On Sunday, January 21, 1996, the Abbotsford Bantam ‘AAA’ Hawks suffered a tragic loss during their hockey game in Coquitlam, BC against the Coquitlam Warriors.

Dallas Saunders, age 15, passed away while playing the game that he loved and lived for. All to help his team earn a tie hockey game against their fellow competitors.

Dallas, a fearless hockey player who led by example not by words, dove in front of a Coquitlam defenseman’s slap shot to block the puck with his body. This common reaction by a hockey player turned tragic when Dallas did not get up from blocking the shot.  This accident was not the fault of the player who shot, nor was it the fault of the equipment Dallas wore. It was an act of determination and dedication that ended his life so suddenly.

Dallas was a young student of the game, working out every day on and off the ice to try and perfect his skills in every way possible. A second year Bantam, Dallas was the leading scorer on the Abbotsford ‘AAA’ team, and he dreamed of getting a hockey scholarship to a major United States university. Dallas was an honour roll student in school, and a great role model for all young hockey players in Abbotsford - Matsqui Minor Minor Hockey Association who knew him.

The number “5” has since been retired forever in Abbotsford in the memory of this fine athlete, teammate and friend. Many years may have passed since this tragic accident, but the spirit of Dallas Saunders will be in our hearts for a lifetime.

The annual Dallas Saunders award will be proudly presented during the tournament at the Abbotsford team's game on Saturday, February 11 @ 6:15PM to one Bantam AAA player that best exemplifies his attributes. 

A warm welcome and good luck to all teams competing in the tournament.