Timmy Rourke is the Youngest Recipient Ever of the Wayne Castor Fan Award

On Friday, January 24, Timmy Rourke was honored as being the youngest recipient of the Wayne Castor Fan Award. This award has been presented annually for the past 8 years to a loyal and dedicated fan of the Salmon River Central School Hockey Team. The deserving fan faithfully cheers on the Salmon River hockey players with a display of good sportsmanship and is known for being there for the team. Timmy Rourke is just 13 years old but that doesn't stop him from attending virtually every SRCS hockey game. Rourke's father is just as dedicated by making sure his son attends every game. Many of the staff and SRCS players are aware of Rourke's dedication to the hockey team and Rourke is the first to receive the season's game schedule. Along with his father Tim, Rourke has been attending games since he was 3 years old. He has followed all the big name players throughout the years and remembers many of them fondly, from Wahiio Jacobs to Ty Terrance, Rourke follows each game of the season, each play, and with each goal that leads to every win or loss.

The Wayne Castor Fan Award is sponsored by the Kerry Kane Foundation of Kahnawake. Ken Kane, founder of the Kerry Kane Foundation and father of John and Logan Kane, both former players of SRCS, of the Kerry Kane Foundation has delivered the large trophy to the deserving fan along with a duplicate trophy that sits on the SRCS Award shelves. Kerry Kane was the brother of Ken who lost his life while working on high steel. Ken formed the Kerry Kane Foundation which benefits a number groups and teams in Kahnawake and Akwesasne including the Wayne Castor Fan Award. Wayne Castor was the father of Peter Barnes and Kevin Castor and uncle to Sawentanon and Teio Skidders, Jim Barnes, chosen uncle to Logan Kane, Curry Rice and countless other players of the Salmon River Central Hockey and Lacrosse teams. He gave of himself effortlessly. He was there when you needed a ride, your skates sharpened, and a pat on the back for a game well played and gave words of encouragement when things didn't go so well on the ice. He was there for his sons, his nephews and nieces and all members of the team. And he was there for the parents and fans. Most of all he was there for the love of the game and what "the game" gave back to each player.

Wayne Castor was the kind of father who gave encouragement to his many nieces and nephews who played hockey and lacrosse at Salmon River and in Cornwall. His dedication went beyond words of encouragement, he was there to give a ride to a game or practice, or find much needed or missing equipment. He gave this and more. He gave to every person he knew. This award is given to a person who reflects these rare qualities. Congratulations, Timmy Rourke, you are one fine young man.