BCHL– The BC Hockey League has announced the Interior Conference winners of the Kyle Turris Community Award, presented by Rogers together with Shaw.
Earlier this week, the Coastal Conference winners were announced.
The award is given to BCHL players who go above and beyond in their community. Each team submits a winner from their organization, along with the reasons they were chosen.
This year’s winners from the Coastal Conference are:
Jaden Fodchuk – Cranbrook Bucks
Fodchuk has excelled in the community, often volunteering his time to be involved in the Bucks after school hockey programs, regularly visiting local schools to read to children and consistently attending local minor hockey practices, over and above what is requested from the team. He has been a terrific role model for many in the community, with a smile on his face and a willingness to spend time with people of all ages.
Connor Farren – Merritt Centennials
Farren is someone who truly embraced the community in Merritt. You can find him in town during the off-season, maybe on a long weekend. When coaches put up community events, he is always the first to reply with a commitment, getting involved in whatever it is the team may be doing. His community and team-first approach has become contagious to his teammates.
Hank Levy – Penticton Vees
Levy has been an excellent ambassador for the Vees, volunteering at numerous community events, from school visits to community fundraisers. He always has a smile on his face and is gracious with his time. Levy is very polite and always makes a point to thank everyone at any event. The Vees could not ask for someone better mannered to represent the team in the community.
Jordan Fairlie – Prince George Spruce Kings
Always the first to sign up for events in the community, Fairlie started a “Lift the Mask” campaign to raise money for the Canadian Mental Health Association. Through his efforts, over $6,200 were raised with the funds going toward development of a peer-to-peer support group in his hometown of Fort St. John, B.C. Other proceeds are going toward additional peer-to-peer groups for mental health support.
Nathan Mackie – Salmon Arm Silverbacks
For the past two years, Mackie has continued to lead the Silverbacks organization on and off the ice. He has continued to work on his public speaking and has put himself into position to develop as an individual. The Silverbacks are proud of him for all his contributions off the ice and in the community.
Trail Smoke Eaters – Ethan Willoughby
Willoughby participated in all team events this past season and even multiple times at each one. He went above and beyond in the Trail community. He was excellent at interacting with kids at local schools, as well as on the ice working with local minor hockey players. Willoughby was voted Fan Favourite by the Smoke Eaters fan club.
Ayden Third – Vernon Vipers
Third is always willing to go above and beyond when it comes to community service. One of the first to volunteer and make himself available, he is a favourite in the community and a great representative of the Vernon Vipers hockey club.
Kailus Green – West Kelowna Warriors
Green sincerely enjoyed attending community events and interacting with the public. He is excellent with kids at schools and at home games. He voluntarily assists the Warriors staff with gameday setup and tear down tasks.
Green understands that his responsibility as a BCHL player expands well beyond the ice surface and he embraces the opportunity to have a positive impact on others.