McDonald, Litzenberger, Diehl honoured at 17th annual Kinsmen Sportsman Dinner featuring Kelly Hrudey

The Prince Albert Kinsmen Club celebrated some of the community’s top athletes and their accomplishments during the 17th annual Sportsman Dinner on Saturday night.

The event was held at the Ches Leach Lounge at the Art Hauser Centre, honouring Prince Albert Raiders head coach Ryan McDonald as Sportsperson of the Year, Zane Litzenberger as Male Athlete of the Year and Ali Diehl as Female Athlete of the Year.

Former NHL goaltender and longtime Hockey Night in Canada analyst Kelly Hrudey was the evening’s guest speaker, sharing stories from his hockey career and lessons about perseverance, family and overcoming adversity.

Hrudey spent 15 seasons in the NHL before starting his broadcasting career, which spanned more than three decades. He told those in attendance that his path to professional hockey was far from easy, recalling how he repeatedly faced disappointment as a young player.

“I never made a rep team until I was 16 years old,” Hrudey said.

After being cut from one team, Hrudey recalled returning home discouraged before his brother encouraged him to attend another tryout the following day. He took the opportunity, made the team and eventually earned a chance to play for the Medicine Hat Tigers of the Western Hockey League.

“It’s Ok to fail,” Hrudey said. “That’s part of life.”

He encouraged parents to remind young athletes not to become discouraged by setbacks, emphasizing that perserverance can play an important role in achieving success.

Diehl, who was unable to attend in person, sent a video message from Los Angeles, where she is training for the 2028 Paralympic Games.

“I am so thankful for everyone on the board that recognized all my achievements and all my hard work,” Diehl said.

Diehl earned five medals at the 2025 Canadian Swimming Trials, securing her place on Canada’s team for the World Para Swimming Championships in Singapore. At 16, she was the youngest athlete on the Canadian team and finished fourth in the women’s SB9 100-metre breaststroke.

Litzenberger reflected on his journey as a multisport athlete, which began when he was four years old and eventually led him to compete in soccer, softball, basketball and football.

“It’s crazy to think that this all started when I was just four years old,” Litzenberger said.

He explained how each sport has helped him develop different skills, from trusting his teammates in football to learning composure in softball and discipline and decision-making in basketball.

“I truly believe being a multisport athlete has played a huge role in getting me here,” Litzenberger said.

Litzenberger helped the Prince Albert Astros earn bronze at the 2025 U17 Boys Canadian Fastpitch Championship, where he was named an all-star and the tournament’s top utility player.

He also caught the winning touchdown in Carlton Comprehensive High School’s first provincial football championship in 2024 and helped the Crusaders win silver at the 2026 Hoopla basketball championship.

McDonald, who was also unable to attend in person, also sent a video message for the evening, emphasizeing the importance of family and the pride he feels representing his hometown.

McDonald became the interim head coach in March 2025. He went on to lead the Raiders to a 50-win season and the Western Hockey League Championship Series while continuing his work with Hockey Canada programs.

McDonald was part of the coaching staff for Canada’s gold-medal-winning teams at the 2024 U17 World Challenge, the 2025 U17 World Challenge and the 2026 Hlinka-Gretzky Cup.

Despite those accomplishments, he said family and home remain central to his life and career.

“You build a family, you care for one another and you push each other daily,” McDonald said.

His father was in attendance to accept the award on his behalf.

The evening brought together members of the Prince Albert community to recognize local athletic achievements and the people who support athletes throughout their journeys.

The dinner also featured live and silent auctions, with proceeds supporting the Kinsmen Wave Pool at the Lake Country Co-op Leisure Centre.