On Monday, June 8 the peewee A Thompson King Miners were invited to City Hall to receive the special City of Thompson Bronze Medallion presented by Mayor Tim Johnston.
This honour was given as a result of the success the hockey team had this season, specifically capturing the gold medal in the provincial championship.
The mayor asked the coaching staff what was the secret to their success and to elaborate on how the tournament went. The head coach Brad Ritchie stated that it was a successful season from beginning to end which culminated in the championship. The coaching staff, which included Ray Zimmerman, Jack Sangster, Kurt Brass and manager Laurel Queen, set out the goal of winning the provincial championship at the onset of the season. A plan was put into place to maximize individual skill development for the 11- and 12-year-old players. Team strategies and systems were brought in gradually throughout the season with a stronger emphasis in the last quarter as final preparations for provincials began. After a disappointing result in a tournament in January, the players and the coaches had a meeting. It was then that the 16 players made the commitment to one another to put in the effort it would take to win the championship. The coaching staff must congratulate the group for setting a lofty goal, and then going out and attaining it.
Of equal importance was the sportsmanship and class that the group displayed the entire season. They were tremendous ambassadors for Thompson and northern Manitoba everywhere they travelled. The coaching staff and manager received countless compliments from everyone the team came in contact with, from hotel operators, serving staff, restaurant owners, on-ice officials and tournament co-ordinators. Brad notes that their parents should be very proud of both their on- and off-ice behaviour.
Success does not come without hard work and the coaches recognize the people who have helped these players in the past. I know I am missing some, but individuals like Boyd Horning, Dustin Levesque, Derek Ceppetelli, Leon Gillis, Murray Bennett, Ryan Stuart, Kevin Beaver, Glenn Laycock and many others have had an impact by coaching these players in the past. They too should have a sense of accomplishment because we certainly had a good base to start from.
The team is made up of: captain Drake Zimmerman, Kendra Hanson, Taylor Ritchie, Brayden Vallance, assistant captain Nicholas Queen, Christian Sweeney, Byron Spence, Ty Braun, Ceian Ropson, assistant captain Jack Clinton, Sean Gillis, Jordan Cunday, Kyle Brass, Chad Muswagon, Colbe Oakes and Craig Moss.
A big thank-you goes out to the sponsors for helping the team achieve its goals.
