Sign up for the paNOW newsletter

Bears wrap up best season with awards banquet

May 18, 2017 | 9:41 PM

The Prince Albert Northern Bears wrapped up by far their most successful season in team history Thursday with their awards banquet at Carlton Park Hall.

The Bears went 9-0 in the playoffs to win the Saskatchewan Female Midget AAA Hockey League championships, then swept the Westman Wildcats in the regionals to make their first ever Esso Cup national berth.

The Bears won two games in Morden, Man., at the Esso Cup before getting eliminated on goal differential.

After the awards, Bears head coach Jeff Willoughby said he tried to give a short speech after the tournament but “melted into a puddle” of emotion afterwards. He used part of Thursday’s banquet to say what he wanted to back then.

“I’ve never seen a group of athletes come together and perform like you have,” Willoughby addressed the group, on behalf of himself and his assistants Gord Hobson and Tim Willoughby. “I’ve said it before, me, Gord and Tim have the best seats in the house to watch you guys play like you did. It was really special.”

Here are all the awards handed out. 

Regular season MVP: Brooke Hobson

Playoff MVP: Hannah Koroll

Top Scorer: Abby Soyko

Top Forward: Camryn Amundson

Top Defenceman: Brooke Hobson

Academic Award: Kate Wagner and Jadyn Kushniruk

Rookie of the Year: Kate Ball

Most Dedicated: Colby Donald

Sportsmanlike: Sierra Parenteau

Plus-Minus Award: Jasper Desmarais, +21

Hardest Working: Ireland South

Most Improved: Miranda Heidt

 

jdandrea@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @jeff_paNOW