Estevan Bruins second-year defenceman Kade McMillen, who hails from Carievale, has been named the winner of the RBC Community Ambassador Award for the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL).
The recognition not only provides McMillen with the distinguished honour as the SJHL’s community ambassador, but also awards McMillen with an additional $1,000 to donate back to the local school division.
“I enjoy going out in the community and meeting so many people, especially since they support our team so well and that really means a lot to me,” said McMillen. “I have to thank the community because they always come out to support us at our games, so if I can do anything to give back to them then I’m more than happy to do so.”
McMillen was chosen as the Estevan Bruins’ representative for the RBC Community Ambassador award during the 2019-20 season. He made a huge impact on the community in his rookie season, and stepped up his efforts during his second season with the Bruins this past year.
McMillen took on a larger leadership role with the team both on the ice as an alternate captain and off the ice, spear-heading the team involvement with volunteer activities that the Bruins participated in. He participated in almost every single community event, and also took time to chat with young fans after practices and games, signing autographs, introducing the ‘Seventh Man’ to his teammates before each home game, and making great memories for everyone he encountered.
“It’s awesome to go out in the community and see the kids that want to be hockey players because I used to be one of those kids, and if we can make an impact on the kids as a positive influence then I think it’s important as members of the Estevan Bruins to do just that,” he said.
Each SJHL team nominated one player for their team award, with each nominee earning a $1,000 donation from RBC to each team’s local school division. All 12 players nominated displayed outstanding citizenship and sportsmanship both on and off the ice and a commitment to volunteerism.
From there, an online Facebook fan vote narrowed the group of 12 down to a final four. McMillen earned the most votes during the fan voting period and made the final four along with Zach McIntyre (Humboldt Broncos/Melville Millionaires), Reid Robertson (Flin Flon Bombers), and Jake Gudjonson (La Ronge Ice Wolves).
“I have to thank the best fans in the SJHL for everything all season, and for stepping up in the fan voting of this award. That was pretty cool to see,” praised McMillen.
The final four were then voted on by the coaches of the SJHL teams to determine a final winner.
