Whitecourt Minor Hockey: Bantam Division

There is no doubt about it – hockey is a Canadian sport, tradition, and passion. The Whitecourt Minor Hockey Association has many talented players, coaches, leaders, and administrators. Today we meet two of the leaders of the Bantam Division.
“I’ve been organizing this division for three seasons,” says Ranee Andriuk. “I enjoy hockey, the organizational aspects of it, and I also love children although I do not have any of my own at this age level. This is my small volunteer contribution to continue to give children in our community a place to play. There is a huge amount of volunteer effort from a lot of people to make minor hockey happen. All the volunteers in this organization are so friendly and helpful. I really enjoy the time I spend down at the rink with them.”
Andriuk addresses her division’s biggest challenge, saying, “Getting volunteers for tryout camps and pre-season conditioning camps, as well as coaching roles. Luckily, there are a few people (Brandon Anderson and Kjell Reid both are on and off ice during camp and tryouts for the last three years and Cory Peters and Brent McKinnett this year) who step up each year to continue to ensure camps and tryouts happen in our division.” Andriuk is also grateful for the many parent volunteers who help out all year long. “Also, my billet players from the Wolverines Jr. A team have consistently volunteered their time over the years at the camps and tryouts to help me ensure they run smoothly.”
James Nash is the head coach for the Bantam B team and he is happy to share good news about the team and thank the division’s many supporters. “This 2014/ 2015 regular season is almost at a close for the Bantam B MRC Wolverines,” he says. “As we consisted of 90 per cent first-year Bantam players this season, our program was developed and based around character, perseverance, and team/player development. I was honoured to lead this team for the 2014/2015 season and I would like to take this time to thank all our team staff including our special volunteers for all their help, support, and dedication that made this year such a great success:
• Team Manager: Shannon Wharton
• Tournament Co-ordinator: Cheyenne Swanton
• Assistant Coach: Trent Goudreau
• Assistant Coach: John Harris
• Assistant Coach: Brett Marple
• Volunteers: Romano Morrison (Whitecourt Wolverines Jr. A), Ryan McKinnon (Whitecourt Wolverines Jr. A) and Trace Elson (Whitecourt Wolverines Jr. A)

“I would also like to announce that we have three notable players for the 2014/2015 season, as well.

• Most Dedicated Player: Keaton Harris
• Most Sportsmanlike Player: Cutler Yuhar
• Most Improved Player: Lachlan Wharton

“In closing, I would like to thank all our players/kids for this great season, our super fans (parents/family) who supported and cheered us on through the thick and thin and, finally, the WMHA and SPHL for giving us a place to call home for the 2014/2015 hockey season. Now it’s time for our final playoff run for this 2014/2015 Season. Wish us luck! Go, Wolverines, GOOOOOOOOooooooooooo!” concludes the affable coach.

Good luck indeed! We look forward to the playoffs and wish the Bantam division and its future hockey stars all the best.