The annual year-end banquet for the St. Paul Jr. B Canadiens, at the St. Paul’s Senior Citizen’s Club this past Saturday, turned out to be as much a celebration of how far this organization has come in the past several years, as it was to celebrate a 2014-15 campaign that saw the team earn a terrific record of 23-11-1-1 during the regular season en route to a playoff berth.
Chris Hrabec, the director of player personnel for the club told the banquet attendees, “It has been thoroughly enjoying to watch this team progress to a level we can be proud of. We’ve evolved from a team that had a tough time filling a compatible roster, and playing in front of meager crowds, to an integral part of the St. Paul municipal landscape, which has inspired a sense of pride and excitement in the community.”
It has been quite a transformation for a team that a mere two seasons ago, in 2012-13, finished with a record of 3-30-1.
Seasons like 2014-15 will certainly help continue bolster the community’s case that St. Paul is a great destination for hockey players that want to develop their craft. Hrabec noted that the turning point in changing the culture surrounding the team came as a result of a conversation at a practice last season.
“I engaged in a conversation with one of our prominent management figures who is no longer with us,” says Hrabec. “After discussing some different recruitment strategies he let out a sigh and a laugh and said ‘Not to deter you Chris, but who would want to play in St. Paul, Alberta.’
“Instead of approaching this as a problem, I approached this as a challenge and a fixable situation. My management staff and I molded an on-ice product that we can be really proud of, and in front of 900 people in our last game of the season we showed who wants to play in St. Paul Alberta.”
Saturday’s dinner and award ceremony was about recognizing the players, coaches, and off-ice volunteers that were instrumental in making this turnaround a reality.
Leading the way in receiving the award honors was 21-year-old defenceman Jordyn Wozniak. He earned one of the team’s top defenceman awards, the top scorer award and team MVP honours. Wozniak was dominant by racking up 52 points in 31 games. He collected the North Eastern Alberta Junior B Hockey League’s top defenceman and league MVP award, and earned placement on the first all-star team.
“It is just great to see the hard work everyone has put in the last few years have paid off,” says Wozniak. “That starts with the coaching staff and the management staff. The dedication of the players the last couple of years has been great. It is really good to see in St. Paul.”
The second top defenceman award, who Hrabec described as “one of the worst people to play against,” was given to Bryton Beattie. He had 51 points in 35 games. Twenty of those 51 points were goals.
Dyson Roy earned the top rookie award. He posted more 42 points in 31 games. He was described by Hrabec as “one of the nice surprises of the season.”
The coach’s award went to Tristan Buchta. He earned 17 points in 31 games.
The top forward award was given to Mikael Beaudoin who earned 41 points in 29 games as an 18-year-old. He posted a 20-goal-season this year as well. His brother, Pierre, accepted the award on his behalf.
The departing 21-year-olds from the team earned a framed jersey to commemorate their time with the Canadiens. Receiving this honour were Tyler Bunce, Jordyn Wozniak, Pierre Beaudoin and Derrick Bouliane.
