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SCOTT TAYLOR’ S NOTEBOOK
ing he was forced to retire from hockey this season.“ I’ m obviously honored to win this award,” said Koga, who is a secondyear science student at the University of Manitoba.“ My goal is to graduate with a degree in either biology or chemistry and then continue my post-graduate studies in medicine. This scholarship is very much appreciated.”
Koga, 20, hails from Winnipeg and enjoyed his three seasons with the Pistons. He also liked living in Steinbach where he became an active member of the community. But like so many players before him, his hockey dream was cut short by concussions.“ This season, I suffered my sixth concussion, which forced me to make a major decision in my life,” said Koga.“ With the guidance of my coach( Paul Dyck) and my doctor I made the difficult decision to retire.“ I was leaving a part of my life behind, a part that I would never be able to get back. Without the support of my teammates, coaches, billets and parents, I would not have been able to cope with this experience.” Koga, who admits to having a strong interest in pediatrics and orthopedics, also
mentored a fiveyear-old boy who lives in Steinbach.“ The boy has had cancer since the age of one and is fighting the battle of his life,” said Koga.“ I have tried to be a role model for him, trying to help him have a normal childhood and show him all he has to look forward to.” Koga spends his summers working at the Society of Manitobans with Disabilities, conducting summer camps for children with disabilities. Last year he coached two Winnipeg spring hockey teams for players aged 8-10.“ Coming out of junior hockey, I can proudly say that this sport and the Pistons have helped shape my character in a way that nothing else could have,” he said.“ My time as a junior hockey player has been an experience I will always reflect on positively. I’ ve made life-long friends and I know my hockey experience will benefit
me as I move to the next stage of my life.”
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122 GAME ON 2017 CHAMPIONS EDITION
SYKES HAS SOLID FIRST SEASON WITH LAS VEGAS STORM
Last year, long-time Manitoba hockey coach, Kelly Fontaine, got an email from Gabe Gauthier, the GM and Head Coach for the Las Vegas Storm of the Western States Junior Hockey League. Gauthier was looking for talent and asked Fontaine if he knew of any players that were looking for a new home.“ As a former general manager with the MJHL’ s Southeast back in 2000, I’ d just finished coaching in the St James AA Minor Hockey Association,” said Fontaine.“ I knew of some of my former players that might be interested in attending his camp so I asked six 1999- born players if they’ d be interested and only one committed. That young man was Samuel Sykes.“ Samuel is an impressive young man with a solid upbringing and an outstanding character to go along with his hockey skill set. He was a captain for our team with the St. James AA Canadians Bantam team in 2013-14 and followed that with the Sturgeon Heights High School team the following two seasons. I knew Samuel would do well from my experience coaching him for three years from Pee Wee to Bantam.”
Sykes attended the Storm’ s training camp and after completing his fitness tests and three on-ice sessions he was informed that he’ d made the team. He started his first season in the WSHL as a 17-yearold last September.“ He adjusted very well,” said Fontaine.“ Despite being a world away his mother was able to follow his daily progress through social
networking and texts. Kelly Sykes became an instant fan of the Storm.” Samuel, meanwhile, loved his experience.“ I’ ve never been able to be on the ice almost every day improving my skills and fitness before,” he said.“ I played almost double the number of games in this past season than ever before. It was a great opportunity to make connections and friends from many dif-