The Parkland U18 Rangers officially put a bow on the 2024-25 season with their awards ceremony and wind-up.
Hosted at the Gilbert Plains Country Club, the team played a round of golf, then ended the year with a banquet inside the beautiful Events Centre.
Tom White was the team's head coach last year.
"It was great. It was nice to see all the guys back together," said White. "I think they had a lot of laughs. It was a great night."
The team handed out several awards.
Piet Mierau was the team's most valuable player. He won 17 games this season.
"He's a fiery competitor. Every night, he gave us a chance to win," offered White. "He had an excellent season, and we appreciate his efforts."
Quinten Fisk of Dauphin took home the Skill & Sportsmanlike Player Award. The Dauphin Kings prospect had an excellent season, leading the team with 29 goals and 62 points. He also played eight games with the Kings.
"He's another fiery competitor. He hates to lose, he's skilled, and plays a full 200-foot game," said White. "Going forward, he's going to have an excellent career."
Ryder Gardner is a player who plays with great passion. He was named the team's Defensive Player of the Year.
"He's a tough competitor. He's not a nice guy to play against, works so hard," commented White. "He always found a way to contribute."
Dayson Martin put the province on notice. In his rookie season, the star from Swan River had 16 goals and 38 points. Martin would take over games at times and was named the team's Rookie of the Year.
"He came into the program ready to go. It took a few games to catch up, but he really impressed," said White. "He has a bright future."
Jordan Height grew tremendously throughout the season and was named the team's Most Improved Player.
"He came in a bit late to the program. He never disappointed, he improved every practice and game," said White. "By the end, he fit right in with our group."
The final award of the night went to Forrest Karlson. The Dauphinite scored eight goals and had 17 points in 47 games. He also had 104 penalty minutes and was a player who put his body on the line to help the team every game. He won the Hardest Worker Award.
"He gave it everything he had, practice or game," said White. "He loves playing the game, he's so passionate."
When it comes to the rest of the group, White wanted to thank every player for their efforts throughout the season.
"We ended with 23 wins, that's the best it's been in many years," said White. "Although we didn't make the playoffs, I think every guy should be proud of what we accomplished this season."
The organization also acknowledged its graduating players. Cade Legaarden, Piet Mierau, Colton Knox, and Sam Swanton have graduated from AAA hockey.
