# 96 PETER DITTMANN

Peter Dittmann was well known throughout hockey circles in Saskatchewan and was a driving force behind the Regina Capitals in the mid 1990’s.

Coach Dittmann guided the Caps to an impressive 39 wins, 6 loses and 1 tie en route to a Silver Medal at the Western Canadians during the 1994-1995 season.

Peter was well know for his inspiration leadership, this is appropriately reflected in the PJHL’s Peter Dittmann Memorial Award which is given out the PJHL’s Coach of the Year.

The Regina Capitals also keep Peter’s memory alive through a team award, a team scholarship and an annual Alumni game.

The Capitals team award and the team scholarship represent the true feeling that Peter had for his players. Peter believed that it was in fact very difficult for his player’s to balance hockey with school, work and family. Players who were able to perform all of these at a high level had a very special place in Peter’s heart. When it came to life at the rink, Peter also had high expectations and goals for his players and his team. Players and staff had to show tremendous amounts of discipline, dedication and commitment and these are the players who are recognized as the recipient of this award and scholarship.

Peter Dittman also left a huge fingerprint on the team, with the development of the Regina Capitals “Belief Creed”. A copy of the believe creed is permanently on display in the trophy case at the Al Ritchie Memorial Arena.

As a member of the Regina Capitals I make the following commitments to myself, my team-mates and coaches:

• I understand and am committed to undaunted belief and trust in my fellow players and coaches.
• I will provide a 100% support of our program and coaching philosophy.
• I will provide a 100% commitment to myself and my team-mates and dedicate to remain always being positive and supportive.
• I am committed to nothing less than 100% effort at practices and games.
• I will not condone or participate in selfish acts or play at any time while I am a part of our team.
• I will always represent the Capitals positively and professionally on and off the ice.
• I will provide respect and support to the team’s captain & assistants.

#17 KEVIN RISSLING

Kevin Rissling may be gone but his name will endure with the Regina Capitals.

The local junior B club plans to rename its rookie-of-the-year award in honour of Rissling, a 26-year-old former Capitals player who was killed in a car crash on the weekend.

The Capitals will also pay tribute to Rissling with a moment of silence prior to Saturday's Prairie Junior Hockey League game against the Tri-Town Thunder (8 p.m., Al Ritchie Memorial Centre). Proceeds from the 50/50 draw will go towards a trust fund for Rissling's two young children.

"He was a really good kid; just a real honest hard-working hockey player," recalled Capitals GM Don Pankewich. "His two biggest passions from what I can remember were hunting and his Toronto Maple Leafs. He was a huge Toronto Maple Leafs fan."

Pankewich added that hockey was "always a big part of Kevin's life" and his career was supported "110 per cent" by his family, including sister Trina, who played for the University of Regina Cougars women's hockey team.

Kevin Rissling won the Capitals top-rookie award in 1998-99 and appeared in 100 career games over three seasons, collecting 32 goals and 48 assists and 295 penalty minutes.

During his time with the Capitals, Rissling began working with the Royal Bank of Canada. His career eventually took him out of Regina, including a recent transfer to Tisdale.

Rissling was killed at around 12:30 a.m. on Saturday night while driving home from a senior hockey game with the Tisdale Ramblers, who posted a 10-7 win over the host Hudson Bay Hunters. Rissling's vehicle apparently hit a moose, veered across the centre line and struck an oncoming pickup which was pulling a cattle trailer.

Rissling's passenger, Dustin Driedger, was also killed. According to reports, the accident was witnessed by other teammates who were travelling close behind on the team bus.

It's believed that Rissling was asked at the last minute to make the trip because the team was shorthanded.

"It's a real tragedy," added Pankewich, who dealt with a similar incident in 1996 when former Capitals head coach Peter Dittmann was killed in a car crash. "Kevin has been away from the team for a number of years but any time he was back home he always tried to come out to the odd game or keep in touch with the team.

"He spent three real good years with us and played all of his minor hockey here in the city. He probably has a lot of teammates who are thinking about him right now."

Rissling leaves behind his wife Sara and their two children, James and Isabelle. Anyone wishing to make a donation to the trust fund can do so by sending it c/o the Tisdale Credit Union (Box 455, Tisdale, Sask., S0E 1T0).