U15 AA Stars coach, Boyd Wakelin, seen here with the picture plaque he received for being named Coach of the Year for the 2020-21 season by the Rivers West District Volunteer Recognition Program. (Submitted photo/Boyd Wakelin)

By Martin Martinson

Volunteer Recognition Awards

Local hockey coach Boyd Wakelin named Rivers West District Coach of the Year

Apr 21, 2021 | 3:12 PM

Head coach of the U15 AA North West Stars, Boyd Wakelin has been named Coach of the Year by the Rivers West District Volunteer Recognition Program.

Wakelin, who said it ‘certainly means a lot’ to be recognized, was also quick to share credit with his fellow team staff whom he said were right there with him every step of the way.

“It’s definitely a huge honour, [but] I think there’s a lot more that goes into it than just myself, as I had great assistant coaches, Todd Heck and Dylan Friesen, and a great team manager too in Jodie Poole,” Wakelin said.

“Those three really helped us get through this pandemic season, and I don’t think the season would have been as much of a success as it was without each of them.”

Wakelin, who was born and raised in the Battlefords with his family farm just north of town, grew up playing minor hockey in the community and even suited up for the Junior A North Stars for over 130 games spanning parts of five seasons from 2007-08 to 2011-12.

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Following his collegiate career at the University of Alberta-Augustana, Wakelin returned to the community for his first foray into the coaching game as an assistant on the North Stars’ staff before taking over as the lead bench-boss three years ago for the U15 AA team.

Wakelin started his coaching career as an assistant on the North Stars’ staff during the 2017-18 season. (Submitted photo/Boyd Wakelin)

While the 2020-21 season was certainly challenging for minor hockey in the province due to the pandemic, Wakelin and his staff remained dedicated to giving their players the best experience they possibly could, even if playing actual league games wasn’t an option.

Wakelin orchestrated various Zoom meetings for his team with the likes of 2x Olympic Gold Medal winning hockey coach, Mike Babcock; former Saskatoon Blades standout and pro hockey player, Ryan Keller; and local Layne Ulmer, who suited up for over 700 games of professional hockey between the American Hockey League and Europe.

The team also continued to host modified practices throughout the winter in accordance with provincial guidelines. The players were split into groups of eight for socially-distanced skill development and wore masks throughout practice times.

Wakelin said while he’s hopeful for a return to a more normal hockey season next year, regardless of the challenges ahead, he’s looking forward to when the team does return to the ice this fall.

“I just love the game and I love to see the kids get better over the season and reach their goals,” Wakelin said. “Seeing them move on to the next level is awesome and I’m already looking forward to getting back on the ice in the fall.”

In addition to Wakelin, other local organizations who were recognized by the Rivers West District for Sport, Culture and Recreation include:

Sport – Event of the Year: Sask. Baseball Hall of Fame Annual Induction Ceremony

Culture – Development and Promotion: Walk 2gether Stand 2gether

Culture – Event: Battlefords Untapped Podcast Committee

District Dream Broker – Service Provider of the Year: Battlefords Gymnastics Club

For a full list of winners from around the region, visit the Rivers West District Website.

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1