Hockey Manitoba presented Carol Stewart with the volunteer of the year award for the Central Plains region.

Stewart has been a volunteer with the club for many years and she says this came as a big surprise to her. She outlines what she feels she's done over the years to deserve this award.

"I have been involved for quite a few years with hockey in the Central Plains region," says Stewart. "I probably started out when one of my own kids were involved with Portage minor hockey. With the region, I volunteered mostly as a manager and I've actually joined the Central Plains AAA board and the minor council. I've been on that board for about ten years."

Stewart adds that hockey has become a very big part of her and her family's life. Noting her son Dean Stewart is still playing at the University of Nebraska and was drafted into the NHL back in 2016.

While Stewart is extremely grateful for the award, she still feels it should've been presented to more than just her.

"While they did single me out for the Central Plains region there are a lot of other people that spend a lot of time volunteering," says Stewart. "While I do feel honored, this award should be presented, not only to me but to several other people on our board."

Stewart wants to acknowledge John Ferg, Ferdi Neilsseen, Mike Neill, and Rod Sveistrup for all the hard work they have put in alongside her over the years.