A Burnaby goaltender is being recognized by the BC Elite Hockey League (BCEHL) for her humanitarian efforts.
Keira Pong, who plays for the Fraser Valley Rush, has been awarded the U18 AAA Female Humanitarian Award for the first half of the 2024-25 season.
Pong is a junior coach for the Tri-Cities Female Ice Hockey Association, supporting and teaching younger players during development sessions, focusing on fundamental skating techniques, proper goaltending skills and leading engaging drills.
The Burnaby North Secondary student is also involved with the Fraser Valley Rush's mentorship program, assisting young players in nearby minor hockey associations.
She is an executive with the secondary school's Mental Health club, which supports student's well-being and brings awareness to mental health.
Pong is also part of the student council.
The BCEHL’s Humanitarian Award winners for the first half of the 2024-25 season have been chosen!
— BC Elite Hockey League (@BCEHL) December 17, 2024
Congrats and thank you to the winners for all they do in their communities!
Click the link to read more: https://t.co/uxMrEEP0JH pic.twitter.com/vzDIsd19Qb
Recipients of the award were nominated by team staff and the list of nominated players were then sent to all team general managers for their respective leagues.
Nominees were chosen by certain criteria, including:
- Minor Hockey Association or volunteerism
- Other hockey-related volunteerism
- Community engagement (non-hockey)
- Intangibles (leadership, character, integrity etc.)
The Humanitarian is presented by the league to a player from each of the four leagues which includes Female U18 AAA, U18 AAA, U17 AAA and U15 AAA.
Pong was selected over Aly Hart (Northern Capitals) and Maddy Frick (Vancouver Island Seals).
In eight games played this season, Pong has a record of 4-3-0-0 with one shutout.
She has allowed 18 goals with a goals-against average of 2.35.
