(Back L to R) Ben Tkachuk, Tian Rask, Tyson Meyers, Shawn Parkinson, Nolan Kadachuk, Alex Rondeau. (Front L to R) Zach Anderson, Kenzie Arnold, Kyle Bosch, Seth McCulloch, Ben Chase, Ryan MacLean, Lucas Ochitwa. (Aaron Schulze/northeastNOW Staff)

By Mat Barrett

Awards Banquet

Mustangs celebrate succesful season at annual Awards Banquet

Mar 2, 2020 | 4:27 AM

After what was a successful weekend on the ice, the Melfort Mustangs got to celebrate their accomplishments with their annual Awards Banquet on Sunday, March. 1.

A total of 21 awards were handed out by the team and the big winner of the night was defenceman, and Melfort native Nolan Kadachuk who took home four awards.

“It’s great to feel the recognition of the work and effort that you’ve put in,” he said. “So it’s a great feeling.”

Kadachuk received the Crunch Award for most hits, the Top Defensive Defenceman Award, the Joel Dennis Memorial Award, and the Fan Choice Award. Kadachuk is out in community a great deal, especially with local kids, which could be a part of why the fans decided to award him with their award.

“Being from Melfort here, it was the same way for me growing up,” Kadachuk said. “I always looked up to the Mustangs and they were always good to take time for me and make my day, so I’m more than happy to try and do the same for others.”

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Kadachuk added it’s special to receive a memorial award as well. He said it’s good the family continues to keep the award going.

Shawn Parkinson was another big winner at the event as he took home three awards. Parkinson was named Most Dedicated, Most Valuable Player, and received the Three Star Selection Award.

“I put in a lot of hard work this season,” Parkinson said. “It’s nice to see it paid off with some recognition.”

The Mustangs also had a large, and talented crop of rookies this year as 12 rookies wear Mustangs colours this season.

The Top Rookie Award was also handed out on Sunday and it was given to Ben Tkachuk. In his 17-year-old season, Tkachuk was a major part of the Mustangs forward core, and also represented Melfort at the SJHL/MJHL Showcase in January.

“It could’ve went to any single one of us,” he said. “It’s good to own it.”

Tkachuk was one of a few double winners on the evening as he was also handed the Scholastic Achievement Award for his work in the classroom.

Not only did the Mustangs honour their accomplishments with their awards, they also honoured the nine 20-year-old players who are in their last year of Junior Hockey. Kadachuk, Parkinson, Alex Rondeau, Tian Rask, Kyle Bosch, Tyson Meyers, Zach Anderson, Austin Nault, and Kenzie Arnold were all honoured with a plaque and their blue home jersey. Head Coach and General Manager Trevor Blevins also gave some kind words about each one of them.

“Me and [Blevins] have really grown a relationship over the past few years here,” Kadachuk said. “And to be honest, I had no idea he felt quite like that about me, but I was very happy to hear it.”

The team also auctioned off some jerseys at the event.

Tkachuk said it’s nice to be part of the event with his team away from the rink.

“It’s special for sure,” he said. “We hang out lots together but tonight, all of us dressed up and looking nice, looking pretty, it’s good to be a part of.”

List of Award Winners:

Scholastic Achievement – Ben Tkachuk

Community Involvement – Lucas Ochitwa

Most Improved – Seth McCulloch

Most Dedicated to Fitness – Zach Anderson

Most Intense Athlete in the Gym – Seth McCulloch

Most Spirited Player – Ryan MacLean

Most Popular Player – Ben Chase

Most Dedicated Player – Shawn Parkinson

Hardest Working Player – Kyle Bosch

Top Scorer – Kenzie Arnold

Three Star Selection – Shawn Parkinson

Plus/Minus Award – Kenzie Arnold

Kyle Johnson Memorial Award – Tyson Meyers

Crunch Award (Most Hits) – Nolan Kadachuk

Joel Dennis Memorial Award – Nolan Kadachuk

Hardest Hitter – Tian Rask

Top Defensive Forward – Tyson Meyers

Top Defensive Defenceman – Nolan Kadachuk

Rookie of the Year – Ben Tkachuk

Fan Choice Award (Voted on Through Social Media) – Nolan Kadachuk

Most Valuable Defenceman – Alex Rondeau

Most Valuable Players – Shawn Parkinson

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mat.barrett@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @matbarrett6