On Saturday March 29th, 2025 the Bears held their Year End Banquet and Awards Night, and the girls arrived dressed for success. The banquet started out with a welcoming speech from our Master of Ceremonies, Al Dyer and a meal from Carol Gareau, she provided an outstanding meal.

Even though our season ended earlier than we wished for, we can’t say the Bears didn’t battle hard going into overtime in both playoff games. Not only did our win-lose record improve from last year, we also were champions at the Canadian Crown Tournament. Our young female athletes continued to show their dedication through excellent play, dedication to improvement on and off the ice . These young athletes have not quit, demonstrated their grit and passion they have for the game, they have done their best and they have represented themselves, their families, billet families and the organization in the most outstanding way possible. It is through their commitment that the BEAR’s organization has been nominated for Samuel McLeod Award for Community Involvement, without our outstanding players being positive role models, and dedicated to the team , and being involved in the community, the Bears organization wouldn’t be recognized for such a prestigious award.

To our graduating players on behalf of the organization thank you for your leadership, dedication, hard work, cheerfulness, and willingness to go above and beyond for the team. We are very proud of the 8 (Caprice Harder, Jordyn Fidler, Ella Clarke, Liz Udell, Mikiya Anderson, Mary Dumanski, Annika Neufeldt, and Zayda Summach) who are continuing their careers in post secondary , some of our players will continue playing hockey in the new U22 league, and congratulations to Marly Dumanski who has committed to Lakeland College playing for the Rustlers . We wish Nikita Krayestski the best of luck as she ages out of the program with one year of high school remaining, we hope to continue seeing you on the ice or following your new passion of rowing. We hope all of you continue your involvement in some capacity to grow the game of hockey. To all of our seniors we hope you continue with this years tenacity in future endeavors and welcome to the Alumni role.

We would like to acknowledge and thank our sponsors who have stepped up the plate and gone above and beyond to help provide the best experience possible for our players and families. The Mann-Northway Auto Group they did so much behind the scenes, and we are very grateful. Ranger Moving returned this year as one of our major sponsors and provided us with some fantastic support not only financially but with gifts for our players. Lake Country Co-op also returned this year as our helmet sponsors. We will continue to acknowledge many other sponsors, as we did throughout our season in our programs, on our website and in our yearbook. Thank you to both large and small sponsors that contribute to ensure we had the resources we needed for out team.

We would like to recognize and thank our coaches and support staff. Steve, Colten, Scott, Shelley, Leni, Mindy and Emily who have worked very hard and contributed to a great year. Thank you to Maury for providing the music and announcements for our games. We have an amazing group of volunteers who sell 50/50, assist with our special events and display their dedication by showing up for all the games. We want to thank our penalty box volunteers who will be retiring this year. These men have been involved for numerous years, showing up and running our penalty box. We would like to say thank you for your invaluable time, energy and dedication. Your contributions make a real difference, and we’re incredibly grateful for your support over the years.

We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to the billet families who welcomed our out-of-town players with open arms and did a great job of giving them a terrific home away from home. Many of our players are away from home for the first-time attending school with all the stresses of a new community, we thank you for doing your part and making them feel welcome.

Among the many special events we had this year from a successful Alumni Night, Playing against the Special O Floor Hockey Team, Lighting of the Christmas Tree, Adopting a Senior, Teddy Bear Toss/Donation, Clothing Drive, Give a Little Life Day, Food Drive, Prince Albert Exhibition Parade, and plentiful volunteering the community.

Even though the Mann-Northway Northern Bears 24-25 hockey season is done, there are a few players that still have hockey to play. We would like to wish Olivia Trann and Nikita Krayetski good luck as they have made the final roster and will be representing the Bears in the National Aboriginal Hockey Championship . Along with the multiple players moving on to the Top 80 Female U18 Sask First Tournament.

Determining the award winners this year was extremely difficult as there were many deserving candidates. This is a testament to the hard working, never give up team we had. Presenting our awards to the players is the Northern Bears Board Member Sherry Anderson and Head Coach Steve Young.  This year award winners are listed below.