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Once a Pontiac, always a Pontiac

“Anybody can play junior hockey that has the ability on the ice to do so, but not everybody can be a Bonnyville Pontiac.” On Wednesday, March 14, head coach Rick Swan and the Bonnyville Jr. A Pontiacs bid farewell to another season.
Head coach Rick Swan takes a moment to recognize 20-year-old players captain Charlie Gawlicki and Riley Smith.
Head coach Rick Swan takes a moment to recognize 20-year-old players captain Charlie Gawlicki and Riley Smith.

“Anybody can play junior hockey that has the ability on the ice to do so, but not everybody can be a Bonnyville Pontiac.”

On Wednesday, March 14, head coach Rick Swan and the Bonnyville Jr. A Pontiacs bid farewell to another season.

They hosted their annual awards night to thank their fans and volunteers for their support throughout this season’s growing pains, as the team shifted their focus and began building towards the future.

For Swan, it was an opportunity to put a spotlight on their two graduating players Charlie Gawlicki and Riley Smith.

“I’m so proud of what they have accomplished, the lessons they have learned, and the culture they have helped create through their mentorship,” he said. “They’re special people, and these two are exceptional. They had the opportunity to be a part of the plan in our movement and they decided to stay. They love Bonnyville. They have given so much to this community and it has given so much back to them.”

This was the last time the 2017/18 players would be together.

Swan described it as an opportunity to “get some official closure to the season.”

But it’s more than just an evening of reflection; it’s also a chance to recognize the efforts put in by the players throughout the year.

“They dedicate themselves over eight months to not only better themselves as players and commit on the ice to achieve their goals and objectives to eventually move on. The importance of recognizing them is because these players are different than any other organization,” expressed Swan.

This year, Pontiacs were acknowledged for their work on and off of the ice by having their names etched into team history.

Lucas Thorne and Joel Ray were named the most improved players of the season, while Adam Panacci accepted the title of most gentlemanly player.

Thorne also accepted the top scorer award, while Ray was dubbed this season’s defensive forward.

The Matt Cook Unsung Hero Award was presented to Brayden Goulet, and captain Gawlicki accepted the President’s Award for his final year on the team.

Lucas Albert, was the top defenseman, while fellow Pontiac Justin Travis received the Three Star Award for his efforts.

In the end, it was Bobby Young who was named the regular season MVP.

Swan spent a moment reminding the young team before him to enjoy every moment while it lasts, because before they know it, they will be standing right where Gawlicki and Smith are.

“Time is short, you’re AJHL career will end a lot sooner than you think, appreciate the privilege and pleasure that these kids have to wear a Bonnyville Pontiacs uniform. That is important, that they know that, that they matter, and that they made a difference this year,” he said.

Gawlicki closed the night with his captain’s speech. He took a moment to thank all of the billet families and volunteers, knowing without them, none of this would have been possible.

Similar to his head coach, Gawlicki saw a young team eager for the future. He reiterated how grateful he was to be a part of this season.

“I won’t forget you,” he expressed.

Swan noted, “I wish I could spend just another week with these guys, because they were as good of human beings as I have ever worked around. It’s bright for our future of the organization, knowing that we have the majority of them coming back.”

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