Cormier honoured
With MHL community spirit award
A simple act of kindness by a Summerside D. Alex MacDonald Ford Western Capital has not gone unnoticed.
The MHL (Maritime Junior Hockey League) announced Capitals defenceman Sebastien Cormier of Stratford as the 201617 recipient of the community spirit award on Saturday afternoon.
“Sebastien is always willing to lend a hand, he is an excellent role model with the children of P.E.I., and provides leadership in the community as a Western Capital,” said Caps head coach Billy McGuigan in a media release.
The 20-year-old Cormier, who will return to the Caps for his final year of junior A eligibility next season, said he was “pretty humbled” to receive the award.
“Obviously, it is an honour,” said Cormier. “It’s always good as a junior player to be involved in the community.”
Cormier was very active in the Capitals’ community initiatives last season, including participating in school reading programs, ball hockey games and playing with local kids on backyard rinks. But it was Cormier’s actions following a team-sponsored skate that made headlines.
Cormier assisted a young girl at the skate, and after realizing she was wearing training skates, he quietly purchased a pair of regular skates on his own for the young girl.
“The family of the girl was overwhelmed by the gesture,” reads a media release by the MHL.
Capitals general manager Pat McIver said the organization takes great pride in community involvement, and praised Cormier’s efforts.
“All of our guys were great in the community last year, and this award is a testament to Sebastien’s character, and the effort he puts in away from the rink,” said McIver. “We are extremely pleased for him to get recognized.”
Cormier is just happy to be in a position to give back.
“The way I was brought up is to always help people and be involved in the community,” said Cormier. “Growing up as a kid who loved the game of hockey, we were always nagging the guys who played junior and excited to see them.
“Now being on the other side of it as a player, and having the kids come over to you and always wanting to talk to you, ask you questions and stuff, it’s a pretty cool experience to have been on both sides of it.”
“Sebastien is always willing to lend a hand, he is an excellent role model with the children of P.E.I., and provides leadership in the community as a Western Capital.”
Caps head coach Billy McGuigan