Canadore hands out its awards

Canadore College President Barbara Taylor (left) and Dean McCubbin stand next to the school's athlete of the year, Ariane Thibault. Canadore College Photo.

Canadore College Athletics held it’s 36th Annual Awards Banquet Tuesday March 22 at the Best Western Motel. Award winners were honoured for their achievements and dedication to Panther Athletics in the 2004/05 school year.

Athlete of the Year honours went to Panther varsity volleyball player Ariane Thibault. Originally from Rouyn-Noranda Quebec, Thibault came to Canadore to study English as a Second Language. When Thibault joined the Panthers in September, she already boasted an impressive volleyball resume that included time with both Canada’s Junior National Team (2003) and the Quebec Provincial Team (2003, 2004). As a Panther, Thibault continued to shine. She accumulated 178 total offensive points on the season (139 kills, 27 stuff blocks, 12 service aces) to finish tenth in the OCAA with a 3.6 points per game average. Ariane represented Canadore at the all-star game in January where she helped lead her West team’s offense. When the All-star teams were announced at the provincial championships at the end of February, it was no surprise that she was named a 1st team West/Central West all-star. The 180 cm right-side player was also named the MVP of the women’s volleyball team.

“I am very happy to be chosen as athlete of the year, it has been great to be a student and athlete at Canadore and I’ll miss everyone," Thibault said.

The Club Player of the Year honours went to Panther Hockey player Ryan McKee. The Panther club hockey team had an extremely successful season with an overall record of 18-1. The Panthers won the St. Lawrence tournament, the Humber tournament, the Canadore tournament, and were consolation champions in the Conestoga tournament. McKee’s effort played an invaluable role in every game. Originally from North Bay, McKee attended Widdifield high school and has played three years for the Skyhawks. He is currently in his second year of the Corrections program at Canadore. In addition to his club player of the year honours he was also selected as the MVP of the hockey team.

Athletic Director Linda Turcotte recognized coaches who had served 10 years in their capacity. “Our 3 women’s fastball coaches Tim Scott, Fred Bailey, and Gerry Desormeau as well as the Basketball coach Jason Steven have demonstrated leadership, dedication and commitment to Canadore College’s programs and we are very grateful to them.” The coaches were presented with watches and much applause from the student athletes and guests present.

Here is the comprehensive list of Tuesday night's winners:

Athlete of the Year
Ariane Thibault – Women’s Volleyball

Panther Varsity

Women’s Volleyball
Most Valuable Player – Ariane Thibault
Coaches Award - Dedication/ Leadership – Jen Nychuk
Most Improved – Amy Restoule

Men’s Volleyball
Most Valuable Player – Mike Smith
Most Improved – Chris Winkels
Coaches Award – Dedication/Leadership – Joey Rainer

Women’s Fastball
Most Improved – Stephanie Bourassa
Coaches Award - Dedication/Leadership – Jen Nychuk

Panther Club Sports

Club Player of the Year - Ryan McKee (Hockey)

Women’s Soccer
Most Valuable Player – Nicole O’Brien
Coaches Award - Dedication/Leadership – Renee MacDougall

Men’s Soccer
Most Valuable Player – Stephan Bisson
Coaches Award - Dedication/Leadership – Dean Karn

Men’s Basketball
Most Valuable Player – Neil Russell
Coaches Award - Dedication/Leadership – Russ Burns

Hockey
Most Valuable Player – Ryan McKee
Coaches Award –Dedication/ Leadership – Lukas Veldman

Panther Athletic Council Special Recognition Award
Chris Elliott


Submitted to BayToday.ca