In lieu of the banquet we were unable to have, the Grey Bruce Highlanders are very pleased to announce the 2021/22 season award winners.
U12 MVP - Chace Snow
Chace comes to us from Shallow Lake and is a forward with a very bright future in the sport of hockey. His passion and intensity stands out within his peer group. He exemplifies a great work ethic with exceptional speed and a great shot.
U13 MVP - Connor Hagerty
Joining the Highlanders in 2020, Connor made an immediate impact for our Peewee team. Connor plays a powerful game complimented by a strong scoring touch and excellent vision. His leadership skills, both on and off the ice, made it an easy decision for his teammates to nominate Connor as team captain this season. Connor leads by example and does everything asked of him by his coaches and teammates, never backing down from a challenge regardless of the who he's up against. Connor's consistency, talent and work ethic played a key role in our team's success this season. His coaches and teammates wish him the best in his Minor Bantam season and hope he continues to grow as an incredible player and person.
U14 - Dillon Atkinson & Ryan Cranny
The U14 team had an excellent year, culminating in a trip to the OMHA championship. At the championships we had tight two goal losses against the top two teams in the OMHA. These successes were a result of all parts of the team working with all players doing their part.
We have two MVPs this year, both providing key leadership, important offensive and defensive play as well as key goals and assists at important times.
Ryan Cranny, in his first year with the team provided scoring for the team all season, centering the top offensive line in the regular season, scoring the most goals, carrying a letter on his jersey all season and being a leader on and off ice.
Dillon Atkinson led by example all season, working at both ends of the ice and being the captain of the team. Dillon stepped up in the playoffs, being an integral part of the offense, especially in key moments such as overtime. At one point Dillon scored 5 out of 6 goals in two key playoff wins.
Congratulations Ryan and Dillon on your individual and team successes this year.
U15 - Nolan Nicoll & Aaron Dukeshire
Nolan has dedicated work ethic, very competitive and good skills. For someone whom was given no chance in his home area he proved he is as good as any goaltender in our league.
Aaron is a very hard working, integral part of the team.
U16 - Cooper Love
Cooper joined the U16 team as a new face with lots of promise. He lived up to everything we saw in tryouts and added so much more the coaches never expected. Cooper quickly became a leader on and off the ice and emerged as the top defenseman for us this past year. When injuries ran through the team, wins and losses Cooper always showed up with a positive attitude and ready to put in the work. Logging the most minutes of any player this year he was consistently one of our best players game in and game out. During a year with so many ups and downs cooper truly was the rock this team needed every single time we showed up to the arena.
U18 - Dylan Syzmanowski
Dylan was a major contributor to our teams offense, leading the team in goals! Not only did Dylan score goals, he scored them in big games, in the big moments when the team really needed it. Just to name a couple examples, game 3 of the season Dylan scored 2 goals in the final 5 minutes of the 3rd to lead our team to a come from behind win over the eventual OMHA champs, the Guelph Gryphons. In our first playoff game, Dylan scored a hat trick in the 3rd period to lead us to yet another come from behind win. Dylan's combination of skating and shooting ability made him a challenge for defending teams all season long.
Coach of the Year - Mike Broderick (U14 Head Coach)
Mike Broderick is well deserving of this award and is a model Coach for our Association.
Mike's coaching philosophy is well suited for minor hockey as he strikes the perfect balance between competitiveness and the individual needs of his players. He understands that player development is not only in terms of hockey skills but, also, the development of life skills.
Mike has been with this age group from their first season. During this period the team and players have improved each year culminating in a trip to the OMHA Championships.
Congratulations Mike, a recognition that has been well earned.
Volunteer of the Year - Chris Holding (U15 Trainer)
Chris has been a part of the Highlander organization for 5 years now as a trainer with the 2007 age group.
He has been a constant with the team that players and parents could count on during practices, games, coaching changes and COVID times.
He treats all the players as though they are his own children and is respected by the parents. He very rarely (if ever) has missed an event, game or practice
As the years have moved on, Chris's workload as a trainer increased due to the physical nature of the game. Chris spent more and more time with the players, fixing equipment and making sure their safety gear is up to league standards. This last season he dealt with injuries of all sorts with care and respect to the player and their parents. This also involves follow ups and paperwork that is always completed on time and as required.
Scholarship Awards - U16 & U18
Zac Herrold Award - this award goes to the U16 player that has the highest fall semester average in school. This years recipient is Leighton Hurst.
Michael O'Hara Award - this award goes to the U18 player that exemplifies teamwork, dedication, and service to community. This year's recipient is Griffin St. Pierre.
Congratulations to all award recipients - well deserved by all!
GBH executive