Duane Derksen is the newest inductee into the Winkler Flyers Hall of Fame.

"It's truly overwhelming, humbling, and I just feel so lucky," says Derksen, who was excited to see all the old and new faces at the banquet.

He says, when he got the call he was so surprised that he didn't know what to say, and he couldn't believe it. When he shared the news with his wife, she told him how big of a deal it is, and that's when it hit him again.

Being part of a team is something that was a huge impact on his life, and he was excited so come back and reconnect with people here. "Everybody takes care of their own and we're all one here in the Pembina Valley, so to come back and to get to share that with all these people . . . is just a truly special moment that I'll never forget."

The evening's guest speaker, Jennifer Botterill, is a three-time Olympic Gold Medallist with Canada's Olympic Hockey Team, and knows all about the impact of playing team sports.

"I'm a very proud Manitoba girl, and any chance to support hockey and initiatives in the province is something that I take a lot of pride in," says Botterill, who was excited to share her experience playing on Team Canada with the community.

She says Manitobans live a "classic Canadian story," and are very lucky to live in a place where outdoor rinks are possible, and a love for hockey can be fostered.

"When I first started playing . . . I fell in love with the sport so quickly," says Botterill. She adds it was a lot of hard work to achieve her goals, but the hard work was worth it.

Derksen says his experience was similar. "Being an athlete and playing a team sport is one thing - you do what you can - but you're doing it as a team member." He says this is what made the night so special.

He adds that he tries to be a positive influence on his kids and the people around him, and encourages others to "find something that you're passionate about. It doesn't matter if it's knitting sweaters or playing hockey or baseball . . . just have that passion and pay it forward."