(April 4, 2005)

Labrador City, Nfld.’s Joey Russell was named the 2004 Newfoundland and Labrador Junior Male Athlete of the Year at the province’s annual awards ceremony, which was held in St. John’s on April 2.

The 16-year-old Russell had a successful season, placing fourth in the Junior Men’s event at the 2005 BMO Financial Group Canadian Championships in London, Ont. He also competed in the 2004 North American Challenge Skate event in San Jose, California, where he won the bronze medal in the Novice Men’s category.

Other finalists for the Joe Mullins Memorial Award included cyclist Zachery Garland of St. John’s and rugby player Adam Paul, also of St. John’s.

Last year, Russell was named the 2003 Junior Male Athlete of the Year at the Labrador City Athlete of the Year awards gala.

Russell trains in Edmonton at the Royal Glenora Club with coach Jan Ullmark.

Skate Canada congratulates Russell on his outstanding achievement.