King's #5 Cale Oliver helps Flyer's #3 Ben Meservia retrieve his stick as the action goes on down ice.

 

True Sports Award Winners

Emma Sacchetti #3 of the Country Fresh Meats & Deli FLYERS

The Blue Door Bistro Avalanche would like to recognize Emma Sacchetti, 1st liner from the Flyers who this past weekend during our game Saturday demonstrated true sportsmanship when Justin Blais of the Avalanche scored his first goal which the team was extremely excited and when the bench was yelling out that it was his first goal, Emma from the opposing team also joined the celebration skating through "high fiving" the Avalanche bench. A demonstration of true sports and exemplifies "why Northwood" - family, friends and fun!!!

nominated by Avalanche Head Coach Andrew Brewer

Brett Dupuis #9 of the Petries Cycle & Sports WILD

An exciting game was played on Saturday between the Preds and the Wild. It was a game that had the fans in the stands on the edge of their seats as goals were scored from both teams resulting in the game being tied up several times before the scoreboard at the end showed a 5 - 4 win for the Preds. In the dressing room after the game, Brett Dupuis shared with his teammates that he saw a shot into our net from the Preds that did not get accounted for. The puck had gone in and out so fast and with having no camera shot available for review in the minor league, Brett wanted to ensure the player did receive credit for his goal scored. The acknowledgement of the shot on our own net spread among the team. For this act of true sportsmanship and his leadership shown both on and off the ice, I would like to nominate Brett Dupuis #9 of the Wild. Amazingly, I had heard that Kai Larocque #15 of the Preds was not upset about his unaccounted goal as he was so excited about a goal he had scored the shift before.

nominated by Cheryl Shwetz, Northwood Secretary

Theo Shwetz # 21 of the Petries Cycle & Sports WILD

Theo makes a great goalie for many reasons. One is his incredibly positive outlook, win or loose Theo always says he's had fun. He starts the game with a smile and ends the game with that very same smile, despite some higher scoring games. Theo is also incredibly receptive to coaching, he has improved so much already. Lookout Thunderwolves at Thursday night practice! Theo always comes from his net to celebrate goals with the team and has a special pat on the head for his little brother Carter. When Theo is not in the net he can be found in the stands cheering for his friends Tyler and Owen (of the Preds). Lastly Theo jumps at every opportunity for more ice time, just goes to show how much he truly loves the game. Keep up the good work Theo! The Wild is one lucky team to have you!

nominated by Head Coach Sarah Rowsell

Wren Holmstrom # 2 of the Petries Cycle & Sports WILD

After battling hard against the Flyers in Saturday's game, Wren was glowing with all his hard work behind him. Wren happily and with the biggest smile on his face, recounted the major events of the game to his Grampy in the dressing room after the game. One of the magical moments of hockey captured! Wren's spirit is contagious. The Wild is a lucky team to have such a good spirit like Wren!

nominated by Head Coach Sarah Rowsell

Kallie Hryciw #15 of the Blue Door Bistro AVALANCHE

Third line Blue Door Bistro Avalanche player Kallie Hryciw is a big sister to Kaden on the first line, but throughout the season has taken "Big Brother" or "Big Sister" to another level, taking the entire first line under her wing helping them out, looking after them before, during and after practices/games including providing pointers to make them and helping to make them better hockey players!

As first liners (two of them my own kids) learning the game and associated skills can be a challenge but Kallie without any coaching and on her own has brought leadership and sportsmanship to another level helping coach Tracy with stretching and warmup before the games, to pointers such as where to stand on face-offs, how to hold their hockey sticks to helping them with drills/skills, passing, receiving a pass, etc. which as a coach has been a pleasure!!

