Honours and awards were given out last week following the Creighton Kodiaks’ fourth league championship season.
The team held an awards banquet at the Creighton Community Centre Nov. 24, passing out the hardware in front of friends, family and teammates.
Brenden Haley was awarded as the team’s best defensive player as well as the team’s “defensive warrior”, given to the team’s hardest worker on the defensive side of the ball. Noah Olivier, the team’s leading rusher and receiver, received the offensive player of the year honour as well as the “offensive warrior” award.
Myles Patterson received the team’s special teams and leadership awards. Patterson and Davin Eastman, both seniors, were named the Kodiaks’ most dedicated players, while quarterback Marcus Kennedy was named most improved. Jordan Gorrell received the rookie of the year award.
The last honour of the night was a new one - the Courage Award. Such an honour had one clear winner this season - Caleb Janzen, who was unable to play this season due to an ongoing fight against brain cancer, but who joined the team on the sidelines and at practices regardless, received the award. Janzen received a standing ovation from the assembled crowd when he walked to the front of the hall to receive the award and a handshake from head coach Ryan Karakochuk.
Patterson presented the team’s coaches, Karakochuk, Ryan Biberdorf and Chad Trumbley, with gifts for their hard work and dedication. Kennedy, fresh off his first season as the team’s main quarterback, took a page from the pros and brought gifts for his offensive linemen for their play and keeping him safe.
“Unfortunately, I couldn’t get you guys a nice Rolex or some Tesla stock, but I think I’ve got you something you’ll have for the rest of your lives,” he quipped.
Karakochuk also saluted the team’s six seniors, toasting the accomplishments of each. Defensive lineman Austin Harrower was, the coach said, “our constant on the defensive line - he played in every game, every snap, making big plays for us.”
Cole Slugoski, one of the Kodiaks’ safeties, played regularly despite only starting to play football as a Grade 12.
“He had to try to learn this whole new sport in three months - and he did absolutely great,” said Karakochuk.
“I know it wasn't easy for you, taking those hard hits and learning a game that you've never experienced before, but you did everything the coaches asked. We saw huge improvements from game to game.”
Eastman, a defensive back, earned the nickname “Wedge” for his talent of being in the right place at the right time. Eastman was named a team captain this past season.
“Even though he wasn't the biggest player, he played with the biggest heart and the will to show you that you could do anything people thought he couldn't,” Karakochuk said.
Haley, another defensive captain, suited up at middle linebacker and played special teams. A ferocious tackler, Haley led the Kodiaks’ defence, playing through heavy cramps in the teams’ last game against Shellbrook.
“This position has seen some of our best players of all time, and Brandon, I'm proud that you're on this list now as well,” Karakochuk said.
Olivier was another every down player, the team’s starting running back as well as a linebacker and captain. Olivier scored 15 touchdowns in only six games this season.
“Noah started as a shy, quiet kid scared in Grades 9 and 10 - in Grade 12, all he wanted to do was hit people, run over people and score touchdowns,” said the coach.
Patterson played tight end, defensive line and as the team’s kicker, and was a vocal leader for the team, especially this season.
“I knew coming up this year, this would be his team to lead and lead he did. Myles was our team captain, but more than that, he took the lead at practice, leading in chants, making guys accountable,” said Karakochuk.
“Honestly, I can say he's been the best vocal leader I've seen walk in our doors.”
