Year End Banquet & Awards

by the sportsguy North Grenville Times

When you walked into the room at eQuinelle Grille last Sunday afternoon, you could feel a sense of pride and family, as the “Boys of Winter” wrapped up their season with a Banquet and Awards celebration. Meet & Greet was a casual, low key affair, anticipating what was to come next. Beverages flowed as the luncheon buffet was being prepared by eQuinelle staff for a throng of invited guests. When inside the room, there was a large screen TV on the wall that had a fantastic slide show, prepared by Joe Jefferies, of some action-packed moments from the season. Paul LeBreux, partner/owner of the 73’s, was extremely proud to be part of the ownership and what the team had achieved.

After everyone was fed and watered, MC GM Terry Nichols gained control of the room to extend a warm welcome, with a brief explanation of the history of the awards to be presented and an introduction of partner/owner, Joe Jefferies. Joe offered his appreciation from the owners to the volunteers, on and off ice personnel, Shoeless Joe’s for supplying out of town teams with meals, community sponsors, a special mention to Good Night Bedding for being part of promoting home game 73’s jersey night. A huge thank you was given to Eric Norenberg of KBC – RONA and Kevin Scott of CopperWood for their contributions to making a much-needed work-out and weight facility a reality. Another thank you went out to Frank Hoffman, from Canadian Tire Corporation, for sponsoring the 73’s Kids Summer Camp for local players. Special thanks to Tubman’s Funeral Home, Harvex, Nautical Lands Group, Myers, KrisAlis, Fat Les, Tim Hortons, Urbandale, Sauve Heating, Grahame’s Bakery, Kemptville Suites, KBC, Cruickshank Const., First Stop Tool Rentals, Gabriel Pizza, EQ Homes, Bridgeport Colonnade, Jonsson YIG, 3C Underwear, Classic Graphics, CopperWood GC, Cogeco. Bouquet to Katherine of TMSI (eQuinelle Golf) for making the Banquet possible.

Then, just shortly after Joe’s time in the spotlight, Jason York appeared on the screen from Calgary, were he was covering a game for TSN, to express his best wishes and appreciation. Overall, partners were satisfied with the 73’s rebuilding structure.

Before the hardware was presented, it was agreed that next year’s Banquet would be later, as Kemptville will be in a playoff run. The awards were handed out with pride, and pictures taken to record the moment before the crowd dispersed. See you at the Spring Import & Prospects Camp, May 5 & 6.

Awards were handed out to the following:
David Rigby Most Valuable Player – Ashton Fry
Three Stars Award – Ashton Fry
Ron Perkins Top Graduating Player – Liam Hunter
Manford Boal Top Defensemen – Liam Hunter & Charlie Keifer
Scholastic Player – Cooper Lukenda
Clara Thompson Rookie of the Year – Jared Williams
Hudson Memorial Most Improved – Garrett Meyer & Jared Paterson
Ford Christie Most Dedicated Player – Thomas Daskas
Peterson Community Service Award-Jacob Thousand
Jack Nixon Sportsman & Athleticism – Joel Frazee
Ryan Forbes (Heart & Desire) – Jared Williams
Volunteer of the Year – Howard Leach
Owners Award for Dedication, Leadership & Skill – Liam Hunter (this award includes a $2,000 scholarship for college)