Kallie truly loves the sport of hockey, always giving 100% and more as mentioned above, and truly demonstrates the True Sports award in every respect!!!

nominated by Head Coach Andrew Brewer

Gavin Holowanky #8 of the Petries Cycle and Sports WILD

Gavin Holowanky has had a solid first season in Northwood. He tries hard every game and has had lots of chances around the net but that first goal has been elusive. Finally on Saturday he scored a beautiful goal which I am sure will just be the first of many. It is understandable that Gavin would be pleased with his efforts but when he went home that night he didn't just celebrate his accomplishment. Instead he made a giant card and wrote a nice letter to his teammate and first liner Summer Ford who recently broke her collarbone sledding and unfortunately has to sit out the remainder of the playoffs. For thinking of his teammate I'd like to nominate Gavin Holowanky for a True Sport award.​

nominated by Head Coach Kevin Ride

Lucas Pasciullo #10 of the Petries Cycle and Sports WILD

I normally leave the True Sports nominations to the coaches but today I witnessed a very special act that embodies everything that I want this league to be.

With his team trailing in a tight one goal game he wound his way through the defences and broke free as he crossed the blue line. He got to his favourite shooting spot and fired the puck high to the glove side. From my angle directly behind him, I was sure the shot was labeled for the top corner. But the goalie made an amazing save, snagging the wrist shot in his trapper.

Lucas Pasciullo of the Wild loves nothing more than scoring a goal and has been doing that every season since he joined the league as a first liner. He leads the league in scoring during the playoffs and was second in the regular season. After the whistle, he skated to the Predators goalie Cameron Parnham who had just robbed him of a goal and patted him on the shoulder to say "nice save" and they both shared huge grins.

It was a simple gesture but speaks volumes. It's just a game. A time to have fun, learn about the game, enjoy team mates and respect the other team. Everyone around me was amazed by both the shot and the save. I was more impressed that a ten year old was able to see the bigger picture and make that simple gesture. Well done Lucas, parents Pina and Mike and coach Kevin Ride.

nominated by President Ron Kresack

Oliver Gluck #20 of the Can Op KINGS

Oliver Gluck came to Sunday's game full of pep and dance moves. He took on a real leadership role on the bench in cheering for his teammates, from the moment the puck dropped Oli had all the Kings cheering. This season would not be complete without recognizing Oliver's outstanding leadership and ability to bring the team together. Northwood is lucky to have him!

nominated by Head Coach Sarah Rowsell

Simon Holenstein #18 of the Can OP KINGS

Simon confidently took on a leadership role in Sunday's game against the Avalanche. Simon had encouraging words for a friend and line mate who was not feeling his best. The Kings were short 2 second liners and Simon, without missing a beat, welcomed 2 first liners to second line. Simon's wonderful true colours showed both on the ice and on the bench. Keep it up Simon!

nominated by Head Coach Sarah Rowsell

Summer Ford #3 of the Petries Cycle & Sports WILD

In the dressing room Summer Ford let me know that she had some items to hand out. Summer may be small but she isn’t shy. I took off her helmet for her and she dug into the pocket of her jacket. First she presented our goalie Sam with an orange puck that she found somewhere. She decorated it with some tape and paper with some positive messages for Sam. Sam was very pleased to get this gift and I think it had a big impact on his game. Next summer pulled out some WIld green rainbow-loom rings and bracelets that she had made and she gave them to the coaches and a few players whom she has come to admire. She said she had one for the player she called ‘the big guy’ until she learned his name (Jacob). Jacob had a huge smile when he received his gift.

I thought Summer was all done but she had more to say. She stood proudly in the middle of the room and explained how a team in last place* can only move up but a team in first place can only move down. Needless to say I was super impressed with Summer’s team spirit and motivational attitude. Summer may be a very little girl but she has an enormous heart. Summer is definitely a True Sport!

