Third year captain and Manville, Alberta native Ryan SYMINGTON is nominated for the Alberta Junior Hockey League “Most Dedicated Player” award. Other finalists nominated include:
– Ben Assad – Calgary Canucks
– Logan Ferguson – Canmore Eagles
– Morgan Messenger – Whitecourt Wolverines
“Ryan does it all says Head Coach and General Manager Rick SWAN. He plays every position extremely well for our team except goaltender, wears our “C” and is the identity of our organization. He understands that 'doing it right is an all the time thing' and he approaches everything from practice to the way he treats people, to what he does in our community always with the highest level of professionalism. We encourage our players to make good choices and strive to become solid role models everyday by getting involved in helping others – to learn responsibility, to be accountable for their actions, to be the best team player that they can be, to be compassionate about others and to sacrifice for the 'good of the team.' The goal is always for them to strive towards seizing opportunities to make a positive impact both on and off the ice as an athlete and as a person. Ryan SYMINGTON pushes himself hard as an athlete and as a person to make a positive impact on others and he possesses limitless leadership traits. Although he is an excellent hockey player, Symer never gives you the impressive that he is above anyone else. In fact I observe him going out of his way to push himself and his teammates to enhance their confidence and assist in their development. He truly cares about helping his peers improve by challenging them through his example, by being at his best which makes him such a great role model. I also strongly believe that Ryan is a concrete example for young people to learn from and follow. The nomination is extremely well deserved.”
Jake GRESH from Avon, Connecticut has been nominated for the AJHL's Most Outstanding first year player. Other finalists nominated include:
– Kyler Kupka – Camrose Kodiaks
– Oliver Chau – Brooks Bandits
– Austin McGrath – Lloydminster Bobcats
“What a year Jake has had says Head Coach and General Manager Rick SWAN. The highlights include receiving a scholarship from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and earning Alberta Ford Dealers AJHL Defensive Player of the Week for November 14-20, 2016. Offensively he is a threat when he is on the ice and his defensive game has improved by 'leaps and bounds' over the course of the year. Jake has the potential to be an elite player and coming to the Alberta Junior Hockey League has enhanced his game tremendously which was recognized by the teams in the North Division to select him as a nominee for one of the league's most outstanding first year players. Jake is a great kid from a very supportive family and he wants to be the very best that he can be each and every single day. The trust in his coaches and his commitment to being a better player and person every day are a major reason why Jake GRESH has created the exposure he has achieved. We are extremely happy for Jake's recognition as it is well deserved.”
The PONTIACS organization, our fans and our generous sponsors are so happy for Ryan and Jake's recognition. Well done guys and well deserved.