This week, the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL) is recognizing its Off-Ice Award winners in the categories of Scholastic Player of the Year, Community Player of the Year, Broadcaster of the Year, and Volunteer of the Year.
The KIJHL announced Nolan Struik of the Chase Heat has been named the Community Player of the Year.
Struik made a big impact in Chase, both on and off the ice. When he first arrived in the community and was waiting for his billet family to return from holidays, he stayed with a temporary family—and became close with them. After moving out, Struik continued to visit regularly. Just a few weeks later, his billet dad from that home suddenly passed away. The loss hit Struik and the team hard, but he continued to offer support, visiting often and helping around the household. Eventually, he asked to move back in to assist his former billet mom with day-to-day errands and be there as she grieved.
Beyond that personal commitment, Struik was a consistent presence at Chase Minor Hockey’s 7 a.m. skill skates, volunteering his time to help local players develop their abilities. He’s also known to be the first to volunteer for community events the Heat are involved with.
“It’s well deserved,” said Heat president Darryl Adamson. “The only thing Nolan probably didn’t do was shovel snow for the seniors—and that’s only because we didn’t get any. I don’t think he ever did anything for himself.”
