The Kalashnikov brothers played for the Grand Forks Border Bruins of KIJHL Junior B League. The 5’9” 165 pound brothers moved from Minsk, Belarus to Port Coquitlam two years ago to pursue their hockey careers. Yan posted 21 goals, 24 assists for 45 points in 39 games last season, while Artsiom posted 13 goals, 22 assists for 35 points in 36 games.
They reminded me of the Sedins in Spring Camp the way they moved the puck and the way they were able to find each other. I predict that we will enjoy watching these guys. Here's hoping they can raise their play to do the same thing in the 2011-2012 season!
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Belated congrats to Tom McEvay, winner of the "Spirit of Hockeyville" Award. For all that he has done, and continues to do, for the team and the community one day he will have an award named for him! Apologies for missing this while I was on Holidays. Congrats Tom!
The 2010 recipient of the Spirit of Hockeyville Fairness Award, given annually to the individual or team associated with hockey in the Alberni Valley that best exemplify fairness, sportsmanship and cooperation, is Alberni Valley Bulldogs education adviser Tom McEvay.
McEvay is a goaltender and played competitive junior hockey, including a stint with the Junior Canucks in the early 1970’s. He has been a teacher and principal within the Alberni Valley for over thirty years and has always been an outstanding volunteer and leader. He was an integral part of the fundraising to build the Alberni Valley Multiplex, he helped to secure the Alberni Valley Bulldogs franchise, he was a driving force behind the community’s participation in the 2006 Hockeyville competition and he helped to oversee the 2009 World Under 17 Hockey Challenge as Co Chair. Tom approaches everything with enthusiasm, detail, professionalism and a never say die attitude.
What has singled out McEvay for this award in 2010 is his role with the Bulldogs as has helped over 70 players move on to participate in college hockey in Canada and the United States and has helped to raise academic standards in the BCHL.
“Tom McEvay has proven himself to be one of the hardest working and dedicated individuals I have come in contact with in my professional life." said Bulldogs president and governor Andy Oakes. "His commitment to education with the players and helping them advance is second to none in the industry. The Bulldogs are very fortunate to have Tom here looking after this side of the team."
“I consider Tom a friend of the BCHL but more importantly a friend to every young man that needs advice, support and direction as they make decisions on their future be it education, hockey or just life in general," said BCHL commissioner John Grisdale.
“The Alberni Valley is proud to recognize Tom McEvay for his dedication and unselfish contributions to the game of Hockey in our community," said Mayor Ken McRae of the City of Port Alberni. "We appreciate his tireless effort to advance young men into the college hockey ranks.”
Bulldog players past and present recognize the challenge of entering college with a scholarship and McEvau has always been there to help guide them through the complex rules and extreme competition.
"Beyond his tireless work as educational advisor, he truly, truly cares about us as players and people," said former Bulldog and current Princeton University player Kevin Ross. "I can't think of a better choice for the Spirit of Hockeyville award.”
The carving for the trophy presented to McEvay was commissioned by the Tseshaht First Nation and was carved by Jake Gallic. The carving is of two wolf heads, which represent cooperation and team work. The base was assembled by Roy Eggler.
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