Region’s SEMHL teams well-represented in year-end awards
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Gaeten Beauchemin has been recognized by the South East Manitoba Hockey League for his efforts, as he was named the Dale Rempel Award winner for 2026.
Beauchemin was instrumental in the Ile des Chenes North Stars’ return to competitive senior hockey when the team joined the SEMHL in 2022. He serves many roles with the team, including general manager.
“Gates works around the clock for this team, our players, and our community — often behind the scenes, tirelessly, and always putting others first,” a social media post from the team reads.
“His belief in his players, his passion for hometown hockey, and his unwavering commitment to doing what’s best for this organization never fade. We truly could not do any of this without him. Thank you, Gates, for everything you do and everything you are to this organization. This recognition is could not be more deserved.”
The Dale Rempel award recognizes individuals who have made a “significant positive impact on the SEMHL.”
While Beauchemin got the nod for his off-ice work, a pair of players from Red River were given kudos for their outstanding seasons on the ice.
Jonah Wasylak was named the league’s most valuable player, with Justin Baudry recognized as top defenseman. Both players are former Steinbach Pistons.
Wasylak scored 43 points across 17 games for Red River this season, with Baudry chipping in 23 points in 18 games from the blue line.
Other league award winners include fellow former Piston Matt Thiessen, who is the league’s top goaltender, Notre Dame’s Sean Christensen who is ther league’s most sportsmanlike and Morden’s Cade Kowalski, who is the rookie of the year.
Dale Rempel grew up in Morris, playing hockey on teams across southern Manitoba, including 13 seasons in the SEMHL. He is in the league’s all-time top 10 in scoring, having played over 300 games. After finishing his playing career, he continued to contribute to the sport and was a key figure in founding the Pembina Valley Twisters team, which plays out of Morris. Rempel passed away in 2012.
