It's no secret junior hockey teams and its players are a huge part of their communities in Saskatchewan. The SJHL and RBC teamed up to recognize some of the hard work and contributions players make to supporting the towns and cities they play in. 

Each team had one player selected who is "making a difference by giving back to their community" and has shown "outstanding citizenship and sportsmanship both on and off the ice." The chosen member of the Weyburn Red Wings was defenceman Garrett Szeremley. The 19-year-old has chipped in on the ice with a goal and nine assists this season, but it's off the ice where Szeremley has made a bigger impact. 

He wears an 'A' on his sweater for his leadership in the locker room and it carries over to his play. The Morden, Man. native has come to adopt Weyburn as a second home and was thrilled to be chosen.

"It's an honour. Just being able to represent both the Wings and the community through this. It's pretty special coming in and being accepted the way I have been and it's nice to be able to give something back," Szeremley said. 

Along with the nod comes a $1,000 grant that was given to a local charity at the discretion of Szeremley. After some hard thought, he chose to allocate the money to the Weyburn Humane Society.  

"I heard some rumours around town that they are trying to put together some money for a new building and they're having a little trouble getting supplies and stuff. I had a conversation with a couple different people around town and decided that was probably the best fit for where the money would be the most well used," he explained. "It already seems like they have a lot of great ideas of what they're going to do with it, so I'm happy with the decision."

Szeremley and his Red Wing teammates have been busy in the community all season, but especially so in December. They've helped with Christmas decorations around town, built gingerbread houses with kids, took part in the Parade of Lights, they'll be volunteering at Boston Pizza on December 13 and much more. 

Kids in Weyburn look up to the Wings and Szeremley is never shy with a fist bump or to stop for a chat before or after a game. 

"Back in the day, I was one of those kids. It's really important to me to give back because I was always that kid that was following around the older hockey guys and looking up to them. To be able to be that guy for them is huge," he said. "Just being a role model and making sure they know what's right from wrong growing up and giving them the best chance." 

Szeremley will be recognized for his award on the December 15 home game versus the Estevan Bruins. He, along with the other 11 team nominees, will be up for a year-end award where one winner will be chosen and another donation will be made by RBC to the player's community.