2022 Vincent Massey Viking Hall of Fame class
Mike Mitchell (Players 1998-2000)
To many, Mike Mitchell, might be considered an undersized lineman but what Mike may have lacked in size, he more than gained through hard work, dedication, technique, and effort. Mike started playing during the 1998 season when the Vikings reentered the Rural Manitoba Football League for the first time since 1994. Mike quickly became an important member of the team because he led by example and a positive attitude that was noticed by both players and coaches alike and he was named team captain. Mike was able to inspire and encourage his teammates through some of the early years and then he helped the team capture the first two of three consecutive RMFL titles. A perfect example of Mike’s discipline and hard work was demonstrated in the 2000 championship game. Mike was instrumental in helping to stop a potent Souris offence from utilizing their best play – the dreaded Souris screen pass. Mike will always be remembered for his positive attitude and the respect he had for both the game and his teammates. Mike constantly had a smile on his face, despite the circumstances the team would be facing. Mike was awarded the teams Lineman of the year award in 2000 and he was also a league all-star. Mike encouraged, he inspired, and he led with kind words, he really believed in the Viking way. Mike currently lives in Brandon with his wife Carla, and they have three children Emma, Claire, and Hannah. Mike is currently the Director of Pharmacy for Prairie Mountain Health and in his spare time he enjoys charcoal cooking and spending time with his family.
Jamie Young (Player 1999-2001)
Jamie was a big part of the Viking program during his time with the team from 1999-2001. Jamie was an athletic and dedicated player who brought a fiercely competitive nature to our team. Jamie was used at many of the skill positions throughout his years as a Viking before settling in as a star receiver for the teams during the 2001 perfect season. Jamie worked hard during the off season to ensure he was prepared for the upcoming season, and this served him well as he became a real threat during the 2001 campaign. Jamie is also known for his good sense of humor and his ability to make others on his team laugh, he could certainly keep things “light” in the locker room. Jamie will forever be linked to the first game between the Vikings and the Crocus Plains Plainsmen held in 2001. The game was an epic battle that had over 2000 fans attend at Kinsmen Stadium. Jamie scored the winning touchdown on a pass from Tim Feasby in the dying seconds of the game. Since his time as a Viking Jamie has put in many hours as a volunteer coach in our community. Jamie coached High School basketball, football, and badminton he also has spent time coaching youth in the Westman Youth Football Association. Jamie currently is employed as a mentor for youth in our city and his pride and joy is his young 7-year-old son DeVon.
Ryan Dreveski (Player 1999-2002)
Ryan was a very important part of the Viking program from 1999-2002. Ryan came into the program as a very inexperienced player, but the coaches soon realized that this young man was a diamond in the rough. Ryan had an insatiable drive to improve his abilities as a football player this made him very coachable, and he always put in the extra time needed to become the best player he possible could. In just one year Ryan improved tremendously, and he was honored with the teams Most Improved player award in 2000. Ryan continued to improve as his time as a Viking and lead the Viking defense as a tenacious Linebacker that was very skilled in the art of tackling. Ryan was also a very cerebral player, and he often could dissect a play before it even started. Ryan always had a positive attitude, and he played the game with joy in his heart this love for the game was admired by his teammates. Ryan also got to serve as his team captain which he took very seriously. Ryan was very instrumental in helping the team capture 3 RMFL titles during his playing days. During his graduating season Ryan was recognized by the team as he received the Most Outstanding Defensive Player award. Currently Ryan lives in Rivers with his wife Bonnie and their two children Cora and Claire. Ryan enjoys the lake life and spends his free time fishing, golfing, and watching football.
Braxton Gray (Player 2001-2004)
Braxton Gray played for the Vikings during the 2001-2004 seasons during that time Braxton became a valuable player and teammate. Braxton helped the team capture RMFL titles in 2001 and again in 2004. Braxton played on the defensive side of the ball for most of his football career. Braxton was mostly found on the corner a lonely place for defensive players who play 9-man football because they are often have no help during passing downs. Both on and off the field Braxton had a calm and patient demeanor. This calm demeanor served our team well as often football is an emotional sport and Braxton’s calm confidence helped to anchor our team during stormy times. On the field Braxton was a force to be reckoned with, he was an excellent tackler, he often covered the best receiver on the opposing team, and he was a very smart player. Rarely did Braxton get himself in a bad position because of his preparation and commitment to doing the little things correctly. Braxton was a humble team player that always deflected personal glory from himself to his teammates. Braxton was always quick to build up his teammates and he made them believe that they could accomplish great things both off and on the field. Braxton is truly one of the best teammates to have ever worn the purple and white. Braxton currently lives in Toronto where he is a financial advisor.