There are four designated memorial trophies, along with one additional award, presented at the BBMHA year-end windup. Coaches are asked to submit nominations along with a brief explanation for each nominee. The BBMHA Executive will review all submissions and vote to determine the final recipients.
Jake Bunty Reid Memorial
We are very thankful to our dedicated workers, coaches and managers for their hard work, but there often seems to be one whose very presence in our arena and whose association with our children has made us feel very fortunate indeed. One whose sense of humour and kind encouraging words could make our children's faces light up. One who could make us feel that we were very fortunate indeed just simply to have known him. One such person was Jake "Bunty" Reid.
Jake was known to all as a great lover of the sport of hockey. He enjoyed watching a good game of hockey, but even more important to Bunty was that the young players enjoyed every minute of the game.
One who played with a smile on his face regardless whether he was winning or losing.Bunty was never heard to say anything negative. After losing a game or even after a bad play, Bunty was only heard to play up the positives points. In speaking to one young player, I was told, "I try to block out the angry parents, but I always try to listen for Mr. Reid's cheering." How wonderful for our fine athletes if we could fill our sports complexes and stands with fans such as Bunty.It was a great loss to our local children and to us all when we lost Bunty.
This Memorial Trophy is presented to a player in the Major U13 category. It will be presented to the type of player that Bunty always enjoyed watching. One who enjoys playing the game with every member of his/her team regardless of winning or losing. One who displays sportsmanship on and off the ice. One who plays the game with a smile on his/her face and one who finishes knowing he/she has played the best that he/she can.
Robert Dufault Memorial
The Robert Dufault Memorial Trophy has been presented by the Dufault family since the 1981/82 hockey season to the BBMHA Major U15 Team's Most Outstanding Player in honor of their son and brother, Robert Dufault who died tragically at the age of 14 years.
Robert Dufault was a proud and skilled member of the hockey community in Beausejour for many years, having the qualities of fine sportsmanship, exceptional skill on the ice and leadership above and beyond his years.
Most important to Robert during his final year of hockey was friendship and community. Having had the opportunity to play and excel with high level teams out of Winnipeg over the years, Robert chose to remain in the Beausejour area and play with his friends in his final years, having missed playing his favourite game with his friends close by…That was most important to Robert….family, friends and community.
The family of the late Robert Dufault would like to thank all of the players, families, volunteers and community for supporting Minor Hockey in Beausejour. The opportunity for sport in life provides not only health and fitness, but self awareness, striving and reaching beyond what you thought you could do to improve not only yourself but your team, understanding the value of team work, experiencing leadership development and pride in all that you do……All of these things truly make an outstanding member of the community and outstanding player on the ice….
The Most Outstanding Player is chosen each year by the coaching staff of the Major U15 Team keeping in mind the qualities representative of who Robert himself was.
Russell Ross Memorial
Russell Ross, a long time resident of Beausejour had a genuine love for hockey. He was a constant supporter of Minor Hockey and could be found in the rink cheering on and encouraging the young team members who entered the arena. The Ross family donated this trophy in 1986 to commemorate this dedication to minor sport and to symbolize the enjoyment Russell received from the game.
The Russell Ross Memorial Trophy is presented annually to a member of the Beausejour Brokenhead Minor Hockey Association Minor U15 team. The recipient of this award must show a high level of sportsmanship, consistent effort during practices and games, and must be highly team oriented. This player must exemplify a true love of the game of hockey.
Don Mazur Award
Don Mazur Award is presented to a player from the graduating U18 group of players who reside in the area and who has played their last year of U18 hockey with BBMHA. The team Coaching Staff will nominate two deserving players and present them to the Executive. The BBMHA Executive will make the final decision on the recipient.
Dennis Draward Memorial Trophy
Dennis was a lifelong resident of the Beausejour/Brokenhead community where he works, played, and raised his family. In his early years, he played hockey, baseball and curled. Later, he showed his commitment to sport by coaching and participating in the Beausejour Brokenhead Minor Hockey Association in a number of capacities. Not only was he involved in volunteering for BBMHA but was instrumental in the construction of the SunGro Centre (now Beausejour Sportsplex) and its subsequent operation. He also volunteered for the Canadian Toboggan Championships and for special community sporting events that were held in the area from time to time.
Dennis developed and implemented BBMHA's user pay system, which was adopted by other communities. He also advocated for the fairness in try-outs for the selection of players which is now a common practice. He worked as a liaison between SunGro Centre (now Beausejour Sportsplex) and the BBMHA and was often approached for his advice regarding matters of sports administration and operation. In recognition of his valuable contributions to BBMHA, Dennis was presented with the Brokenhead River Certificate of Volunteer Recognition Award in 2005.
The Dennis Draward Memorial Trophy is presented to an individual who best exemplifies the commitment to volunteerism of the late Dennis Draward. Nominations for this award may be submitted to the Executive by any member for consideration. A short nomination statement must accompany the nomination, outlining why the individual is deserving of the award. The BBMHA Executive will make the final decision on the representative.