Stories and photography about the 2011 Stanley Cup riot featured prominently in nominations the Vancouver Courier received in the annual Ma Murray Community Newspaper Awards.
The Courier received a best ever showing of seven nominations for editorial excellence in the annual awards, which honour journalism, design and advertising among community newspapers in B.C. and Yukon.
Reporter Mike Howell was nominated in the feature writing category for his extensive work on the June 15 Stanley Cup riot, which included reporting in print and online on the night of the riot and in follow-ups in the months that followed. Photographer Dan Toulgoet, who was also in action the night of the riot, earned a nomination in the spot news photo category for his arresting image of flames erupting above the heads of jubilant rioters.
Education reporter Naoibh OConnor received a nomination in the environmental initiative category for her feature on an East Side schools program to teach students about ecology and science through hands-on methods.
Columnist Mark Hasiuk is represented in the best columnist category for his opinion pieces on the casino hearings and the political exploitation of Chinatown by candidates during civic election campaigns.
Courier editor Barry Link received a nomination for Why You Should Vote, a polemic urging apathetic Vancouverites to reverse a longstanding trend to ignore the ballot box.
Longstanding Courier cartoonist Geoff Olson won a nomination for best cartoon for his sly take on the sled dog cull.
Courier contributor Bob Mackin earned a nomination in the sports writing category for his detailed history of B.C. Place prior to its troubled rebirth last fall.
The award winners in each category will be announced at a banquet April 14.
