Kernohan, Cey win prestigious awards
By Phil Heilman
It is with great honour that the Sask West Hockey League announced on Wednesday, February 9th that the Harvey Somerville Memorial Award has been won by Biggar Nationals manager Ken Kernohan and the Bill Cey Memorial Award was handed to Wilkie Outlaws forward Rick Cey.
Since 2006, the Somerville award has been given out in recognition of years of service to Senior Hockey and the SWHL. This award is dedicated in Memory of the late Mr. Harvey Somerville, who was a longtime supporter of the Eatonia Huskies and the SWHL.
President Joe Cey presenting the Harvey Somerville award to Ken Kernohan. Photo by Phil Heilman
Gerry Cey presenting his son, Rick, the Bill Cey Memorial award. Photo by Phil Heilman
“Senior hockey in towns is very important.” said the nomination form for Ken.
“Fans having a team to watch, players having a place to play and for local minor hockey kids to have something to look forward to. Keeping a team together and finding players to compete in a very competitive league takes time and dedication. Ken has been involved with the team for many years and will give the time and effort to keep Senior hockey going in Biggar”
“It is an honour. It’s just a great feeling to work alongside and be a part of a good group of people who support their communities and make things happen” said Kernohan in a text message conversation.
“I have a tremendous group of volunteers in Biggar and get to meet and work with many more from other communities”
The other nominations were Kindersley Sr Klippers executive member Reid McBride, Edam 3 Stars forward Mitch Wall, Wilkie Outlaws executive member Bill Sittler, current SWHL president Joe Cey and Biggar Nationals trainer Kaleb Carter.
Created in 2023 and continuing for the next 10 years, the Cey award is given to an individual deemed the hardest working local player in the SWHL. This award is dedicated to Bill Cey, a longtime supporter of local hockey in Wilkie.
“(The) Wilkie Outlaws would like to nominate Ricky Cey as our hardest working local.” read the nomination form for Rick.
“He is an absolute integral part of our team, and by far the hardest working player we have ever seen. So much so that he annoys the opposition!! He also coaches minor hockey and is the president of the minor hockey association. We couldn't think of a more deserving player, especially as his senior hockey career starts to wind down.”
“Well, it’s an honour to win it, being a league award and in my grandpa’s memory,” said Cey in a text message conversation.
“There were lots of good nominations this year from all the teams so just to be in the nominations with those guys was nice. Hard work has always been the biggest part of my game so it’s nice to be recognized for it.”
His dad, Gerry, had the honour of presenting the award, with many of his uncles and aunts looking on.
The other nominations were Macklin Mohawks captain Cody McKinnon, Hafford Hawks’ Kobe Kindrachuk, Alex David of the Unity Miners, Joel Blaquiere of the Edam 3 Stars, Biggar Nationals’ captain and assistant coach Derek Argue, and Kindersley Sr Klippers’ Jarrett Reichert.