Drumheller said good-bye to some familiar faces during the Dragons year end banquet held last week, as players, some who have been here four years, are leaving the club after a bitter loss in the playoffs. On Wednesday, March 11, family, billets, coaches, friends, arena staff, and members of the community gathered to bid farewell and celebrate the great players Drumheller has supported since the club's inception in 2003-2004 season. Cocktails began at 6:00, with dinner following after a player introduction. After dinner, Jason Blanke, the voice of the Dragons during home games, presented awards to volunteers, some of which have stood behind the team since their first days.
Speeches were made by General Manager Doug Hergenhein, Head Off Ice Official Barry Pozzo, and coach Rob Hegberg before the awards were presented.
Wayne McComb was honoured with the Bill Smith Volunteer of the Year Award.
The Community Involvement award went to Patrick Bartoshyk, for his work volunteering for various groups in Drumheller.
The Junior Dragon Fan Favourite, was given to Dragons Captain Trent Colberg, and was presented by Jr. Dragon Cort Castonguay.
Two individuals were honoured with the most-improved trophy, rookies Doug Jessey and Braden Gamble.
Rob Hegberg presented Jessey with another award, the Academic Award, for his high average at Drumheller Composite High School, including a 90 per cent average in mathematics.
The Hardest Working Dragon award was given to defenseman Scott Kennedy.
Justin Morello took home the Rookie of the Year award, chosen out of a total of seven rookies this year.
Top Scorer was Robbie Nocera, with a total of 18 goals and 35 assists this season, in all, 53 points.
Kyle Fehr was given the Top Defenceman award, with 8 goals and 15 assists totalling 23 points.
The Top Playoff Performer, a “bitter-sweet” award as winner Scott Kennedy said after the Dragons finished sixth in playoffs, was shared between Kennedy and Ashton Reinboldt. Reinboldt scored thrice and assisted twice during the series against Olds, Kennedy totalled four points with two goals and two assists.
The Jeff Hendricks Memorial Award was given to four year Dragon, Trent Colberg.
The evening wrapped up with a slideshow tribute to the team.
Wayne McComb was honoured with the Bill Smith Volunteer of the Year Award.
The Community Involvement award went to Patrick Bartoshyk, for his work volunteering for various groups in Drumheller.
The Junior Dragon Fan Favourite, was given to Dragons Captain Trent Colberg, and was presented by Jr. Dragon Cort Castonguay.
Two individuals were honoured with the most-improved trophy, rookies Doug Jessey and Braden Gamble.
Rob Hegberg presented Jessey with another award, the Academic Award, for his high average at Drumheller Composite High School, including a 90 per cent average in mathematics.
The Hardest Working Dragon award was given to defenseman Scott Kennedy.
Justin Morello took home the Rookie of the Year award, chosen out of a total of seven rookies this year.
Top Scorer was Robbie Nocera, with a total of 18 goals and 35 assists this season, in all, 53 points.
Kyle Fehr was given the Top Defenceman award, with 8 goals and 15 assists totalling 23 points.
The Top Playoff Performer, a “bitter-sweet” award as winner Scott Kennedy said after the Dragons finished sixth in playoffs, was shared between Kennedy and Ashton Reinboldt. Reinboldt scored thrice and assisted twice during the series against Olds, Kennedy totalled four points with two goals and two assists.
The Jeff Hendricks Memorial Award was given to four year Dragon, Trent Colberg.
The evening wrapped up with a slideshow tribute to the team.
