(Sault Ste. Marie, ON April 6, 2023) – Last night, the Sault College Athletics Department held its annual Awards Banquet to celebrate the academic and athletic success of student-athletes throughout the 2022-2023 season.
Men’s curler Connor Simms and women’s hockey player Marie-Pier Lecours were named the Sault College Athletes of the Year. As the skip for the Cougars, Simms led his team to a Bronze Medal at the OCAA Championships and had a strong performance at the CCAA National Championships. In her second year with the Cougars, Lecours was ranked second overall in points for the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) Division 2 and first for the Cougars, with 61 points in 31 games. As an assistant captain, Lecours has shown leadership both on and off the ice and spent countless hours volunteering within the community and mentoring young female hockey players.
The banquet also recognized Rookies of the Year, men’s curler Charles Darling, and women's hockey player Emily Moore. Darling was named to the OCAA Curling Championships Second-Team All-Star, while Moore received tournament Most Valuable Player and was named to the First-Team All-Star at the ACHA National Championships.
After an outstanding season, winning the CCWHA Regional Finals and ACHA National Championships, remaining undefeated all season with a 31-0-0 record, the women's hockey team was awarded Team of the Year.
Women's hockey head coach Brianne Shunock was named Coach of the Year for the second time with a record of 43-6-1 in two seasons.
Olivia Barsanti and Jordan Ritchie were recipients of the G.R Hodgson Award, which recognizes student-athletes who display athletic talent, academic excellence, leadership and proudly contribute to their sport.
The Cougar Pride award, which is given to a male and female athlete that demonstrates dedication and honour to their team, was received by Caleb Wood and Taylor Pelletier-Cullerier.
Ileana Ramirez was awarded the Top Performing International Athlete award for demonstrating a positive attitude and sportsmanship throughout the curling season. Ramirez also received the OCAA Women's Fair Play award at the Provincial Championships.
The Gerry McGuire Cougar Contributor Award went to Mike Hall and Mark Hebert for their extensive contribution of time and talent towards the men's hockey program and Sault College Athletics.
"It was a successful year for Sault College Athletics, with the college winning its second ACHA national championship and the women's hockey team having an undefeated season. Additionally, 21 student-athletes were recognized as OCAA Academic All-Stars, a new varsity baseball team was welcomed to campus, and both men’s and women’s curling programs qualified for Nationals. We acknowledge the commitment of our athletes to both academics and sports," said Manager of Athletics, Paul Orazietti.
2022-2023 Team Most Valuable Player Awards
Baseball: Matthew Forsey
Men’s Curling: Connor Simms
Women’s Curling: Taylor Pelletier-Cullerier
Men’s Golf: Keven Brennan
Men’s Hockey: Caleb Wood
Women’s Hockey: Marie-Pier Lecours
Men’s Soccer: Alessandro Ciampaglia
Women’s Soccer: Jayna Petingola
Photos: Sault College Athletes of the Year women’s hockey player Marie-Pier Lecours and Men’s curler Connor Simms. Photo Credit: Bob Davies
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