As a member of the Pontiacs, Joel has been a first-rate individual who exudes servant leadership, team skills, dedication, sportsmanship, respect and an unmatched compete level.
Joel?s coach calls him a ?culture enhancer? and that ?the sacrifice and battle that Joel demonstrates for his team is humbling to witness as a coach.?
An important value for the Bonnyville Pontiacs is encouraging their players to learn and embrace collaboration and care for one another in pursuit of the ?bigger picture? in sports and life. Joel is the Pontiacs? captain and he is a consummate leader demonstrated by how he treats others. He is also a respected role model and mentor for his teammates and he helps out with everything from supporting teammates, helping the trainers, and volunteering countless hours in the Bonnyville community.
Joel was on the AJHL All-Academic Team in 2017/18 and has been awarded Bonnyville?s ?Most Improved? and ?Top Defensive Forward? the 2 previous years. Joel is an honour student with a strong work ethic. As well rounded player both in the rink and in the community, Joel is the perfect example of what being an RBC & AJHL Community Ambassadors is all about.
Each AJHL team will nominate one player who has shown exemplary commitment to community service to be recognized as an AJHL RBC Community Ambassador – all 16 athletes will make up the 2019-20 AJHL RBC Community Ambassador Team! At the conclusion of the regular season, one AJHL RBC Community Ambassador will be selected as the recipient of the RBC Community Award. A donation will be made to the Ambassador?s local charity from RBC and a Scholarship will be provided to the player from the AJHL to be used for post-secondary education.