Without having even started their season, the Weyburn Red Wings were already destined for the basement.

At least, that's how the sports forecasters called it, as the so-called hockey experts predicted Weyburn's 2003-2004 roster to finish somewhere around fourth place in the Sherwood Conference.

"I think that our young men showed that they were wrong," said coach Dwight McMillan, speaking at the 2004 Weyburn Red Wings awards banquet on April 20, at the Weyburn Curling Club.

Although the Red Wings fell two games short of winning the MemberCare Cup over Kindersley, many congratulated the Red Wings and their coaching staff for winning the Sherwood Conference.

"A feat that was not easily attained, but we did it, guys. You did it, and full credit to you," said Wings' president Winston Bailey.

More than once, the subject of next year's Royal Bank Cup in Weyburn arose during the banquet, with Bailey noting that more than 100 season tickets have been sold so far for the 2004-2005 season.

After thanking the coaching staff, parents, billets and volunteers, graduating captain Shayne Emmons wished luck to his fellow players at the 2005 Royal Bank Cup.

Emmons, who is graduating from the team after three years, said it was an honour to serve as captain for the Red Wings.

He was the recipient of the most awards handed out at the banquet, receiving five and sharing one.

Emmons was given the Barber Motors Award for Most Valuable Forward, Dee Jay's KFC Award for Most Popular Player (as chosen by the fans), Weimer's Electronics Award for Best Defensive Forward, the Fellner Farms Rock'em Sock'em Award and Hoium's MVP Sports Award for Most Valuable Player.

He also shared the Graham Christie Memorial Award for Most Inspirational Red Wing with Ryan Kuntz.

Clayton Bastura received two awards and shared two others. He was given the Weyburn Security Award for Gentlemanly Conduct and the Royal Canadian Legion Award for Best Player in the Playoffs.

He shared the Ray Johnston Memorial Award for Most Points Scored in the Playoffs with Frankie Dicks, and the Weyburn Co-op Award for Top Red Wing Scorer with Jereme Tendler.

This was the first time in franchise history the Top Red Wing Scorer went to two players.

Peter MacDougall received the NSWB Community Service award. Cody Wasik received the York Jewellers Most Improved Player award. Roan Blampin received the Ralph Johnson Memorial Award for Most Popular Player (as chosen by his team). Kevin Magee won the Condon Survey Group Unsung Hero Award.

Rick Wood received the Marcel Labelle Memorial Award for Red Wing Displaying the Most Dedication and Ability. Matt Wheeler received the Mel's on Third Award for Rookie of the Year.

Finally, Greg Park and Greg Lasko shared the Harold Rodine Memorial Award for Most Valuable Defenceman.

Perry Nurse, who helps out with the Wings' accounting and in several other areas, received the Family Pharmacy Most Valuable Volunteer Award.

Graduates include Emmons, Steve Pearce (three years), Cale Jordison (two years), Lasko (two years), Cale Louden (two years), Tendler (two years), Bastura (two years), Jarod Eagles (two years), Roan Blampin (one year) and their playoff addition, Chase Schaefer (one year).

Assistant coach Darcy Pindus announced this year's graduates from the team, adding, "Remember, once a Red Wing, always a Red Wing," he said.

A jersey auction was also held at the banquet as a fund-raiser for the Red Wings.