Dawson Creek Athletic Association hands out awards

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The Dawson Creek Athletic Association recognized a former NHLer, local sports and community builders at their 94th annual general meeting on Nov. 16.

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Former NHL player Phil Sykes, along with community builders Frank Ripley, Shaun Inkster (SI Oilfield) and Vern Lauder were all recognized as 2025 award-winners at the AGM and dinner.

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• Brian MacPherson Memorial Award for business – Shaun Inkster – SI Oilfeild
• Sam Wilson Award (to team or individual – Phil Sykes
• Earl Johnson Memorial Award (coach or builder) – Vern Lauder
• Alvie Shearer Award (small business) Frank Ripley – Rip’s Shoe Re-nu
• The annual event was held at the Dawson Creek Golf Club with a rundown of 2024/25 AGM business and hearing of 2025 reports. Pat O’Reilly provided the annual update on the DCAA’s Nordic club – and upkeep of cross-country skiing routes on Bear Mountain.

“Our skiing season is key but we run year-round with lots of activities,” he said.

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“Bikers, hikers, riders, walkers, runners, birdwatchers, and more.” O’Reilly outlined 3 km of trail upgrades and noted Mother Nature was the largest vandal on the routes in 2025.

“The biggest thing that kept us busy was the wind blowing trees and branches onto paths.”
O’Reilly said future plans include examining a residence at the site, well out of Dawson Creek, for caretaker to reside at.

Jack Walsh teed up a 2025 update from the golf club side of matters.

“It was another successful year. We completed our driving range work, the youth program is going great, and membership revenues are all up for a third year.” Walsh added an April 2026 fundraiser is planned for the club, and more.
“We’re looking forward to next year.”

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Paul Gevatkoff provided a 2025 update ski hill business. Matters are headed straight downhill, in a good way. He hoped to see activity on the hill come December – and noted later this week brings the ski hill’s sole fundraiser. Their 15th annual Bearwear fundraiser Nov. 22 at the Bear Mountain ski hill sees the public bid on various themed, dressed, and decorated stuffy bears.

After the annual general meeting, President of the Dawson Creek Athletic Association Dennis Kesterke noted the aim of the club has not changed as the club moves into its 95th year in 2026.

“Our goal is today, as it was 94 years ago when on Nov. 23, 1931, eight sportsmen met to discuss land and building(s) for sports and sportsmanship in Dawson Creek.”

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