NICHOLAS DESCHENES OUTSTANDING PLAYER AWARD (U13 – SHC)
The Nicholas Deschenes Outstanding Player Award recognizes a U13 player within Sturgeon Hockey Club who exemplifies excellence both on and off the ice.
Nick Deschenes played the majority of his minor hockey in Morinville and is a proud Morinville Jets Junior B hockey alumnus. His hockey journey has taken him to the AJHL, ECAC Hockey League (Yale University), AHL, ECHL, and most recently to professional hockey in Europe. Through the game, Nick was able to pursue his education, learn another language, and experience different parts of the world.
Nick is deeply dedicated and passionate about hockey and firmly believes that hard work, perseverance, and determination can take you anywhere. He reminds young athletes that once they achieve their goals, it is important to remember where they came from — recognizing that family, friends, and community are the foundation of success. He also emphasizes that simple acts of encouragement — a smile, a wave, or kind words — can have a lasting impact.
Nick’s message to players is to compete with all the speed, skill, and determination they can muster — and when that is exhausted, to continue playing with heart.
“When you focus on the journey, the end goal is not so far away.”
Award Criteria:
The player selected for this award should reflect and demonstrate the following values and attributes:
- Hard work and strong work ethic
- Teamwork
- Leadership (on and off the ice)
- Sportsmanship
- Perseverance and determination
- Community service and volunteerism
- Scholastic achievement