*the last place Wild did win the game over the first place Kings

nominated by Head Coach Kevin Ride

Abigail Ford #6 of the Petries Cycle & Sports WILD

Abigail Ford is a very hard working player and she has a very big heart. Today in our game against the Flames she impressed me not once but twice. First, I caught her leading a team cheer "Let's go wild" - "let's go!" Then later in the game she turned to me after our goalie Sam made a big save and asked "Coach Kevin, can goalie's get the Hardest Worker award?" We pick a team 'Hardest Worker' after every game and Abby thought enough of Sam's performance to suggest he should get it. Abigail Ford is definitely a True Sport!

nominated by Head Coach Kevin Ride

Kyle Rogers #10 of the Victoria Chiropractic SENATORS

Although Kyle has never had a penalty in the three years that he has played in the Northwood Hockey League, he has however sat in the penalty box. At today’s game after a second liner received a penalty within the last couple of minutes in the game I had to choose a third line player to sit in for that penalty. When I asked Kyle to sit down in the penalty box to finish serving the penalty he did so with hesitation and without complaining. He has also shown me time and time again how kind he is on the ice towards his own team mates and also the other players in the league. Kyle isn’t an aggressive player, on many occasions when I asked him why he didn’t try harder to check the opposing player he tells me that he doesn’t want them to feel bad. I am proud to be his coach and father.

nominated by Head Coach Dan Rogers

Benjamin Kim #23 of the Victoria Chiropractic SENATORS

Ben is one of the top third line players in the league but not only is he a good hockey player he is also a good person. I have noticed on more than one occasion when someone from the other team falls to the ice after trying to check him, he would stop to make sure that they are fine before chasing after the puck. Ben also shows a lot of heart and is never a show boat. When he scores a goal you wouldn’t see him celebrating on the ice. Just a quick trip to the bench to high five his team mates.

nominated by Head Coach Dan Rogers

Chipp White #13 of the Country Fresh Meats & Deli FLYERS

The Flyers would like to nominate Chipp this week for his positive attitude and helpfulness on the ice and on the bench. The Flyers have a first line player that is still learning hockey and a couple of times during the last game I saw Chipp help him on the ice and constantly talking to him on the bench. I believe the with Chipp’s help the player is enjoying his year with Northwood Hockey. Keep it up Chipp.

nominated by Head Coach Kelly Kohanski

Lily Clara #13 of the Can Op KINGS

She has shown outstanding leadership on 3rd line. Lily is our go to cheerleader whether we are winning or losing. In today's game against the Senators she gave countless high fives to our first liner Cale Oliver. She is a great role model for Northwood Hockey League.

nominated by Head Coach Sarah Rowsell

Cole Brewer #4 of the Blue Door Bistro AVALANCHE

During the Blue Door Bistro Avalanche and Victoria Chiropractic Senators game while the first line was on the ice playing one of their shifts a minor collision and multiple player pileup occurred as a result of a loose puck. As players began standing up, Avalanche player Cole Brewer noticed another teammate also involved in the collision Emma McCart still on the ice looking up at him, so as play continued Cole first helped Emma up onto her feet before returning to chase the puck.

nominated by Head Coach Andrew Brewer

2014-15 Season True Sports Award Winners

Jonathon Everett of the Senators

I would like to nominate Jonathan Everett for the True Sport Award. Jonathan has shown over and over again what it means to be a true sport in the game of hockey. But nothing stands out more than a few weeks ago in our game against the Kings. On Sunday January 11 Jonathan had the game of his life. After scoring only twice this whole season that game he had scored four times. In the game of hockey you have to come to expect that the goal scorer will celebrate his or her goal. And lately the celebrations have been a little over the top. But even with a great deal to celebrate Jonathan never really celebrated any of those four goals that game. After each goal he quietly and calmly came to the bench to tap gloves with the rest of his team and then went straight to the faceoff circle. I know if you asked him why he did that he would just say that he is shy. But I am confident that it was because he didn’t want to rub it in to the Kings. For this I believe he is a true recipient for the True Sport Award.

nominated by Head Coach Dan Rogers

Gabriel Meekis of the Flyers

This season Gabriel is one of the quietest kids on the team. During the regular season, Gabriel was the Flyers highest scorer but you would never know as he continued on and celebrated with the team. Gabriel has quietly become a major part of the teams success.

