The Parkland U18 Rangers officially put a close to the season as they handed out some season-end awards in Swan River on Friday evening.
Team Player Award - Sam Swanton
"He's a player that is very low maintenance and he comes to the rink every day wanting to get better," said Tyler Carefoot, the team's head coach. "He leads by example and he's just one of those natural leaders and that will remain the same moving forward."
Most Improved Player - Andrew Pidskalny
"His responsibility grew with the team this year and he was a player that we could rely on in every situation," offered Carefoot. "He's fearless and he's willing to play hurt. He very much deserves this award."
Rookie of the Year - Luke Myhre (was not able to make the event)
In his first year with the U18 program, Luke did not look out of place at all as he scored 16 times while adding 16 assists.
"He was matched up against our opposing team's best players," said Myhre. "He plays a complete 200-foot game and he produced offensively and defensively for us."
Skill and Sportsmanship - Hayden Seib
Seib was a regular contributor offensively in his second season with the team as he scored 16 times while adding 20 assists.
"He's a player that we used in all situations," said Carefoot. "He's a great guy off the ice and he had a great season on the ice as well. Much deserved."
Top Defensive Player and MVP - Bo Eisner
As the team's captain, Bo was a leader on and off the ice. He scored 10 times and added 22 assists.
"Every now and again, you come across a player like Bo," said Carefoot. "He has gotten better every season and he's putting the time in. He has no ego and he was a pleasure to coach, he had a special season."
Then to wrap up the evening, the Rangers thanked their five graduating players that aren't eligible to return next year. They include Wesley Gryba-Smith, Skyler Carriere, Kyler Swanton, Madden Murray -- who made his MJHL debut on Saturday night, and Bo Eisner.
With the off-season now here for the program, Carefoot is looking forward to getting back to business in the fall as the Rangers will look to return to the playoffs.
"I think we have done a great job in developing these Parkland athletes that put so many hours in to get better," ended Carefoot. "For some, their journey is just beginning and for some, there is lots of runway left. I am very excited and proud of the way things have gone for the most part."
In playoff action in the Manitoba U18 AAA Hockey League, the Winnipeg Bruins have a 2-0 series lead in their semi-final while the Brandon Wheat Kings and Winnipeg Wild are tied up at one game apiece.
