The minor hockey season has come to a close for another year and a celebration was held last week to commemorate the season.

It was a challenging year for many parents and players who had to make long trips to the far reaches of Alberta to play away games, and for teams and players that weathered the injury storm throughout the season. This is part and parcel of playing in the league, said Tamar Couture, secretary of Jasper Minor Sports, and families do it each year for the love of the game.

Watching the players improve is always fun and Couture said this year’s initiation players came a long way.

“It was amazing to watch initiation [players],” she said. “There were at least 10 kids who stepped on to the ice without being able to skate and by the end of the season [they had greatly improved]. This is pure hockey. There is no competition, they are just there to play.”

At the banquet dinner held on March 24, players celebrated their season with food, fun and awards. Shirley Dorin (and team) received the longest – and loudest – standing ovation for her support of the association as players, parents and families enjoyed her delicious dinner.

Jake Delorme, Bantam Bearcat, was awarded the Gord Dolny Memorial Sportsmanship Award, though all the nominees were certainly worthy of the honour. Delorme suffered an ankle injury and had to pull out of the season, but Couture said his passion was evident and he came to all the home games to cheer his team on.

The Gord Dolny award is given to a player each year, and recognizes good sportsmanship to those that have had to overcome some obstacle throughout the season. Dolny, who passed away in the 2002/03 minor hockey season, was heavily involved in the association and remained so even while fighting a severe illness.

Also honoured was John Ward, a long-time coach and referee in the community. Ward was given the Community Volunteer Award for his years of dedicated service.

Throughout the past year, Couture said that all the teams came out on the positive side of things. The Bantam Bearcats faired exceptionally well, finishing as Zone 3 champions at the end of their season.