LAC LA BICHE – Seven members of the Lac La Biche Lakers received awards in recognition of their hard work and dedication throughout the 2024-25 season at the team’s awards banquet, March 22.
The awards night was part of a fundraising event that took place at the Fat Unicorn Tap and Grill in Lac La Biche and included a comedy night. On the afternoon of March 22, the Lakers hosted the Crowsnest Crush for game two of the NJHL finals, winning 7-2. The Lakers also won 7-0, the night before.
The Lakers will be heading to Crowsnest Pass on March 28 for game three of the NJHL league finals. Games four and five of the series are set to take place at the Crowsnest Pass Sports Complex on March 29 and March 30.
Braxton Patenaude, who is from the Lac La Biche region, received the Lac La Biche County Player of the Year Award, while team captain Larry Flett was given the Coaches Choice Award, and Braden Swampy was recognized as Most Valuable Player of the Year.
Payton Moneyas was awarded Points Leader of the Year, while Ethan Auger, who is also from the Lac La Biche region, received the Most Dedicated Player of the Year award. Regan Anderson was named Top Forward of the Year and Lakers’ goaltender Jero Rossi received the Top Defensive Player of the Year award.
For Patenaude, receiving the Player of the Year Award felt good.
“Honestly, it’s pretty cool,” he said. “This award means lots to me.”
Being from the Lac La Biche region and playing with the Lakers during their inaugural season has been a rewarding experience for Patenaude, as it allowed him to represent the area where he grew up.
“You’re representing your hometown, and there’s nothing better,” he said.
Ethan Auger, who is from the Buffalo Lake area and was recognized as Most Dedicated Player of the Year, had a strong season on the ice, and was able to develop his skills and progress as the year went on.
“It felt good having it close to home right next to the school, going to school every day and coming to the practice,” Auger said.
For Flett, being bestowed with the Coaches Choice Award was something he took pride in.
“It’s an honour that my coaches think so highly about me,” Flett stated.
Playing on the team from the beginning of the season, according to Flett, was a lot of fun, but also a time of growth.
“It’s a big difference from where I was at the start of the year,” he said.
Regan Anderson, who was named Top Forward of the Year Award, described receiving the accolade as “awesome.”
He said he couldn’t have achieved this without his teammates and everyone who supported him along the way. Anderson said he took a lot of pride in the team’s defensive zone, which helped him succeed throughout the season.
“Obviously, it feels good to support the boys. . . To win the award, it makes me feel good about myself,” Anderson said.
