The Wheatland Kings took on the High River Flyers on Saturday, November 16 at the Strathmore Family Centre Arena winning the game 3-2 in a shootout, prior to the game a special ceremony in honour of Kristian Ayoungman took place.

The arena was full on Saturday night with the stands filled with those who were there to honour Kristian Ayoungman who lost his life tragically on March 17, 2019.

Darcy Busslinger Manager of the Wheatland Kings shared the importance of retiring Ayoungmsns #11 jersey, "Basically for other people when they are sitting there the look up and maybe ask a question who was that and why is he up there. To keep people talking about what went on and stop something like happening down the road." 

Ayoungman made an impact on everyone around and Busslinger hopes the presence of the banner in the Strathmore Arena will be a reminder of who Kristian was, "He was a member of our team for three years we wanted to honour Kristian and he was a great kid, a nice kid to have around the room and on the team, and he left a footprint on our team." 

Kristian Ayoungman was a former Wheatland Kings player more than that he was a son, a brother, an uncle a grandchild and a friend and he was a well-respected member of his community.

Ayoungmans mother Melodie Hunt-Ayoungman was in attendance and spoke to who her son was and her hopes for the future that this tragedy will bring people together in the communities of Siksika Nation and Strathmore.

 

In October Hunt-Ayoungman had her vehicle broken into in Lethbridge and one of the items stolen was Ayoungmans championship ring, something she always kept with her.

On Saturday night Shadoe Stoodley a former head coach of the Wheatland Kings presented Hunt-Ayoungman with his championship ring that they won with the Wheatland Midget AA team.

 Photo credit Doug Taylor/Wheatland Kings 

 

 Ayoungmans Number 11 jersey was retired on Saturday among family and friends in the arena.  Councilors from the Siksika Nation were present and Siksika Nation Councilor Ruben "Buck" Breaker spoke during the ceremony, along with those in attendance Siksika Nation singers and drummers filled the arena with a song to honour Kristian as the banner was revealed.

 

 

 Photo Credit: Doug Taylor/Wheatland Kings

 

  Photo Credit: Doug Taylor/Wheatland Kings