The Ridge Meadows Minor Lacrosse Association held its annual awards night on Nov. 22 at Thomas Haney, honouring its best.
The Female Player of the Year was Ashley Kingsbury. who has represented the province at various Team BC tournaments, and has been a player with the association for 10 seasons.
Kingsbury is a volunteer coach in the female program, and has been an award-winning referee. The award also noted where she has gone above and beyond, as she promoted lacrosse and the local association in schools in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, and is “excellent role model and mentor to our young players.”
Drew Andre was the Maple Player of the Year. He was selected to play for Team Canada in an under-17 tournament Heritage Cup tournament. Andre was the only player from B.C. selected for the unique event which features the top players in North America representing First Nations, Canada and the U.S. In the U17 Showcase, Team Canada defeated the Iroquois Nationals, 25-7, at the FirstOntario Centre in downtown Hamilton, Ont.
It was another highlight in a career that has seen him play on Team BC in box lacrosse three times, and as a 14-year-old he won silver medals at national tournaments in both field and box lacrosse.
Outstanding Referee Awards were given to Graydan Carr, Tyler Shaw, and Trevor Funk.
The association began the night with a moment of silence for Aiden Serr, a longtime player who passed away in a car accident. For the remainder of the field lacrosse season, all players will be wearing a helmet decal with his initials and number: “A.S.#5”. The association said it will honouring Serr “a very special young man” in more ways in the future.
The organization also recognized its graduating players: Drew Andre, Nathan Barr, Kyle Brandon, Trevor Funk, Chase Johnson, Loch Munro, Jake Sheridan, Jack Williams, Wyatt Alain, Reece Hansford, Xavier St. Peter, Austin Baillie, Kurt Hebel, Kaidin Sheehan-Davies, Cody Zachow, Nathan Graham, Matthew Hoskins, Luke Evans, Nathan Pearson, Dylan Vandelaar, Olly Williams, Gracie Palidwor Parker, Jake St. Germain and Braeden Washington.