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Islanders assistant captain wins inaugural Haydon Memorial Award

Brayden Kirk recognized as part of Thomas Haydon Day at Ladner Leisure Centre

Delta Junior “A” Islanders assistant captain Brayden Kirk is the inaugural winner of the Thomas Haydon Memorial Award.

Kirk was given the award during the second intermission of the Islanders’ B.C. Junior “A” Lacrosse League game on Saturday against the Burnaby Lakers. The presentation culminated the inaugural Thomas Haydon Day in recognition of the former player and coach who lost his battle to pancreatic cancer last October at the age of 36.

The special day also included an alumni game, barbecue and beer garden with all proceeds going to pancreatic cancer research.

The award is presented to a Delta Lacrosse player who best exemplifies some of Haydon’s admirable qualities including hard work, loyalty, courage, and respect.

The selection committee consisted of Haydon’s closest friends that all contributed to the $2,500 scholarship that comes with the award. They discussed Kirk’s candidacy with the Islanders coaching staff, club executive, his previous coaches and a former high school teacher.

Kirk, who is studying at Simon Fraser University, also received a custom axe, reflecting Haydon’s career as a firefighter. The 21-year-old defender from Ladner is in his final season at the junior level after coming through Delta Lacrosse's minor system.