Prior to Sunday night’s home finale, the Winkler Flyers took sometime to recognize their four graduating 20 year old player and also announce the winners of their five major team awards. Here is a list of the award winners and the script used for the on ice presentation.
Rookie of the year
The Winkler Flyers will have ten first year players finish the season with the club, more than any season in recent history. This year’s recipients excelled right from the start of their tenure with the club. Serving as a mainstay on Flyers special teams, this first year defenceman currently leads the teams back end in both goals and points. Matching up against the other teams’ best on a nightly basis, he has been recognized at the league level, earning a nomination as the league’s top rookie. The Flyers have also seen exceptional production from their first year forwards which includes this player who recently posted 6 points in a single game and is now the teams leading scorer. Please join me in congratulating the co-recipients of the Winkler Flyers Rookie of the Year award – #16 – Drake Burgin and #9 Eric Fawkes
Best Defensive Player
Awarded to the player deemed to make the greatest defensive contribution on a nightly basis, this year’s top defensive player has shown an incredible ability to keep opposing players off the score sheet. This player consistently matches up with opposing top lines, is a mainstay on the Flyers penalty kill, is relied upon for virtually all key faceoffs and remains among the team leaders in offensive production. Congratulations to this years top Defensive Player – #13 – Griffin Leonard.
Coach’s Award
The Winkler Flyers coach’s award goes to a player who has provided steady, consistent play all season long. No matter what was asked of him, from providing a leadership voice in the dressing room, stepping into key special team roles or simply providing steady, consistent play, this Flyer is always there when called upon. On and off the ice, this Flyer has made a positive contribution to his team and the community with very little fanfare or recognition. Congratulations to the winner of this years Coaches Award – #24 – Garrett Kuklica
Most Valuable Defenseman
This defenceman has been vital to the success of the orange and black this season. Playing in his 2nd season on the Flyer blue line, this player plays key minutes in all situations and has been relied upon to provide leadership as an assistant captain on this years club. His steady presence has provided the backbone for the successes of others around him. Congratulations to the winner of the Winkler Flyers Most Valuable Defenseman award, #3 – Collin Caulfield
Most Valuable Player
This years Most Valuable Player award goes to a player who has been a strong, steady influence all season long. Whether on the ice or in the dressing room, his effort and intensity has paced the orange and black. Before suffering a season ending injury, he was the teams leading scorer and was relied on heavily in powerplay, penalty kill and last minute situations. Since the setback, this player continues to provide leadership despite being unable to suit up for games. Ladies and Gentleman, please make some noise for the MVP of your orange and black, #20 – Brody Moffatt.
GRADUATING 20 YEAR OLD PLAYERS
#21 – JESSE KORYTKO (2018-19)
After joining the Flyers at the start of the season, Jesse Korytko immediately became actively involved in the community, joining the coaching staff of a local minor hockey team as well as volunteering countless hours in local programs and schools. His popularity and work ethic both inside and outside the dressing room will be greatly missed within the organization. WITH A CAREER HIGH IN GOALS AND POINTS THIS SEASON, TONIGHT, HE WILL BE SUITING UP IN HIS 144TH GAME IN THE MANITOBA JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE. Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in thanking #21 – Jesse Korytko
#3 – COLLIN CAULFIELD (2016-2018)
He formed ½ of the leagues most feared defensive duo last season and carried over his stellar play into the 2018-2019 season. Collin Caulfield spent the last 2 seasons with the orange and black and will appear in his 111th regular season game this evening. He was named an assistant captain for this years roster and his leadership qualities shined on the ice, in the dressing room and in the community. Let’s give a big, Winkler Thank-you to #3 – Collin Caulfield.
#24 – GARRETT KUKLICA (2016-2019)
He will finish his career as the active leader in regular season games played for the orange and black. Suiting up for his 152nd regular season game this evening, Garrett Kuklica has been a central figure on the Winkler blue line for the past 3 seasons. His commitment and passion to this organization can not go unnoticed as night in and night out he does what needs to be done with little fanfare or recognition. Those characteristics don’t go unnoticed in the organization and that’s why we are proud to give a loud Thank-You to the assistant captain – #24 – Garrett Kuklica.
#21 – CONNOR BEEBE (2017-2019)
After joining the organization in late 2017, Connor Beebe quickly made a name for himself as a player that would do whatever he needed to in order to help his team. Those qualities led to him being named captain of the 2018-2019 squad. Blocking shots, taking hits and providing a leading voice on the bench were all a regular occurrence for Beebe as he constantly put the team first, doing whatever was asked of him each and every day. Tonight, we ask that you give that appreciation right back, to the captain of the Winkler Flyers, #27 – Connor Beebe.
