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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-