nominated by Head Coach Kelly Kohanski

John Paul Wenzell #20 and Elizabeth Wenzell #7 of the Flames

The Wild would once again like to nominate an opposing goalie for the 'True Sport' ribbon. This week we were impressed with John Paul Wenzell of the Golden Wok Flames. The Wild found ourselves down 3-0 against the Flames after only two shifts. We began our comeback by scoring a couple of controversial goals. On the second goal one of our players got tangled with John Paul and John Paul was unfortunately injured. He came to the bench and got checked out by the coaches and after a few minutes he returned to the game. We didn't think much of the incident at the time but John Paul must have been more seriously hurt than we realized. John Paul endured about a period and a half of play before eventually leaving the ice in serious discomfort.

For not wanting to let his team down and for toughing things out the Wild would like to nominate John Paul Wenzell as this week's 'True Sport'.

The Flyers had an early morning practice this past weekend and were going to be without a goalie. After a quick email to the coaches and asking the goalies at the Friday practice, John Paul jumped at the chance for extra practice despite having a game later on that day. Elizabeth joined her brother and both were a welcome addition. Thanks for coming out we really appreciate it.

nominated by the Wild and Kelly Kohanski, coach of the Flyers

Mia Bressmer # 4 of the Wild

Mia worked very hard in our practice on Saturday and in our game Sunday she kept up the intensity stopping several Flyers who were going to the net. She also moved the puck up the ice just as we practiced. Mia is a very small player but she packs a big punch. We awarded her our 'Hardest Worker' award for the Sunday game and I think she worked hard enough to be considered for the 'True Sport' ribbon.

nominated by Head Coach Kevin Ride

Mason Zappitelli # 6 of the Flyers

At the beginning of the season, Mason was one of our first liners learning to skate. Over the course of the season he is now skating faster and getting his stick on the puck. You can tell he is engaged in the game when he celebrates a first line goal or reacts to getting scored on. During the last game, I saw Mason handing out water bottles to his line mates after the shift. Keep up the good work Mason.

nominated by Head Coach Kelly Kohanski

Nigel Kingston # 3 of the Wild

Nigel is one of the youngest players in the league. He shows up to every game with a big smile and lots of energy. Nigel loves playing hockey and does his best to win the puck every shift. Nigel started the season 'running' on his skates but now he is starting to push sideways and glide. It is fun watching him play and develop as a player.

nominated by Head Coach Kevin Ride

Cameron Parnham #12 of the Predators

During the Predators game on Saturday, I, and both benches, as well as many parents witnessed one of the most sportsmanlike gestures I have seen in my two years involved with Northwood Hockey.

While back checking hard towards his own goal, one of the Flames players went down and crashed hard into the boards behind the Flames net. The refs didn’t notice that the player was very slow getting to his feet, and play continued. However, the Predators third line left winger, Cameron Parnham did notice, and although play continued and left the zone back down towards the Predators end, he remained behind to make sure that the fellow competitor was alright. Cameron is an emotional competitor himself, and wears his heart on his sleeve…it could even be said that he is obsessed with scoring goals. To see him put his own needs aside while on the ice and to help out that ‘slow to get up player’ put a smile on my face as well as many others in the rink. That players parents even made a point of approaching me in the hall outside the dressing room and asked me to thank Cameron on their behalf. Way to go Cameron!

nominated by Head Coach Peter Warywoda

Logan Hakala #25 of the Senators

I would like to nominate Logan Hakala for the True Sport award. Every game our goalie Logan faces a lot of shots. And game after game he has shown me the meaning of being a true sport. I have never heard him complain about his defense or lack of defense in front of his net. You would never see Logan getting upset with his teammates even after he had 20 to 30 shots on net.

