little things that need to be done and she has picked up this role very quickly and does not hesitate to question or push back on some things. She has really shown leadership in taking over this role and would love to see her considered for this award. "
Fan of the Year
Someone who comes out to many games, and cheers on the Wolverines in a positive and enthusiastic manner. Or someone who contributes to the organization in a special way? This could be a parent, grandparent, friend or family member of any player within the Wolverine family.
Recipients: Cecil and Reta Wagler
Quote from the nomination: "Cecil and Reta are grandparents to both Anna Wagler and Cecilia Wagler. They have been coming to watch and respectable cheer on their grandchildren for many years. For Anna they have been coming to watch games since she started first year PeeWee up to Intermediate."
Volunteer of the Year
Someone who has contributed countless hours of volunteer activity towards the activities of the WGHA. Someone who works tirelessly with no expectation of receiving recognition for their efforts. This may be anyone who has helped with the organization over the past year.
Recipient: Erik King
Quote from the nomination: Eric has started a new Fundamental program and is running the largest group/team in the WGHA. I have heard lots of good things from other centers about Erik and about the program he runs.
Above and Beyond Award
This award is not handed out annually but is handed out in seasons when a member of the organization has gone "above and beyond" in their efforts for the association.
Recipient: Sandra Cook
Quote from nomination: "Sandra has consistently performed the roles she has held in the WGHA with energy, enthusiasm, and initiative, bringing new ideas forward when she felt processes and programs could be improved. She conducts herself with integrity and is respectful of others when differences of opinion arise. This year especially she stepped up to the plate to take over some ice scheduling duties when the urgent need arose to fill this role.
Kyla Kowalik Award
This player is a girl who demonstrates most of the qualities listed for the individual awards. She demonstrates a high degree of dedication to her team by attending virtually all practices and games. She is a valuable offensive and defensive player (or just defensive in the case of a goaltender), who exemplifies the ‘pursuit of excellence’. She is a team player who plays the game with respect for all, and demonstrates a high degree of sportsmanship at all times. She places team success over individual success, sharing the puck and never taking selfish penalties. She has a positive attitude on and off the ice. She is likely a player who would be known by opposing teams for her on-ice abilities
Recipient: Abby Bender
Quote from nomination: "Abby is our Captain and is an extremely talented hard working player who is a quiet leader. Although she is extremely talented and can skate circles around most, she is very encouraging to her fellow teammates making them aware that they are all very much a significant part of the team."
Jim Fetter Bursary
The bursary goes to a Wolverine or Wolverines who are planning to attend post-secondary education and believes in the value of contributing to our community.
Recipients: Marieke Van Rooyen & Emily Huras