FRIDAY

Coach Ryan Pollock on the Post game coaches show last night.

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Coach Chad Mercier on Behind the Bench this morning. We missed the first question on the recording but Chad is talking about his teams slow start last night.

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Stupid PVR stopped recording with 2:30 minutes left in the Duke vs. UNC game the other night. Oh well it wasn't close anyways. UNC takes it.

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AADAC and AJHL Announce Bursary Recipients

Calgary, Ab, February 13, 2009 - The Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) and Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC) announced today the recipients of the 2009 AJHL AADAC Bursary. The first ever recipients of the scholarship are Kim Sydora of the Bonnyville Pontiacs and Kirsten Kidd of the Okotoks Oilers.

Kim Sydora is in her 4th season as the Trainer and Equipment Manager for the Pontiacs. “The time and effort Kim dedicates to the team allows our coaches and players to be successful,” says Pontiacs GM / Head Coach Chad Mercier. “Our Coaching Staff can concentrate on doing our jobs, knowing that the players are being looked after every second of every day. Kim is a key component to our organization in the areas of injury assessment, equipment management, the billeting program and ensuring the physical and mental health of our players. We are thrilled Kim has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to the Pontiacs.”

“I am honoured to have been chosen for this award,” said Kim Sydora. “When asked what I do as Trainer and Equipment Manager I usually answer ‘What don't I do’ or ‘Follow me around for a day’ but really I find my job quite diverse and exciting. The AJHL and AADAC have provided awareness of the potential problems that can occur when using substances or chewing tobacco. Through information sessions and pamphlets we like to get this info out to our athletes. I would like to thank AADAC and look forward to continued information.”

Kirsten Kidd is the Athletic Therapist for the Okotoks Oilers. Kirsten is in her second year with the team and has made a major impact on the organization. “Kirsten is one of the best Athletic Therapists I have ever encountered,” said Okotoks Oilers Governor Wayne Lauinger. “She is well prepared, knowledgeable in her field, thorough and she has gained the utmost respect from our players and coaches. Kirsten is a strong leader, who has successfully established herself as a successful female professional in a male dominant sport.”

“We are grateful that Kirsten has committed to a third season with the Oilers in 2009-2010,” added Lauinger. Kirsten is also employed by Dynamic Physiotherapy in Okotoks, Alberta.

The Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission encourages and supports healthy living habits for all Albertans, whether they are a competitive athlete, team support staff, recreational participant or spectator. “We are proud to work with the Alberta Junior Hockey League in contributing to the knowledge and skills development of these selected trainers through scholarship assistance,” said Brian Miller of AADAC. “We feel that team trainers should represent a source of informed knowledge about ways of maintaining a healthy body and lifestyle for our athletes.”

Each recipient will be presented with a bursary in the amount of $2,000.

The Alberta Junior Hockey League and the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC) created a newly formed partnership at the onset of the 2008-2009 AJHL Season.