2022 Sport PEI Awards Night
The 2022 Sport PEI Awards were another special night in Island sport, headlined by Mark Arendz winning the Lieutenant Governor’s award (PEI’s top athlete) and the Senior Male athlete of the year, while Alysha Corrigan received the award for Senior Female Athlete of the year. Both athletes have starred on the international stage in 2022. Arendz won 4 medals at the 2022 Paralympics in Biathlon and Cross-Country Ski, coming home with a complete set – 1 gold, 1 silver, and 2 bronze. Corrigan helped Team Canada to a 4th place finish at the Rugby World Cup and was recognized as a player of the match vs the USA. Alysha also competed with Team Canada in Rugby 7s.
The awards for Junior athletes of the year were won by 2 Canada Games medalists and a rising star for Hockey Canada. Sarah MacEachern, co-winner of the Junior Female athlete of the year, competed at the U18 Women’s World Hockey Championship in 2022 as an assistant captain. MacEachern was strong on the blueline and helped Team Canada win the gold medal and was named one of Canada’s top 3 players at the tournament. Vanessa Keefe, co-winner of the Junior Female athlete of the year, was Team PEI’s only gold medalist at the 2022 Canada Games. Keefe, who competes in wrestling, went undefeated in seven matches, before winning her semi-final and final to claim the gold medal. Keefe also won a bronze medal at the U19 Wrestling Championships earlier in the year. RJ Hetherington, Junior Male athlete of the year, made history for male PEI wrestlers. Hetherington became the first male wrestler from PEI to win a medal at the Canada Games. After battling through a foot injury, RJ earned his place on the podium and in the PEI wrestling history books.
Nick Robertson (Dalhousie University) and Frances MacWilliam (UPEI) were the recipients of the Intercollegiate Male and Female athlete of the year awards. Robertson, a cross country and track and field athlete, won a silver medal in the 3000m and a bronze in the 1500m at the AUS track and field championships and was a 1st team all-star in cross country. MacWilliam returned to the UPEI women’s rugby team for her final season where they won their first AUS title. MacWilliam was the 2nd leading scorer in the AUS and was named a conference all-star.
There were 3 strong finalists for the 2022 Team of the year, but the PEIFC U15 Girls soccer team had a special season. Capturing the Allt tournament, the Nova Scotia League Championship and winning silver at the Atlantic All-Star Championships created a belief that something special was happening. At the 2022 National Championship, the team started 3-0, then battled to a 3-2 overtime win over Ontario to finish first in pool play securing their place in the gold medal game. While disappointed with a 2-0 loss to Manitoba, PEIFC made everyone proud in winning a silver medal, only the second time in PEI history.
The 2022 Coach of the year, James Voye, has worked tirelessly in the rugby community to help players develop their skills and knowledge. This year, he was head coach of the UPEI Women’s rugby team, the Canada Games Rugby 7’s and the Abbies Men’s & Women’s teams. UPEI made their appearance at the USport Championship this fall, after winning their 1st AUS title. Voye was also recognized for his work by being named the AUS and U Sports Coach of the Year.
Marc Gilman was named the 2022 Official of the year. Marc officiates several high-level events such as the National Legion Camp, Atlantic Outdoor Championships, and the AUS and USport Track and Field Indoor Championships. This past summer he volunteered at the Canada Games in Niagara as a Chief Throws Official.
The 2022 Canadian Field & Outdoor Target Archery Championships received the award for Event of the year. It was extremely well received with 398 archers taking part in three different events over six days. This event was a massive undertaking for a small group of dedicated volunteers. The estimated benefit for the City and the Province is projected to be in the millions of dollars.
Over the past 12 years, Nancy Russell has been instrumental in the growth of rowing on PEI. To recognize her for her efforts, Nancy was awarded with the 2022 Volunteer Administrator of the year. From applying for funding, arranging board meetings and supporting their team for the Canada Games, Nancy has led the way for Rowing PEI both provincially and on the national stage.
The 2022 Masters athlete of the year was won by Jamie Morse. Morse, who is in his ninth year of competition, hit the bullseye at the Canadian National Outdoor Target and Field championships winning two gold medals. Wind and rainy conditions were a challenge to the competition, but Morse adjusted his shooting to ensure his success.
The Inspiration award is given to a member of the sport community who has dealt with adversity and persevered. Jenna Larter became PEI’s fastest female short track speed skater, before tearing her ACL. With a strong support team and a lot of hard work, Larter returned to the track and was the first PEI speed-skater since Scott Beamish, in 2013, to compete at the Canadian Short Track Championships.
The Premier’s Award, given to the sport organization of the year, was awarded to Lacrosse PEI. From introducing the sport in 2013, Lacrosse PEI has grown to the point where they now have the volunteers, coaches and players to participate in national championships, support the development of a team at UPEI, and participate in the 2022 Canada Games (which marked the sport’s first appearance at the Games since 1985). It takes time to build any organization, but in 10 short years, Lacrosse PEI has had their hard work payoff.
The President’s Awards were awarded to Susan Dalziel and Tim Murphy. The President’s awards are presented to an individual who has given long-time service to their sport. It is a lifetime achievement award, recognizing only the most outstanding volunteers.
Dalziel has been a major factor in the development of female hockey on PEI. In 1980, Susan was the first Director of female hockey on PEI, in this role she brought several National Championships to PEI, was the Sport Director for Women’s hockey at the 1991 Canada Games, and has been honoured by Hockey PEI and Hockey Canada for her contributions. Susan’s impact on hockey will be forever felt for the young girls who love the game.
Murphy began coaching wrestling when he first started teaching at Belfast consolidated. Tim turned his passion and energy for the sport to coaching and building the wrestling program on PEI. He has been actively involved with Wrestling PEI since the 1980’s holding every position including President. PEI wrestlers have, and continue to, perform strongly at national and international events. These results are a legacy of the work that Tim Murphy has put in to develop the sport and he’s not finished yet!
For more Information contact:
John McIntosh
Sport Coordinator, Sport PEI
jmcintosh@sportpei.pe.ca
902-368-4547