Referees don't often hear praise from the crowd, but that wasn't the case Thursday evening.

Players, coaches, family and friends filled McKenna Hall and took time to acknowledge a key individual of the Weyburn Minor Hockey Association (WMHA) during its annual awards night.

Greg Happ, WMHA referee in chief, was presented with the 2016-17 Special Recognition Award. Throughout the season, he helped recruit more than 40 officials for the 2016-17 season, increased the female referee pool and a number of other accomplishments.

The WMHA Board for the 2016-17 season. (Photo by Paige Kreutzwieser)

"Greg puts an outstanding effort into to trying to improve each and every official for the benefit of themselves, WMHA, and the sport," said Todd Neuberger, first vice president for the WHMA, at the awards night.

"We can only hope that Greg’s energy can be one that catches on and inspires others to put forward a similar effort into their programs."

Three other officials were recognized as well:

  • Trent “T-Baby” Daunheimer - Top Senior
  • Thomas Goranson - Top Junior Male
  • Payton Mabee - Top Junior Female

The WMHA also acknowledged a number of individuals stepping down from the executive board for the 2017-18 season:

  • Connie Arndt - Equipment
  • Nikki Dickie - Executive Manager
  • Bonnie Ernst - Secretary
  • Tanya Hulbert - Awards & Clinics
  • Jeromy Charlton - Novice Division Head
  • Boyd Dennis - Atom Division Head

Below are a list of the evening's winners, as well as a photo gallery from the event: