The Stonewall Jets marked a milestone season Saturday evening as players, alumni and supporters gathered for the team’s annual fundraising gala and awards banquet at the Quarry Park Heritage Arts Centre.
Graduating Stonewall Jets players, left to right, Karson King, Cohen Cheung, Austin Lorenco, Brody Stovin, Peyton Bateman and Alex Kaczorowski model several jerseys worn throughout the team’s history while unveiling the club’s new commemorative jersey celebrating 25 years in the Manitoba Major Junior Hockey League during the Jets’ annual gala Saturday evening at the Quarry Park Heritage Arts Centre
The event served as one of the Manitoba Major Junior Hockey League team’s primary fundraisers while also celebrating milestones for the organization, including 25 years in the MMJHL and the 10th anniversary of the Jets’ Jack McKenzie League championship.
Members of the Jets executive welcomed guests and thanked the community for its continued support of the organization, noting the gala plays a key role in sustaining the program.
“This is a major fundraiser for our organization and plays a big part in our operation and initiatives,” said Jets president and treasurer Shaun Dalgliesh in remarks to the crowd.
“The only way we can continue into the future is with the support we have here tonight.”
Executive members Shaun Dalgliesh, Andrew Kirk, Jeff McCallum, Mike Meier, Shawn Slatcher, Randy Tesluck and Trevor Warburton were recognized for their work behind the scenes organizing the event and supporting the club throughout the season.
Organizers also paid tribute to past executives, volunteers and community supporters who helped build the Jets organization over the years.
“If it wasn’t for the past executives and people in this room, we wouldn’t be celebrating 25 years tonight,” said Dalgliesh.
A highlight of the evening was the unveiling of a commemorative jersey marking the team’s quarter-century in the MMJHL. The new design features a “25” incorporated into the collar to represent the anniversary, along with sleeve bands symbolizing the decades of the team’s history in the league.
The jersey presentation also included a look back at several past team uniforms worn throughout the Jets’ history.
During the program, organizers also recognized longtime team trainer Denis “Doc” Moreau, who is marking more than three decades with the club and is retiring following the season.
The evening also included the introduction of the Jets’ 2025–26 roster and coaching staff.
Head coach Pat Power leads the team alongside assistant coaches Brent Murray and Brayden Kohlman, with Liam Wheddon serving as general manager and Kris Menard as assistant general manager. Equipment manager Eric Mattson and timekeeper Greg Phelan were also recognized for their ongoing efforts.
Players introduced during the event included Peyton Bateman, Jake Brown, Ron Cailo, Cohen Cheung, Kale Chipman, Seth Clements, KC Couckuyt, Josh DeGagne, Evan Deprez, Wylie Garchinski, Talon Hogg, Gavin Holod, Spencer Hunnam, Alex Kaczorowski, Karson King, Austin Lourenco, Evan McMurtry, Aiden Miller, Adam Newcombe, Dean Saunders, Rylan Slatcher, Noah Slobozian, Kai Smith, Brody Stovin and Dylan Vitelli.
Several awards were presented during the evening recognizing player achievements both on and off the ice.
The rookie of the year award was shared by Evan McMurtry and Evan Deprez.
Rylan Slatcher was named the team’s most sportsmanlike player.
The hardest-working player award went to Wylie Garchinski.
Brody Stovin received the top defenceman award, while Peyton Bateman was recognized as the team’s most valuable player.
Karson King received the Ed Barnes Memorial Scholarship, a $500 award presented to a Jets player who demonstrates strong work ethic, community involvement and ties to local minor hockey.
Alex Kaczorowski received the newest Jets award presented during the evening in memory of former Jets supporter Ryan Grandmont.
The gala concluded with fundraising activities including progressive and live auctions, raffle draws and entertainment from comedians Brady Holm and Sunee Dhaliwal, who had the crowd laughing throughout the evening.
Live auction items included agricultural services, Winnipeg Jets tickets, travel packages, tools and sports memorabilia, including an autographed Winnipeg Jets jersey from Mark Scheifele. Eryn Stewart was also the lucky winner of the popular wheelbarrow of booze draw.
The Jets also recognized graduating 20-year-old players Austin Lourenco, Alex Kaczorowski, Brody Stovin, Cohen Cheung, Peyton Bateman and captain Karson King for their contributions to the organization.
Coaches praised the graduating players for helping build the team’s culture and serving as role models for younger teammates.
“We couldn’t be more proud of these guys,” said Menard. “They’ve helped build our organization and set the example for the next group of Jets players coming up.”
As the evening concluded, organizers thanked the community once again for its support and looked ahead to the team’s upcoming playoff run.
