Cale Makar, Casey Kruses among Calgary Booster Club 2025 award winners

Colorado Avalanche defenceman Cale Makar and Special Olympian Casey Kruse were honoured with Calgary Boosters awards Wednesday.

For the second time, Colorado Avalanche defenceman Cale Makar is the Scott-Mamini Memorial award winner as the Booster Clubs Male Athlete of the Year.

The Calgarian scored 30 goals and added 52 assists on his way to winning another Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenceman in 2025.He also helped Canada win a gold medal at the 4 Nations Face-Off.

Makar is busy with hockey right now and couldn’t make Wednesday’s announcement, but his dad Gary says he’s thrilled to win this award.

“(The) first thing he said is ‘I can’t be there again.’ And the Gala, I hope he’s not there because I mean that’s when it’s playoffs,” he laughed.

“It reinforces the special honor as I mentioned that all of those standards that are set for excellence and knowledge. The big thing is how this club supports and Cale has benefited from all the support multisport in Calgary because of groups like the Booster Club.”

Casey Kruses to Special Olympics award

Casey Kruse has been involved in the Special Olympics program since 2019, and all her hard work has paid off. The swimming star had a super year in 2025, winning five gold medals at the 2025 Provincial Games and another five medals at the Canada Summer Games.

Kruse says she’s thrilled to win the Jack Gregory Award for Special Olympics.

“This award is actually very exciting to get,” she said.

“I’ve heard of the award but never thought I’d be nominated for it. I actually didn’t even know that I was nominated for it. I just got the phone call saying that I got the award and was very excited and I’m very proud of the hard work that I’ve put into it.”

Don Buchignani was a coach in several sports including swimming, volleyball, basketball, hockey and cheerleading. He also volunteered as a Booster Club director for three decades.

He could believe he was named Sportsperson of the Year.

“Joining the group for Sportsperson of the Year — it’s overwhelming. It really is truly overwhelming, and I never saw myself in that group,” he said.

National Team Speedskater Ivanie Blondin reached the podium 10 times in 2025 and takes home the Henry Viney award for Female Athlete of the Year. She was unable to attend Wednesday’s announcement.