On Saturday night, the Badlands Sabres presented the first ever Rick Kinstler Memorial Award to defenseman Dylan Woolstenhulme.
Dylan, in his second season with the Sabres, has played in 39 games this season tallying 1 goal and 27 assists for the club.
Rick was a member of the off-ice officials for the Badlands Sabres before his sudden passing on October 26, 2022 at the age of 70.
The Rick Kinstler Memorial Award will now be presented annually to the Sabre player that exemplifies the best characters on and off the ice. The significance of a player who is coachable and that shows strength of character, integrity, commitment, teamwork, community building and outstanding sportsmanship. Rick was also a great friend to many, he built so many friendships with those he knew and always had an ear if you needed to talk and he would help with whatever he could.
Rick loved sports and they were a huge part of his life. He started participating in baseball and hockey as a youth and was at hockey practices the week before he passed. In his retirement, Rick found a home with the Rapid City Rush and the Badlands Sabres. He enjoyed attending practices and helping with equipment along with helping as an off ice official at the Sabres games. Rick was a Chicago Bears fan and enjoyed working on his vehicles and motorcycles. He liked driving through the hills and road trips.
Thanks to Randy Foss and Daniel Tetrault, the foundation for the award has been set aside to be handed out year after year to a Sabres player who best exemplifies the qualities that Rick has left in our memory. The winner will receive $1,000 in scholarship funds along with a memorial plaque.
*Some Sourced Rick James Kinstler obituary Robersons Funeral Home – Bethany