BCEHL ANNOUNCES HUMANITARIAN AWARD WINNERS

Keira Pong of the Fraser Valley Rush is the Female U18 AAA recipient of the Humanitarian Award for the first half of the 2024-25 season.

As a junior coach and mentor for Tri-Cities Female Ice Hockey Association, Keira supports and teaches younger players during development sessions. She focuses on fundamental skating techniques, demonstrates proper goaltending skills, and leads engaging drills. Keira is also an active participant with the Rush's mentorship program, making several appearances this season to assist young players in nearby minor hockey associations.

As a student at Burnaby North Secondary, Keira has shown leadership, responsibility and maturity outside the rink through Burnaby North's Leadership course. She is an executive with her school's Mental Health Club, where she helps raise awareness about mental health and supports students’ well-being. Keira is also part of the student council and served as a visual presentation assistant for the Rotary Club's Festival of Lights at Lougheed Town Centre in Burnaby.

The Burnaby MHA product has played seven games for the Rush this season. The 5'6" netminder has won four games and has posted one shutout, while achieving a 2.12 goals against average.

Congratulations to all of the first half nominees: Aly Hart (Northern Capitals) and Maddy Fick (Vancouver Island Seals)

The U18 AAA Humanitarian Award for the first half of the 2024-25 season went to Nicholas Drapack of the Greater Vancouver Canadians.

The Canadians' captain mentors young players in the BCEHL, leading by example both on the ice and in the community. He dedicates up to three days a week at Prince of Wales Secondary's Hockey Academy, helping develop players' skills and deepen their understanding of the game.

In early September, Nicholas set a goal to collect new and used hockey equipment for the communities of Nak'azdli Whut'en and Kwadacha, located north of Prince George. His mission was to help local youth play hockey affordably, creating opportunities they might not otherwise have. On November 30, 2024, he met with representatives from the Nak'azdli Whut'en and Kwadacha communities to donate 10 full hockey bags and over a dozen sticks. The donation included jerseys, socks, gloves, shoulder pads, shin pads, skates, winter coats, and water bottles. Nicholas handled all the logistics and coordination on his own time.

This season, Nicholas has skated in 18 out of the 22 Canadians' games. The 6'0" forward has contributed 4 points (1g-3a) so far.

Congratulations to all of the first half nominees: Daniel Ewert (Fraser Valley Thunderbirds), Coltan White (Valley West Giants) and Korbin Rodel (Vancouver North East Chiefs).

For the first half of the 2024-25 season, the U17 AAA League's Humanitarian Award went to Nicholaas McDonald of the Valley West Giants.

The Giants' captain actively supports the Semiahmoo Minor Hockey Association’s U18A1 team through player mentorship and by attending weekly Semiahmoo MHA events to strengthen the hockey community. Nicholaas reached out to his coaching staff to explore ways to connect with players in various environments, including those facing mental health challenges or difficult home situations. He engages with players across zone programs, raising awareness about development opportunities and available community support. Nicholaas also mentors young players through the DJR Hockey Mentorship Program, helping guide them on their development journey.

Nicholaas sought to bring together resources and create a season-long plan to support the hockey community. He has been actively involved in the Save-On-Foods and Rotary Gift Card fundraising drive and is helping organize "The Coldest Night", an event aimed at raising awareness and funds for marginalized families and homeless individuals. Nicholaas has partnered with organizations like Canadian Tire to generate both funds and awareness of issues affecting his local community, particularly financial hardship, access to sports, and opportunities for marginalized youth to play hockey. Additionally, he has launched a holiday fundraiser to support the local food bank.

The Giants' captain has played in 16 out of 21 games so far this season. The 6'2" forward has racked up 16 points (7g-9a) and has helped his team to a 13-6-1-1 record.

Congratulations to all of the first half nominees: Landon Gillanders (Cariboo Cougars), Nathaniel Esmail (Fraser Valley Thunderbirds) and Thomas Kanavos (Greater Vancouver Canadians).

Valley West Giants' defender Alex Dhillon earned the U15 AAA Humanitarian Award for the first half of the 2024-25 season.

The Surrey MHA product consistently demonstrates respect towards his coaches, teammates, and opponents through his outstanding manners and a positive attitude. Alex has shown exceptional sportsmanship and a strong work ethic. His positive influence and leadership qualities make him a role model for younger players. Alex is always willing to lend a helping hand and support his peers, both on and off the ice.

Outside the rink, Alex has been volunteering for over a year with the Gracepoint Community Church's Sunday Night Community Dinner in South Surrey. Alex helps serve weekly hot meals for those in need in the community. He arrives on time with enthusiasm and is willing to take on any task to make the night a success. 

The Giants' defender has skated in 17 games this season and has contributed 5 assists.