Story courtesty of the MJHL
Petyton Gorski is a veteran defenceman who leads by example both on and off the ice. Originally from Regina, Peyton came back to Portage before the season to help volunteer at the Terries annual golf tournament where he was eager to lend a helping hand while interacting with the golfers. This season, Peyton also stepped up to help spread awareness for blood donations through the MJHL’s 12 ways to save a life campaign with Hockey Gives Blood. Peyton is a great example of what it means to be a community ambassador.
Comprised of one player from each MJHL team, Community Ambassadors are recognized for making a difference and giving back to their communities in which they play in. Each player has displayed outstanding citizenship and sportsmanship both on and off the ice and a commitment to volunteerism.
In the coming weeks, one RBC | MJHL Community Ambassador will be selected as the recipient of the RBC Community Award, which comes with a further donation in the player’s name to their local community from RBC.
Congratulations to the following players who have been nominated and selected to the 2020-21 RBC | MJHL Community Ambassador Team.
- Dauphin Kings – Grady Hobbs
- Neepawa Natives – Brady Morrison
- OCN Blizzard – Ben Hilhorst
- Portage Terriers – Peyton Gorski
- Selkirk Steelers – Thomas Colter
- Steinbach Pistons – Caden Triggs
- Swan Valley Stampeders – Brenden Saether
- Virden Oil Capitals – Colin Cook
- Waywayseecappo Wolverines – Mack Belinski
- Winkler Flyers – Dylan Meilun
- Winnipeg Blues – Carson Tiede
- Winnipeg Freeze – Brandt Young
During a typical season, each Community Ambassador is recognized during their team’s RBC Game Night, where they are honoured and presented with a commemorative plaque. A donation is also made to each Ambassador’s local community on their behalf.
While each Community Ambassador team member will not be celebrated in person this season, it is important that each individual is recognized and celebrated for their commitment to making a difference off the ice. Throughout the coming weeks, each RBC | MJHL Community Ambassador will be highlighted online through the MJHL’s social media platforms and website.
“On or off the ice, MJHL players show us that where there is a will, there is a way. Even for volunteering,” said Terry Burgess, RBC Regional Vice President. “While the season was significantly impacted in so many ways, what was not impacted was the giving nature of the players and the lending of their time back to their communities. We are delighted to see the RBC | MJHL Community Ambassador program continue this season.”
On a yearly basis, MJHL athletes dedicate over 12,000 hours volunteering in their local communities. From reading to classrooms and pouring coffee at bingo to everything else in between, the MJHL takes pride in giving back to the province of Manitoba.