Dairy Farmers of Manitoba Athlete of the Week

The JT Piper coaching staff is proud to nominate Ella Honkonen-Makkonen for Player of the Week. Ella recently showcased her skill with a hat trick in our game against River East, but it’s her attitude and work ethic that truly set her apart. She’s a joy to coach, consistently bringing a positive energy to both practices and games. Ella embodies the spirit of a "rink rat," often arriving up to two hours early for games and practices. She’s also been an incredible mentor to some of our newer players, offering encouragement and support as they learn the game. Ella is a fantastic young lady both on and off the ice, and we’re lucky to have her as an Assistant Captain on our leadership team.

Ella is not only an exceptional athlete but also an outstanding student. She is currently maintaining an 84% average in her Grade 12 courses this semester, all while balancing the demands of two competitive hockey teams. This speaks to her dedication and academic strength. In the classroom, Ella actively contributes to lessons, offering both support to her peers and sharing her enthusiasm for learning.