Saugeen Shores WOAA Winterhawks hockey team officially ended its 2022-23 season on Friday, April 14th with its annual awards and banquet night.
Before the evening began, a moment of silence was held in memory of Doug Woods, who was timekeeper for the team and who passed away suddenly on March 12th (2023).
President Gord Lamont also commended two young 11-year-old players, Ritchie Buckland and Janny Harris, who each found money at the arena and each turned their finds in. “We may criticize the next generation but the future is in good hands with young people like this.”
The team did not make the playoffs, but it came down to the hearbreaker last game against the Ripley Wolves, when they lost by only one point in overtime.
Several 2022-23 player awards were handed out at the banquet.
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Note: Most Valuable Player (MVP) 2023 – Laughlin Elder was unable to attend.

Although Head Coach Ben Antler admitted to having never played competitive hockey, he said that his coaching style was to listen to the players and their ideas. “This was a special group and a fun year. While always making the extra effort, they also restored our locker room to one of fun and that’s the way it should be.”
Throughout the evening, there were also several prizes presented along with ticket draws for embossed shirts and hats donated by Gord’s Imprints & Design of Port Elgin.
Prizes presented
The events of the evening were kept running smoothly by emcees Jordan MacKinnon (Director & Public Relations) and John Divinski (Game Announcer).
