There wasn’t a dry eye in the room as the Ice Dogs’ top players were recognized for their achievements at the awards banquet on April 10 at the Best Western.
After an uncertain start to the season, the Ice Dogs pulled through to finish second in the SIJHL.
Many players were recognized for their outstanding performances, their sportsmanship and their dedication to the team and to the community.
Award winners are as follows:
• Top goal scorer: Kevin Burton
•Season MVP: Kyle Heck
•Playoff MVP: Ben McClellan
•Top local player: Brenden Church
•Defenceman of the year: Jon Mitchell
•Top defensive forward: Kyle Heck and Brenden Church
•Most sportsmanlike: Justin Lightfoot
•Most improved player: Andrew Hansen
•Rookie of the year: Ben McClellan
•The Murray Adis Memorial Award (formerly the Coaches Award): Spencer Gyori
•Community Service Award: Kyle Heck
Newcomer Kevin Raine was also acknowledged by his teammates for coming up during the semi-finals and being a huge asset on the defensive line.
The team also said goodbye to nine retiring Ice Dogs, some of whom have been with the club for three years.
l-r: Justin Lightfoot, Josh Baker, Mark McDonald, Mike Lennon, Kevin Burton, Spencer Gyori, Chad Liley, BJ McClellan and Kyle Heck all said goodbye to the Dryden Ice Dogs.

For photos, see this week’s print edition of the Dryden Observer