AJHL Recognizes Viterra Salute to Service Award Recipients
The Alberta Junior Hockey League and Viterra Canada are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2024-25 Viterra Salute to Service Award, which recognizes service and commitment to the AJHL. The Delorme Family (Olds Grizzlys) and Goldamer Family (Drumheller Dragons) have been selected as this year’s recipients for their dedication as outstanding billet families.
The Goldamers have been a billet family with the Drumheller Dragons for five years, including in the 2024-25 season for player Bradley Gallo. They describe their experience as rewarding and fun, “Five years ago we welcomed a 17-year-old player on a whim into our home and after four seasons he quickly became a forever part of our family. It is very rewarding welcoming a young player to the Valley and watching them leave with dreams and goals accomplished. All of the players we’ve had since have been a huge role model in our son’s hockey career and great supporters. The Drumheller Dragons treat their billets so amazing and are always hosting events to show their appreciation, it really is a little community on its own that we are proud to be apart of.”
“The Goldamer Family has been a huge part of our billeting program for the last five seasons,” stated Boedy Shields, Drumheller Dragons Director of Operations. “They provide a great experience for our players and always make them feel right at home and part of their family. Their dedication to making our Dragons feel comfortable and welcomed is second to none and it is truly remarkable how much our players grow off the ice as they become role models to their young kids. Chanelle and Mitch, along with their children, have always been very active in our organization. They assist with and take part in our team events and always take a leadership role in welcoming new families to the billet program. Their children are active members in our Jr. Dragons programs and quickly build relationships with all of our players. We couldn’t be more grateful for their continued support of our team and we are very lucky to have such great families involved with our billeting program!”
The Delorme Family has also been a billet family for five years and last season provided a home for Grizzlys players Connor Johnson and Aidyn Law. The family cherishes the unique relationships they get to foster each season and growing their family, “We billet because we deeply value the connections we form with the kids who come into our home. It’s incredible to see how children from diverse backgrounds interact with our kids and the other boys we host as we usually welcome multiple players each year. We love witnessing the friendships they build with one another, and it’s rewarding to see our past billets grow into lifelong friends and a lasting part of our extended family.”
“The Olds Grizzlys have always had great billet families,’ said Julie Johnston, Olds Grizzlys Billet Coordinator. “We value each and every one of them. It’s a special honour to have the Delorme Family recognized this season. They have opened their home to many players over the past five years and created great bonds with their billet sons. Congratulations Andy, Lacey, Paige and Addison.”
“Volunteers and billet families are the lifeblood of the Alberta Junior Hockey League, dedicating countless hours to support our teams and create an exceptional experience for players and fans alike,” stated AJHL Commissioner Ryan Bartoshyk. “Their unwavering commitment is truly invaluable. We are deeply grateful for Viterra’s continued partnership, which has been instrumental in recognizing and celebrating these outstanding individuals through the Viterra Salute to Service Awards. Their support allows us to shine a light on these community heroes and acknowledge their crucial contribution to the success of our League.”
