The BC Hockey League has announced the Interior Conference winners of the Kyle Turris Community Award, presented by Rogers.
The award is given to BCHL players who go above and beyond in their community. Each team submits a winner from their organization, along with the reasons they were chosen.
On Wednesday, the league announced the Coastal Conference winners.
This year’s winners from the Interior Conference are:
Blackfalds Bulldogs – Josh Sale
Sale is always happy to volunteer and give a helping hand with a smile on his face, leading the team in volunteer hours last season. He volunteers at the Central Alberta Humane Society weekly and also visits schools in Blackfalds. Sale is a caring person who contributes greatly to his community.
Brooks Bandits – Davide Patella
Patella was a constant in the Brooks community. From school visits to senior’s homes, his ability to connect with people of all ages was present. His outgoing personality made him and ideal choice for this award.
Cranbrook Bucks – Jack Silich
Silich was always willing and eager to represent the Bucks and the BCHL at Cranbrook community events. He would bring his jovial presence and warm smile to any activity, whether he was reading books to elementary school children, pumping gas for community members, playing street hockey with youth or just sharing a meal with fans. He developed a great connection with the community.
Okotoks Oilers – Sam Hall
Hall went above and beyond through his community efforts in Okotoks by continuously engaging in school visits where he would read to students during school hours and play floor hockey in gym classes as well. He also did community work on his own time as he volunteered with the Orinda Society and assisted neighbours of his billet family with shoveling driveways in the winter.
Penticton Vees – Anselmo Rego
Rego is a dedicated and proactive individual who actively contributes to the community and team. He is continuously in the office asking when the next community or school event is and if he can be on the list to attend. His commitment to attending community events, assisting around the arena and office and his eagerness to participate in school visits, despite being injured last year, highlights his strong sense of responsibility and team spirit.
Salmon Arm Silverbacks – Nathan Mackie
Not only is Mackie a leader on the ice as team captain, he continued to be a leader off of it for our organization. He’s built off the standard of our past captains and continues to be a role model within our community. Our program is very fortunate to have a player with such high character.
Sherwood Park Crusaders – Chade Christenson
Since debuting with the team in 2021, Christenson has exemplified what it means to be a Crusader, both on and off of the ice. Whether inside the classroom for Read-In Week, supporting our ambassador program or assisting with the Boys & Girls Club of Strathcona County, his commitment to the community is unmatched. His sense of pride in his endeavours extends far beyond the Randy Rosen Rink, but to his academics, on-ice success and the community of Sherwood Park.
Spruce Grove Saints – Ethan Kronewitt
Kronewitt continually steps up to serve his hometown community. He takes part in reading to local youth and playing floor hockey at local schools, handing out medals at local fun runs and always plays a key role at Saints kids club events. It doesn’t matter if it’s in-season or the offseason, he always shows up and helps organize team members to join him.
Trail Smoke Eaters – Ryan Parker
The Smoke Eaters engage with the Trail community multiple times per week throughout the season and Parker has demonstrated his commitment to community involvement by participating in Skate with Smokies, reading in local schools, Special Olympics events and various minor-hockey skill and goalie camps. He has volunteered countless times at these events and has made a big impact in the Trail community.
Vernon Vipers – Julian Facchinelli & Luke Pakulak
Both of these players have volunteered many hours off the ice over the season. They both understand the commitment of being a junior hockey player away from the rink. They set great examples for our younger players of the importance of work in the community and always take the time to sign that autograph for a young fan.
West Kelowna Warriors – Dylan Brooks
Brooks was a leader on and off the ice. He would take initiative when attending community events and the local youth adored him. Whether it was in the schools, at minor hockey practices or at charity events, he embraced the role of community role model and always volunteered his time to give back to West Kelowna.
