On Tuesday May 14th, the 2012-2013 Winnipeg ICE met for the last time. An evening of great food at Earl's on Main, some speeches, and some team awards, were a great way to officially end the hockey season.
A great turnout of players and parents joined the coaching staff for an amazing dinner and some final goodbyes. After dinner, Melissa Blaine kicked off the program with her Captain's address to the team. She spoke very well and gave everyone in attendance a look into the season in her eyes. It was a great way to begin the speeches, great job Blaine! Next up was the graduating player gifts. Zack opened the tear floodgates with heartfelt words about Allie Bednarz, and followed it up with an emotional story about Sara Reuther. Coach Willy had the impossible task of following Zack, but stories about Michelle Anderson and Emily Barber lightened the mood a bit! Manager/Team Owner Henry delivered the final words about Melissa Blaine and Chantel Olson. After working with these two players for the past two seasons, Henry had some very kind words to say...the tears began again! We definitely missed Elizabeth Carter and Jane Roxburgh, who was also a graduating player, but both were unable to attend. The graduating players received a black picture frame with a picture of all 7 graduating players (taken after the final game), as well as another team picture (also taken after the final game).
After the graduating player gifts, the coaching staff gave out 3 team awards. It is always hard to give out team awards, as countless players on this team were worthy of these 3 awards. BUT, the coaches could only select 3 players, and the awards went to:
Most Improved Player: #30 Michelle Kerdes (Goalie)
Rookie of the Year: #19 Ashley Kubic (Defence)
Most Valuable Player: #2 Melissa Blaine (Defence)
The award winners each received an engraved acrylic trophy with the team logo, award name, and their name & number.
After the awards, each coach (& Henry) had some final words about the season and about each player. The evening went off without a hitch, and it was a nice way to close the season. 8 players will return for 2013-2014....while we're sad to say goodbye to the past, we're definitely excited about the future!
~Coach
