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News Archives
Bruins Hand Out Awards - February 11, 2010
The Bruins held their Awards Banquet last night to thank the billets and volunteers who not only helped make the 2009/10 season a success, but made it happen in the first place. The future of the team looked uncertain a year ago, with talk of a year's leave of absence - which in today's KIJHL, points out Border Bruins Association President Jason Odland, would have amounted to folding the team. Instead, 10 of the 12 positions the Association Board of Directors were taken up by brand new members, as Jesse Dorrans took the reins for his first season as the team's Head Coach and General Manager. It was a learning season for everyone. "Yes, we made mistakes, " said Jason, "but the important thing is we all learned, and are stronger moving forward." "This year we poured the concrete and laid the foundation - now we're ready to start building," said the always outspoken Director of Hockey Operations Tom Frith. "All but one of our players are eligible to return next year, which is something few of the other teams in the league can boast. We want to make Grand Forks the place to be, the Border Bruins the team to play for in the KIJHL."
The team has been giving its fans lots of reason to be excited lately, as they've been playing some of their best hockey of the season. GM Jesse Dorrans had to make some tough trade choices throughout the season in deciding which players to keep on the roster and who to send packing, but his foresight is coming to show as the boys are playing with a lot of confidence and coming together as a team at a time when some squads in playoff positions are falling apart. The team is not packed with superstars or snipers, but they are a tight-knit group and are exciting to watch. In fact, last week the boys were 20 minutes away from doing what a Bruins' team has not done in more than 3 years - win 3 in a row, a feat last accomplished in November 2006 during a 5 game homestand. In the end the boys ran out of steam and bodies and lost the battle to Kimberley.
The Association honored Paul and Valerie Horkoff with the Volunteer of the Year award for their tireless fundraising efforts and game day volunteering. They were chosen from a large group of deserving volunteers who helped lift the organization from a pit of debt a year ago to a point of viability and positive excitement about the future.
The following players were honored with awards at the banquet:
- Most Sportsmanlike: Gary Mahesh
- Perseverance, Dedication, Inspiration: Jesse Laird
- Most Improved: Randy Tosoff
- Best Rookie: Chris Vinette
- Fan Favorite: Mike Brewer and Jake Halderman
- Best Defenceman: Luke Hildebrand
- Media Award: Zach Thompson
- Top Scorer: Zach Thompson
- Players' Choice: Zach Thompson
- Most Valuable Player: Luke Hildebrand
The Bruins have 2 more home games this Thursday, February 11 at 7:30 PM against Castlegar and Friday, February 12 at 7:30 PM against Spokane before closing out the season on the road on Saturday in Nelson. The winner of the team raffle for a quad will be drawn at Friday night's game against Spokane. Hope to see you there! ... collapse article ...
Bruins Hand Out Awards - February 11, 2010
The Bruins held their Awards Banquet last night to thank the billets and volunteers who not only helped make the 2009/10 season a success, but made it happen in the first place ... read entire article ...
Bruins Re-sign Brent Lucente - August 26, 2009
The Bruins welcome back Brent Lucente to the organization. Brent is a veteran of the league, entering into his fourth season in the KIJHL. Local fans remember Brent well from 3 seasons ago when he collected 44 points and was the team's second-leading scorer as a 16-year old upstart. Brent has spent most of the last 2 seasons with Castlegar Rebels, tallying 43 points in 52 regular season games last year and adding another 10 points in the playoffs, including a 5-point game against Beaver Valley, helping the Rebels to a first-round victory. Brent has played 154 career games in the KIJHL, amassing 146 points.
"Entering this year I felt our club needed to get a player who can change the outcome of a game in one shift," stated Bruins' head coach Jesse Dorrans. "I feel Brent can be this player for us throughout the entire season. I have had the opportunity to work with Brent the last couple of seasons in Castlegar so I know what he can bring to the table. As a group the Border Bruins felt we should get some local talent on this club and the first name that came up was Brent's. I have had some great talks with Brent this summer and he has really set some goals for himself this season so I think this can be a positive step in the right direction for Brent and the Border Bruins alike."
Welcome back, Brent! ... collapse article ...
Jesse Dorrans new Head Coach/GM - May 23, 2009
The Bruins continue their restructuring, and are thrilled to welcome aboard Jesse Dorrans as the new Head Coach and General Manager. Jesse has spent the last 3 seasons as Assistant Coach/GM with local rival Castlegar Rebels, and brings with him a wealth of experience in the league. The Rebels went 91-52-13 and appeared in the playoffs each year Jesse was behind the bench.
"I am very excited to be joining the Border Bruins organization," says Jesse. "After meeting with the new board and especially Jason Odland, I knew this is where I wanted to be."
Recruiting is under way, and main camp is scheduled to start on September 2, 2009. ... collapse article ...
Jesse Dorrans new Head Coach/GM - May 23, 2009
The Bruins continue their restructuring, and are thrilled to welcome aboard Jesse Dorrans as the new Head Coach and General Manager. ... read entire article ...
Big changes for the Border Bruins - May 1, 2009
The Border Bruins had their Annual General Meeting this Wednesday, April 29. The Border Bruins Association now boasts almost 50 members, and more than 30 attended the meeting, the highlight of which was the election of a new Board of Directors. All but 2 of the acting officers from the 2008/09 Board have stepped down. Jason Odlund became the new President of the Association, with Wes Pennoyer the Vice President, and Michelle Odlund the new Treasurer. Marty and Natalie Schafer remain on the Board from last season, and the Board welcomes new members Paul and Valerie Horkoff, Tom Frith, Shauna Lum, Randy Breedveld, Leanne Strang, and Ian Taylor. Big welcome to the new Board, and huge thanks to the departing members for their effort and dedication over the years!
Immediate tasks facing the new Board will be aggressive fundraising to erase the organization's debt, and the search for a new head coach and general manager to replace Rob Fitzpatrick. Rob was at the helm for four seasons, amassing a record of 46-140-20, and helping more than a dozen young players move on to the next level of junior or college hockey. The Border Bruins thank Rob for all his hard work, commitment, and lasting contributions to the program on and off the ice. ... collapse article ...
Big changes for the Border Bruins - May 1, 2009
The Border Bruins had their Annual General Meeting this Wednesday, April 29. ... read entire article ...
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