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'Stay hungry' is message from former NHLer Ryan Walter to Langley students

Abbotsford Heat president keynote speaker at Langley Fundamental athletic awards banquet
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Former NHLer Ryan Walter was the keynote speaker at the Langley Fundamental athletic banquet.

The message was simple: be hungry for excellence in athletics and in life.

Former NHLer and Stanley Cup winner Ryan Walter delivered the message at the first annual Langley Fundamental Secondary athletic awards banquet earlier this month.

Walter, now the president of the American Hockey League's Abbotsford Heat, presented each of the winners with a medal as well as an autographed copy of his latest book, Hungry. He also reminded the athletes that their future will be determined by the people they choose to spend their time with and by the books they read.

“We’re proud of all our athletes and want them to become complete champions—on the court or field – and in life," said athletic director James Johnston, echoing Walter's challenge.

The junior volleyball teams were recognized for their accomplishments as the junior boys captured the provincial banner and the junior girls won the district championships and came second at provincials.

Award winners included:

Junior boys

Tristan Loewen (basketball most valuable player)

Zuri Vankevich (soccer most valuable player and basketball most inspirational player)

Brad Thompson (soccer most inspirational player)

Michael Hsu (volleyball most valuable player)

Denham O'Reilly (most inspirational player)

Junior girls

Emmalyn Rempel (basketball most valuable player)

Bethany Hitchman (basketball most inspirational player)

Brie O'Reilly (volleyball most valuable player)

Kim Bauder (volleyball most inspirational player)

Hannah Beaton (track and field most valuable player)

Senior boys

Jesiah de Gouveia (soccer most valuable player)

Brett Lee (soccer most inspirational player)

Eric Funk (volleyball most valuable player)

Jonah Johnson (volleyball most inspirational player)

Senior girls

Sarah Kragt (basketball most valuable player)

Emma Lewis (basketball most inspirational player)

Angela Wassen (volleyball most valuable player)

Katelyn Heppell (volleyball most inspirational player)