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.
This year’s winners from the Interior Conference are:
Blackfalds Bulldogs – Matthew Croxall
“Matthew is a great member of the Blackfalds and Central Alberta community. He is a highly engaged volunteer, leading the team in volunteer hours recorded this season. Additionally, he receives a lot of positive feedback from his visits to our community members. His personality and helpful nature are noted in Blackfalds and Central Alberta.”
Brooks Bandits – Dante Siciliano
“Dante has been an outstanding leader on the ice and in the community. The captain has been a great ambassador for the team during many visits to local schools over his two seasons with the team. He has also participated in numerous community events and is always the first to sign autographs and give time to fans.”
Cranbrook Bucks – Nathan Simm
“Nathan has shown himself to be a leader within our program, on the ice as well as off of it. He has consistently volunteered his time in many of our community outreach initiatives during his two years in Cranbrook. As a local Kootenay player, it has been great to see him giving his time and energy to the young people in our community.”
Okotoks Oilers – Grady Gustafson
“Grady is always the first person to sign up for community events like school visits, minor hockey coaching and helping bag groceries. Every time he is at an event, he has the biggest smile on his face and always makes the extra time to do these community initiatives.”
Salmon Arm Silverbacks – Tanner Walos
“Tanner consistently leads by example, both on and off the ice. He is always willing to give his time to the community, regularly attending events and supporting local initiatives. In his spare time, Tanner also volunteers with minor hockey teams, helping young players with team workouts and mentorship.”
Sherwood Park Crusaders – Brec Christenson
“Brec is someone who consistently goes above and beyond to support our community, while actively seeking out opportunities to make a meaningful impact in Sherwood Park. It is evident that he has a strong understanding that he is looked at as a role model in our community and how his influence makes a difference. The Crusaders are fortunate to have such an outstanding community ambassador in our organization.”
Spruce Grove Saints – Spencer Rheaume
“Spencer is a special kind of kid who will go out of his way to make everyone feel welcome. Being in Spruce Grove for his final season of junior hockey, he made time to get out and interact with those in the community and created memories with the work he has done away from the rink.”
Trail Smoke Eaters – Chayse Johnson
“Chayse has made an impact both on and off the ice in his hometown this season. The rookie goalie dedicated time each week to volunteer with Greater Trail Minor Hockey, running goalie sessions and mentoring the next generation. He also returned to his roots by reading to students at St. Michael’s Elementary, inspiring young learners in the community. Whether at Skates with the Smokies or around town, Johnson consistently connected with fans of all ages, proving himself to be a true hometown role model.”
Vernon Vipers – Deagan McMillan
“For the past year, Deagan has led the Vipers organization both on and off the ice. The hometown product has always been willing to support his community, often being among the first to volunteer his time. From school reading programs to community fundraisers, Deagan has become a fan favourite and a proud representative of the Vernon Vipers Hockey Club.”
West Kelowna Warriors – Caden Kemkaran-Humble
“Caden exemplifies the values of community engagement through his genuine connection with fans and those around the Warriors organization. He regularly greets fans and volunteers around the arena, spends time after games connecting with supporters and enthusiastically participates in school visits. Caden represents the Warriors organization with humility, positivity and the character and community spirit that make him an outstanding role model both on and off the ice.”
