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BCHL announces 2024 Coastal Conference winners of Kyle Turris Community Award, presented by Rogers

The BC Hockey League has announced the Coastal 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. This year’s winners from the Coastal Conference are:

Alberni Valley Bulldogs – Braden Blace

For the last three years, Blace has been a steady figure in the Alberni Valley, both manning the blueline and positively impacting youth in the community. During his 20-year-old season, Blace frequently spent mornings and evenings on the ice with local youth teaching hockey skills to passionate young hockey players. Along with teammates, he frequently attended Haahuupayak Elementary where players had the opportunity to connect with children attending the school. His love for the game of hockey had an incredibly positive impact on the students at Haahuupayak, leaving many with a new-found passion for the game. He exemplifies leadership and character in all aspects of life and hockey.

Chilliwack Chiefs – Harrison Boldt

Boldt, in his rookie year, made a significant impact in Chilliwack. He was a volunteer coach for the local Special Olympics floor hockey team and became an instant fan favourite. Everywhere he goes, Boldt takes a vested interest in everyone he interacts with and tries to positively impact their day. Multiple messages and comments were sent to team staff about his leadership and kindness when out in public. Even when not in the lineup, Boldt could be found chatting with fans, visiting with volunteers and helping with in-game promotions.

Coquitlam Express – Eric Young

Last winter, Express players were tasked with delivering leftover stuffed animals from the Teddy Bear Toss game to BC Children’s hospital at the last minute. Young volunteered right away and said he would gladly go deliver the bears and cheer up the sick kids at the hospital, despite knowing that he had an hour commute to get back home from the rink. He is a top-notch individual and does everything he can to brighten the day of young fans. He never turns down a school visit or an opportunity to volunteer.

Cowichan Valley Capitals – Dryden Kuramoto

Kuramoto was a positive influence for his team and community, always willing to put in the extra effort to represent himself and the Capitals organizations. He is a mentor to the younger children in the schools, minor hockey and at any event he participated in.

Langley Rivermen – Vitaly Levyy

Levyy leads by example with actions that go above and beyond the expectations of a junior athlete. His genuine connection with the Rivermen and the Langley community is evident in his initiative to attend minor hockey practices and games, independently reaching out to season-ticket holders’ families. Levyy has taken the initiative to rally his teammates, gathering them to attend kids games. This personal touch demonstrates a profound commitment to fostering relationships with the individuals who support the team, showcasing a level of engagement that extends beyond the ice.

Nanaimo Clippers – Brett Merner

Merner, the team captain and Nanaimo native, truly exemplified what it means to be a Clipper during his three seasons with the team. Whether it’s post-game skates with fans, making speeches at community functions such as the Women of Influence Awards or Clipper Captain School Visits, he always goes the extra mile for the community he grew up in.

Powell River Kings – Jace Harder

Harder has been a great ambassador for the Kings in the Powell River community. From going to schools every Tuesday for the Read Program, to helping the future generation of skaters at weekly CanSkate sessions and everything else in between, he always has time to give back to the community.

Prince George Spruce Kings – Carter Hesselgrave

Starting with summer hockey school and then throughout the season, Hesselgrave was always one of the first to put his hand up to volunteer.  As a northern B.C. player, he understood the importance of connecting with all areas of the community.

Surrey Eagles – Ty Brassington

Brassington has exhibited all the qualities of what it means to be a leader. His involvement within the community is a demonstration of why he was chosen as Eagles captain. With his willingness to attend every community event, make time to talk with fans and to always set a great example, Brassington is a true community leader.

VIctoria Grizzlies – Tyler Waram

Waram is always first to volunteer for community events and motivates others to participate with enthusiasm and a positive attitude.  He epitomizes what it means to be a Grizzly, with heart, compassion, leadership and a dedication to giving back. The Grizzlies are thankful for his four years of dedication to the organization and community.