The city hosted a Civic Award & Volunteer Recognition Banquet at the Renaissance Centre last night. The award banquet recognized 2023 Civic Award Recipient Bryan MacKay, as well as community members of council committees, and the Shared Use Trails Working Group.
MC of the evening, Acting Mayor Andrew Wannan, welcomed the guests: “I wish to thank you all for stepping up and joining these committees. It’s an important piece to what we’re trying to accomplish at the council for the city. So, thank you from council and me, personally.”
Wannan presented the Civic Award.
“As the head coach of Elliot Lake minor hockey and head coach of Elliot Lake major hockey, Bryan ran practices, coached games in and out of town, along with tournaments," he told the assembled group.
“Bryan is more than a coach. Simply put, Bryan teaches his players the rules, the game, the strategies applied for success, and the fundamental skills necessary to play. He instills positive values like hard work, dedication, teamwork, accountability, and above all, respect to each and every one of his players.”
“He's always endeavoured to improve his players, both on and off the ice, as hockey players, as well as human beings.”
“And Bryan's service is all out of the love, love for the children, love for the sport of hockey. He loves the sportsmanship and all the friendships that come along with that. And he's done this for years and years and years with no expectation of a return.”
“He takes pride in watching these kids grow up and helps shape them for their futures. And this may be Bryan's final year coaching. After 50 years of dedication to the sport, to hockey, to the children, and to the community of Elliot Lake, once again, thank you, Bryan.”
Accepting the award, MacKay commented, “I thank everybody who came out. I appreciate it.”
MacKay continued: “I'm looking at an award here and I'm thinking, why do people get awards for doing something they love? Like I say, I've done this for 50 years, and I've had a lot of kids. I mean, a lot of kids - boys and girls. And the one thing I can always take away is I cannot remember, or have heard in the last few years, of any of these kids being in trouble.”
MacKay reminisced good naturedly, about some of the young players, now adults, and gathered at the banquet. Personal, warm and friendly. Laughter flowed in the audience.
As the applause wound down, the MC returned. Taking the mic, Andrew Wannan said, “Okay. Thank you again, everyone. I can attest to Bryan telling the truth. He calls it like it is. Especially when he let me go from the major hockey team three times.” And the laughter continued.
MacKay also received recognition from other local sports volunteers and local MP, Michael Mantha.
Mantha: “Your efforts have genuinely improved the lives of those you have directly touched and those on the periphery. By demonstrating care, loyalty and commitment, you make this entire community a better place to live, a place people want to call home.”