A Morden hockey player is headed on an adventure of a lifetime after being recognized for his contributions to the community.

19-year-old Garrett Szeremley is a veteran of the MJHL and MMHL, and recently completed a season with the SJHL (Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League). Every year the SJHL selects a player that has demonstrated excellence in giving back to their community as well as on the ice, "going above and beyond what is asked of them."

The 'Make Every Moment Count' award also includes a trip to Europe for a whirlwind tour of eight countries in ten days this summer. "It will be a trip of a lifetime for sure."

Szeremley hopes his example inspires the next generation, "My parents always pushed us not to just go through the motions in life, to take ever opportunity you can to give back to others."

Szeremley regularly volunteers for school visits, reading programs, Salvation Army Kettle Bell campaigns, while leading his team on the ice despite struggles with injuries this season.

"I think it's just really important to use the platform we have as hockey players," Szeremley says. "I was the kid trying to be just like hockey players, so just having that platform to give back and show the way for kids is huge."

"That's the biggest reason we're out doing the things we do," he adds.

Last spring, after the tragedy in Humboldt, Szeremley planned a fundraiser with that raised over $16,000 which he hand-delivered to the Broncos.

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