The Saskatoon Aces presented their yearly awards last night..... Check out the 2024-2025 winners below!!

 

Aces Coach of the Year

Kent Gray & Shane Smith – U11C Lightning Aces

Coaches Kent and Shane have created a fantastic atmosphere for our 10 year old son's first year of hockey! They run very efficient practices that keep the kids moving and engaged for the entire session. They both provide individualized feedback to the kids to help them develop in their skills. Comments/feedback are always framed in a positive way. They do not criticize or put pressure on the team to win (although they have won the majority of their games so far!). Off the ice, they build relationships with the kids by having fun with them, giving them fist pumps, initiating conversation, etc. They care about the kids as people and not just hockey players. Coaches Kent and Shane have also gone the extra mile to acquire lots of extra ice time for the team and give a lot of their time to be present at these practices as well. They are positive role models for the kids in both their words and actions - staying positive, never swearing, and showing love for the sport of hockey. Coaches Kent and Shane are good leaders who have the respect and admiration of the team. They are most worthy of being recognized as Aces Coaches of the Year!

This nomination is directed for both Kent Gray and Shane Smith (Aces u11'C' ) as coaches of the year. The reason I nominate them together is because they add the perfect balance of coaching success and are effective together. Although the team is nearly undefeated, the win-loss chart is not why the coaches have been nominated, they have put together a successful team because they have developed a hockey system that ladders on one skill after another of which has allowed the kids to learn at an accelerated rate. Moreover, the coaches build on gaps in the game and use this as a learning tool in between shifts (during the game) and to continue development in the following practice. In addition, to being systematic, methodical and perceptive, the coaches have built an EXTREMELY positive environment both on and off the ice which has personally affected the development of the goalie (my son) and I am sure all or most of the other children on the team. Due to the clear guidance and structure that the coaches offer, balanced by their extremely positive and supportive attitude; this is why my son LOVES going to hockey (and I am certain most or not all of the Aces player families on our Lightning Aces team would agree). Lastly, the coaches have showed us how to win with courtesy for the opponent and how to be "sportsperson like" and to take the win with grace and to respect the other team at all times of play and off ice. This has been an exemplary year of positive and effective coaching and we hope that the Aces Zone will strongly consider both Kent Gray& Shane Smith as the Coaches of the Year!

 

 

Aces Volunteer of the Year

Charity Fehr

I would like to nominate Charity Fehr for Volunteer of the Year in recognition of her outstanding commitment, dedication, and selflessness throughout the season. As the team manager, Charity has consistently gone above and beyond, demonstrating exceptional organizational skills, thoughtfulness, and leadership that have greatly benefited the team and the entire community.

One of the standout qualities of Charity is her unwavering dedication to keeping the team well-informed and organized. She made sure that all team members and their families were consistently updated throughout the season. In addition to her communication skills, Charity played a key role in organizing tournaments, including coordinating team meals and team bonding activities that fostered a strong sense of unity and camaraderie among the players and their families.

Her thoughtfulness extends beyond the team. Charity regularly surprised the players, their families, and the coaches with thoughtful gifts that made everyone feel appreciated. She even went out of her way to set up a wonderful Christmas Party, complete with fun activities and a gift exchange, which provided a memorable and special experience for all involved.

Charity manages the demanding task of supporting not just one, but all three of her children’s hockey teams, ensuring that everyone has what they need, whether it’s a first goal puck, Player of the Game recognition, or simply a word of encouragement. She is always approachable, exuding a positive attitude that uplifts everyone around her.

What stands out most is her humility. Despite her numerous contributions, Charity never asks for recognition and always puts the needs of others first. She does all of this without expecting anything in return, making her an invaluable asset to our community.

Charity’s dedication, kindness, and tireless efforts truly embody the spirit of volunteerism and make her incredibly deserving of this recognition.

 

Aces Sportsperson of the Year

Evan Ottenbreit – U18B Hardcore Aces

Evan has been a great leader for his team this year. From the start of the year, when he was named team Captain, he has done his best to lead the team on and off the ice. He comes to the rink each and every day with a smile on his face, enjoys the game, enjoys hanging aroud with the other players, and just enjoys life. He has respect for his coaches, his fellow team members, players from the other teams and most importantly, for the officials. With this being his final year of minor hockey, and having played 12 years in the Aces zone since Timbits, he is deserving to be recognized by the zone. I can't think of a more deserving player.

Aces Executive of the Year

Alannah Armstrong

Alannah has put countless hours into helping out the zone, she has gone way over and above what her responsibilities are in her board position. She is a major part of why we as a zone have had such great success this year!

 

Kaiden Miller Award

Sam Beazley - U11 Sonic Aces

Sam is a U11 goalie with the Sonic Aces that consistently demonstrates outstanding sportsmanship both on and off the ice. On the ice, he maintains a positive attitude even after tough losses or challenging shots, always encouraging his teammates and congratulating opponents for their skill. He shows respect for officials, never arguing calls, and takes responsibility for his own performance, using mistakes as learning opportunities. His resilience and positive body language help keep the team motivated, regardless of the game’s outcome.

Off the ice, he is welcoming and inclusive, always making new and existing teammates feel valued. He offers support and encouragement in the locker room and listens to coaching with respect and a willingness to improve. Whether in victory or defeat, he remains humble, always focusing on the team’s collective effort. His positive attitude and commitment to the game make him a true role model for sportsmanship.

 

All previous winners for all our awards can be found here.