BY RANDY SCHULTZ—(Photo, Emery on left and Sirena on right Fitzery) – One of the more prestigious hockey awards presented to high school-aged hockey players in the Western New York area is the Tyler Putnam Award. The award was originally presented to players from the Rochester, NY area.
But for the first time this year a player was chosen from the Buffalo, NY area. That player was Sirena Fitzery, who played for the New York State Girls High School Champion FLOP (Frontier/Lakeshore/Orchard Park) hockey team.
The award came as a total surprise to Fitzery.
“It was pretty amazing,” commented Fitzery, who is attending Utica College where she will be playing hockey. “To hear all about the hard work and what Tyler accomplished, it has a special place in my heart. I didn’t think I would be nominated for this award and to see that I have contributed to my team what Tyler did for his teams, that is special.”
What did Sirena think about being the first player from Buffalo to win the award?
“I think it was crazy,” responded Fitzery, who will be majoring in Child Psychology at Utica. “I had no idea what this award was all about. Now I do. So to be the first one from Buffalo is quite an honor.
“It’s a great way to finish off this season as well as my high school career. To win the championships we did and now this award, it’s just amazing.”
Putnam’s dream was to play for his high school team, the Irondequoit Eagles, then junior hockey, Division I hockey and ultimately professional hockey. He was able to realize the first two parts of that dream.
In July 2011 Tyler’s hockey dreams ended tragically when died of an illness called “Meningococcemia,” an infection that affects the bloodstream. The Tyler Putnam Award, which is symbolized by a hard hat, a symbol of Tyler’s hard work and dedication to the game that he loved.
Sirena is just another great example of what the award stands for.
“It’s something that I will never forget,” concluded Sirena.
(Photo of Fitzery sisters by Janet Schultz Photography)