nominated by Head Coach Dan Rogers

Colin Maxwell #22 of the Flyers

Colin had a rough start to the first game of the weekend. He recently had his skates sharpened but unfortunately, it wasn't a very good job. He couldn't get an edge and had trouble skating. Colin was visibly upset. After trying out a couple more shifts, to Colin's dismay, he was just not able to continue in the game. Rather than going home early Colin chose to stay on the bench and cheer on his teammates. The next day Colin had his skates fixed and he came out with extra determination. He scored his first goal and through his extra hard work on both ends of the ice he earned the team's hardworker hard hat award. Great Job Colin!

nominated by Head Coach Kelly Kohanski

Joseph Burkhardt #21 of the Kings

The Kings are struggling this year and there is no lonelier position than goalie when things aren’t going well. On Sunday we faced the Kings and their goalie Joseph stopped shot after shot. The Kings got ahead 1-0 and held that lead for almost the whole game and it was Joseph who kept them in it. We have some very good shooters on our team and the Wild expect goals from all three of our lines. But breakaway after breakaway our players returned to the bench frustrated by Joseph. The score sheet says we had 21 shots. It wasn’t until the last two shifts that the puck found its way past Joseph. Our go-ahead goal came with 1:10 left in the game and had to be scored on the rebound because Joseph stopped the first shot. After the game, I happened to be going past the gate as Joseph was coming off the ice I congratulated him and he had a huge smile on his face.

nominated by Wild Coach Kevin Ride

Leo Lamont #20 of the LEAFS

During the play Leo and a group of Leafs and Flames were jostling for the puck right in front of our bench. One of the Flames went down and as the puck cleared and the chase resumed Leo hung back for just a second to ask the opponent if he was ok. Leo has been awarded the league's most sportsmanlike award in the past and is always in the running for the trophy. It was just a matter of time until he picked up one of these awards.

nominated by President Ron Kresack

Bryce Volbracht #11 of the WILD

Bryce is one of our more intense and competitive players and always challenges the opposition when they are carrying the puck. He consistently steals pucks and takes them hard to the net and never quits.

After our loss on Saturday to the Flames I went into the dressing room expecting to have to do a bit of a motivational talk. I told the team I thought they played a good game and worked very hard. Then asked the team how they felt about the loss. Bryce chirped up with a smile on his face and said "who cares about the score anyway?"

I did not expect such a balanced perspective from one of our more assertive players. Good Job Bryce!

nominated by Wild Coach Kevin Ride

Bronson Gregory #26 of the FLYERS

On the way out to the ice to start Saturday's game, Coach Jedd talked to the third line about setting examples and being role models for the younger kids. Bronson, took this advice to heart. During the course of the game he asked me when the next team practise is, I responded..so you guys can have a good skate? Bronson's response was no...to help the first liners with their positions and shooting.

nominated by Head Coach Kelly Kohanski

Jake Burak #13 of the WILD

ties work in Northwood and how he will have to sit through two other shifts while the second and third lines play.

When Jake returned to the ice he was a little hesitant to fight for the puck. He returned to the bench and we reiterated to him that he should keep playing strong and continue fighting for the puck. On Jake’s next shift he stole a puck and took it hard to the net and slammed it in past the goalie scoring his first ever Northwood goal! Jake returned to the bench to shake hands with the team, with a big smile on his face he was screaming at the top of his lungs “I got it – I got it – I scored that goal…”.

For overcoming adversity and responding in a positive way we awarded Jake the Wild’s “Hardest Worker Award” for the game and I believe he should be a strong contender for the True Sport Ribbon.

nominated by Wild Coach Kevin Ride

Brahm Langille #13 of the Chase Fitness PREDATORS

Although Brahm’s high skill level allowed him to score 4 goals in yesterday’s game, he continues to impress me at practices and also during yesterday’s game. In the third period yesterday I asked him to look to pass to his line mates and get them more involved in the Predators offence. I had numerous parents comment to me on his play - not just his skill level, but how selfless a player he is.Yesterday after the game, and similar to after practices, he sought me out in the dressing room and said, “Thanks Coach…Good Game!”

nominated by Head Coach Peter Warywoda