The Bonnyville Voyageurs celebrated all of the ups and downs of the 2017 season at their year-end banquet.
Coaches, players, and parents gathered at the St. Louis Parish Hall on Wednesday, Dec. 6 to look back on the season.
Head coach Larry Godziuk opened the awards ceremony by reminding all of his players they each showed value in their individual roles.
“At the end of the day, we do have to have our superstars, but if players aren't in a position to win a trophy, I don't think they have anything to feel bad about. They contributed to us becoming a successful team, each and every practice. I'm proud of all of them for that contribution to our program,” expressed Godziuk.
Before the team's annual awards could start, Godziuk handed out a special recognition. Quarterback Silas Fagnan was presented with the Wheatland Football League (WFL) MVP award, marking the first time in team history a Voyageur has earned the honour.
Fagnan also earned offensive MVP honours, after breaking both personal and team records. He led the Voyageurs to a 4-4 record, completing 87 of 136 pass attempts for a total of 1,275 yards, 16 touchdowns, and four interceptions.
“There were a lot of ups and downs this year, but I would like to thank my teammates for being a secondary family to me. I also want to thank my family for supporting me, the coaches for being here throughout the year, and God for giving me the ability to play,” Fagnan expressed.
Jacob Cardenas won the defensive MVP after contributing 45 tackles and one interception in six games, while maintaining offensive responsibilities.
In his first season playing football, Enrique Cardenas earned the special team's player of the year award, after leading the team in special teams tackles. Rookie of the year honours went to Josh Morgan, who picked up 17 tackles in six games of action. After working his way into a consistent role, Dakota Gladue earned the most improved player award.
Next, was the offensive and defensive trophies, with linebacker Brady Christians being selected for the defensive front seven award. On the offensive line, Mason Wild earned top honours due to his stellar pass and run protection throughout the season.
Despite missing action in multiple games due to injury, Evan Fritzler won the defensive player of the year award. Fritzler picked up 30 tackles in six games, while carrying for 294 yards, and collecting another 239 yards through the air on offence.
Backup quarterback and wide-receiver Aaron Goulet earned the offensive player of the year award. Goulet managed to collect 15 receptions for 202 yards, while keeping up with his backup quarterback duties when needed.
“This was very unexpected for me. There are a lot of worthy players on this team. It was tough year, a lot of guys stepped into new positions. I had to step into a role I've never taken on in my life. I want to thank my parents, the coaches, and the boys. Without you there would be no team,” said Goulet.
With the 2017 awards banquet coming to a close, those who completed their final season can rest assured the team will be in good hands moving forward. After leading his team in sacks, despite starting the season with a broken arm and dealing with a dislocated shoulder, Keldon Fraser-Marks reflected on the character of the group.
“This team is extremely driven. Pride is absolutely everything. Pride, passion, purpose is our team motto. I like to think we never really back down, especially after having to play four times in one season. We still thought we had them every time. I think there's definitely a provincial title coming for the Bonnyville Voyageurs,” said Fraser-Marks.
