Kincardine Bulldogs players recognized for achievements at annual awards banquet

A number of Kincardine Bulldogs players were recognized for their achievements at the annual awards banquet, Saturday night, at the Davidson Centre in Kincardine.

Five overage players were acknowledged for their hard work, dedication and leadership, as they graduate from the Bulldogs and move on to senior hockey or other endeavours. These included: No. 17, Nathan Lavender; No. 8, Carson Stutzman; No. 10, Tyler Wagler; No. 27, Cole Lewis; and No. 13, Austin Griffin.

Warren Beisel started the evening off by welcoming the crowd, and then everyone enjoyed a delicious meal.

Following the main course, the overage players cut and served the cake for dessert.

Timekeepers Gord Kemp and Jamie Hunsburger, who hand out lifesavers to the Bulldogs players when they show up at the penalty box during home games, called up Carson Stutzman and gave him a bag of lifesavers, since he placed second in penalty minutes this season, with 84 minutes. First place went to Bryce Martin with 85 minutes but he was unable to attend the banquet.

Beisel thanked the Bulldogs executive members, Diane and John Satosek of Kincardine Canadian Tire (title sponsor), Brad and Melanie Pyke of Kincardine Home Hardware, Johnny K, the game night helpers, social media, music men, timekeepers, coaches, trainers, Liz and David Dadson of the Kincardine Record, photographer Mike Chennette of McGinny Photography, those in charge of the elimination draw, and the many sponsors and fans.

He reminded the players of the Doug Kennedy Memorial Indoor Beach Volleyball event, April 30 to May 2; the golf tournament, Aug. 14; the OHA Doug Kennedy Memorial golf tournament, June 5; and training camp in mid-August.

Award winners included the following:
 

• Most Sportsmanlike Player – Ty McQuillin, Tyler Kelly and Leland Weber
• Chris Knott Memorial Award for Most Colourful Player – Cole Lewis and Zasha Ortman
• Most Improved Player – Dawson Marshall
• Rookie of the Year – Zasha Ortman
• Ken McCormick Memorial Award for Most Determined Player – Caeleb Bowler and Jared Houghton
• Toots Johnson Coaches Award – Tyler Kelly and Blake Beitz
• Top Defensive Player – Dawson Marshall and Nathan Lavender
• Randy Dowler Ironman Award (over four years while at school, he did not miss a game) – Jared Houghton and Zasha Ortman
• Best Defenceman – Jared Houghton
• Leading Scorer in the regular season – Cole Lewis
• Most Valuable Player in the regular season – Cole Lewis
• Doug Kennedy Memorial Award for Leading Scorer in the playoffs – Cole Lewis
• Most Valuable Player in the playoffs – Cam and Ryan Robillard
• Volunteer of the Year – Kim Roy