Mike Lalande Memorial Award - Goalie of the Year
2020-05-22
Bryce Kijewski is the recipient of the Mike Lalande Memorial Award for Goalie of the Year.Mike started playing hockey when he was 4 years old, and found his love for the net by the age of 5. He came to play with the Major Atom Kings at the age of 8/9, where he continued to play until he was in Major Bantam. Mike then went on to play for the Upper Canada Cyclones in Minor Midget, and was drafted to the Kanata Stallions at the age of 15. He played a few games with the South Grenville Rangers Jr. B Rangers before suffering an injury that ended his competitive career. Once healed, Mike was able to play pick-up hockey where he enjoyed playing just for the fun and love of the game. During his time with the King’s, Mike was constantly trying to improve his game by always practicing, taking part in every goalie clinic he could, as well as eventually playing hockey year-round. Back then everyone knew who Mike Lalande was.
Therefore, in his honour the family have started the Outstanding Goalie Award. This award is for a goalie that is not only a team player on the ice, but off the ice as well; A goalie who shows great sportsmanship and has a smile on his face no matter if his team has won or lost; A goalie that’s constantly trying to improve his game and shows 110% dedication to his team. To a goalie who stands tall under pressure and encourages his team to keep going, just as Mike did.
The coaching staff of the Major Bantams were all in agreement about submitting this young man's name for goalie of the year. This player has been an absolute pillar of our team on and off the ice since the very start of the season. This was demonstrated by the way he carried himself at practices, off-ice training session, and at games. In all of these places he carried himself with a great respect for himself, his teammates, his bench staff, and his opponents. This player was able to balance the great intensity of his play with incredible sportsmanship and kindness towards everyone else. This was evident whether we won or lost, and he would never waiver in his positive support of his team. His relentless pursuit of excellence was obvious with how hard he played, practiced, and in the training he would seek out beyond what he received with our team. This goalie would always stand tall under pressure, both figuratively and literally. There is little doubt that this young man will go on to do great things in hockey, and in life.
Congratulations Bryce!