HUNDER BAY — The Jack Geddes Memorial Award is given annually to one or more players in the Thunder Bay Kings organization who demonstrates exceptional community spirit through volunteerism.
This player should also be a great teammate and a role model to their peers.
Jack Geddes was a long-time manager and executive member in the Kings organization that gave back to our community selflessly.
He was a strong believer in the Kings program and the life lessons it teaches it’s players.
He felt strongly that it was very important that the players give back to the community that gives them so much.
The family, along with long-time friend Darryl Blazino, present annually a scholarship to the player or players who truly show the qualities that Jack would be very proud of.
The Board of Directors of the Thunder Bay Kings and the Geddes family, are pleased to announce that Jack Pineau of the U-15 minor midget and Eric Vanska of the U-18 major midgets are award recipients this year.
Both players will receive a $250.00 scholarship from the family.
Eric Vanska:
“As everyone knows, while registration fees are substantial, they are not the only costs of going through a AAA hockey season. Not covered in our registration is equipment and sticks, or meal money for our away games, of which all of ours were with the exception of three. To ensure the financial burden of playing for the Kings did not detract from his brother’s experience with is own team, Eric basically worked near full-time hours throughout most of the season and covered those costs himself.
To not only balance the workload associated with his hockey, school and work commitments and to do it under the circumstances dictated him by his family situation is nothing short of remarkable. The growth and maturity he’s shown during my two seasons with him is amongst the best I’ve seen in my long involvement in minor hockey.
The word ‘SACRIFICE’ is not something I ever use around my athletes. It implies they’d rather be somewhere else, doing something else, with different people. In the context of a AAA hockey season, if a player / family is not totally committed, they’re not setting themselves up for success. I will use it in Eric’s case however. I’m sure he would have liked to be doing something most every other 17-year-old does in their spare time other than work – including volunteering. But circumstanced didn’t permit. There was a huge problem that needed solving, and Eric was a massive part of the solution. I have to think Jack would be proud of how this young man selflessly faced his adversity.”
Jack Pineau
“In addition to being chosen to be our captain, Jack was an exceptional leader by example through his daily work ethic and dedication to the sport. Our staff can not recall a time where Jack didn’t go 110% in practice, games, or workouts.
Jack further exemplified the criteria for this award by being a daily role model for his peers. He is well liked and respected by teammates and opponents alike. This all while maintaining an 81% average in his academic courses.
Between his on and off ice kings commitments, Jack volunteered his time to minor hockey by helping coach an atom team with his dad, Dave. This commitment took up approx 100 hours of Jack’s time outside of his regular hockey duties. Lastly, he volunteered with the Lakehead Public School Board reffing basketball and running basketball clinics.”
