The Drumheller Rotary Club introduced a new award for Drumheller residents and they found a most fitting recipient.
    On Monday, December 14, the Drumheller Rotary Club presented the Distinguished Unsung Hero Award to Albert Durbano. This was at their weekly meeting at the Cretaceous Conference Centre.
    “The Unsung Hero Award was introduced by Rotary a few months ago, and this recognition is for an individual who has contributed so much in volunteer work in benefit of his fellow man, and often these contributions, although appreciated, may not be noticed by the general public,” said Jim Fisher in presenting the award to Durbano.
    “It is a surprise,” laughs Durbano. In fact, Fisher jokes that had Durbano known he would be presented the award, he wouldn’t have come!
    Durbano is a face that many in the baseball community know, especially when he was wearing a mask. He influenced generations of baseball players in the valley as a coach, but also for 34 years of umpiring.
  Now retired, Durbano is an active volunteer, has given his time for various charities, and has committed many hours working casinos. At Manor 1, he has become a valued and appreciated neighbour. He is often driving fellow residents for groceries or for appointments as well as trips to the “Candy Store.”
    “He refuses to take gas money, or let us buy lunch,” states the nominating letter. Durbano was the recipient of the award, and Fisher says they are looking at presenting the award throughout the year.
    For a resident to nominate a person they believe is worthy of the award they can submit a letter to the Rotary Club of Drumheller at Box 1331, Drumheller AB. T0J0Y0.

    Alice Laslo had a special reason to watch last week’s Calgary Flames, Buffalo Sabres game as her grandson was on the ice.
    Alice comes from a hockey family, and jokes that she remembers listening to games on the radio.  Her son Dan also played on the Drumheller Falcons and with the Miners.
    Last Thursday, December 10, she was at the Saddledome to watch Chad Johnson, son   of Karen Johnson (nee Laslo)  back the Sabres in net.
    “They didn’t win, but he played his first game at the Saddledome, that’s where he grew up,” said Alice.
    Chad has been on a journey to the NHL that nearly brought him to Drumheller. Alice explains that he tried out for the Junior A Drumheller Dragons at the beginning of his junior carrer. He always played his hockey with his twin brother Curtis, and both were able to find a place on the Brooks Bandits Roster. His brother finished his junior career in Lloydminster and Chad earned a scholarship to the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
    As a Nanook, he was named the Central Collegiate Hockey Association Player of the Year and was drafted to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Upon graduation, he was traded to the New York Rangers and began playing for their affiliate in the AHL. He made his NHL debut backing up Henrik Lundqvist versus the Philadelphia Flyers on December 30, 2009. He bounced around until he signed a one-year contract with the Boston Bruins in 2013. The next year he signed with the New York Islanders and in March of this year was traded to the Sabres.
    This year he has played in 19 games with a 7-9-1 record and a 2.54 goals against average.
     Alice enjoyed the game and also spent time with Chad and her daughter Karen in Calgary.