On the last night of each hockey season, just prior to the 7:00 pm game, the League holds a Closing Ceremony. All the teams are asked out onto the ice wearing their team jerseys. The following League Awards are presented in recognition of the endless efforts, dedication, and commitment to excellence by Athletes, Coaches, Parents, and Volunteers.

SWMHSHL 2010-2011 SEASON AWARDS
League Season Champions:
Portage Northern
League Tournament Champions:
Portage Northern
Grant Smith Memorial Trophy:
Sportsmanship

Chris Powell (Junior: Loy Norrix)
Kalamazoo United, #15

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Doc Ed Edwards Referee-in-Chief Scholarship Award:
$500.00

Aaron Moshoginis (Senior: Loy Norrix)
Kalamazoo United, #22
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Matthew S. VanderSalm Memorial Scholarship Award:
$2,000.00
Ray Greiner (Senior)
Portage Northern, #5
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Jim Groestsema
Adult Contribution Award:
Lisa Miller
Kalamazoo Eagles
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Rookie of the Year Award:
Matt Presta (Sophomore)
Portage Northern, #15
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Goalie of the Year Award:
Tom Idzkowski (Senior: Gull Lake)
Kalamazoo Eagles, #35
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Ray Tripp Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award:
Tom Stankewicz (Senior: Loy Norrix)
Kalamazoo United, #23
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Player's Choice Award:
Tom Stankewicz (Senior: Loy Norrix)
Kalamazoo United, #23
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Jimmy Arnold Courage Award:
Kyler Stanley (Senior: Kalamazoo Central)
Kalamazoo United, #17
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Wings Stadium
Unsung Hero Award:
$500.00

Steven Wood (Senior: Loy Norrix)
Kalamazoo United, #1

Scott Manski (Senior: Loy Vicksburg)
Kalamazoo Blades, #1
5

Steve Banonis
Coach of the Year Award:

JD Kalleward
Portage Northern

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All Star Teams
All players that are academically eligible at the end of the season and who participated in a minimum of 7 league games regardless of the number of years of varsity participation are eligible to be nominated for the All Star Teams. Players are evaluated on individual statistics such as goals scored and assists. Goaltenders are evaluated on playing minutes, shots on goals, Goals Against, Goals Against Average and save percentage. Penalty minutes as well as personal player qualities such as leadership, sportsmanship, game knowledge and team play are considered for all positions.

The recipients of this award are selected by all of the Head Coaches and League Commissioner.

1st Team All Stars:
POSITION
#
NAME
TEAM
Goalie
29
Tom Idzkowski: Senior - Gull Lake
Kalamazoo Eagles
Defense
12
Hunter Carr: Senior
Portage Central
Defense
15
Cam Michalka: Junio
Portage Northern
Defense
24
Levi Leversee: Senior - Otsego
Kalamazoo Eagles
Forward
19
Michael Romund: Sophomore
Mattawan
Forward
20
Matt Schuen: Sophomore
Portage Central
Forward
23
Tom Stankewicz: Senior - Loy Norrix
Kalamazoo United
Forward
27
Ryan May: Senior
Portage Central
2nd Team All Stars:
POSITION
#
NAME
TEAM
Goalie
1
Steven Wood: Senior - Loy Norrix
Kalamazoo United
Goalie
30
Desmond Kearsley: Senior
Portage Northern
Defense
8
Riley Fink: Sophomore - Kalamazoo Central
Kalamazoo United
Defense
8
Brandon Vitale: Junior
Portage Central
Defense
25
Dan Jones: Senior - Comstock
Kalamazoo Blades
Forward
2
Michael Presta: Senior
Portage Northern
Forward
8
Carson Miller: Junior - Gull Lake
Kalamazoo Eagles
Forward
22
Aaron Moshogonis: Senior - Loy Norrix
Kalamazoo United
Forward
23
Zach Corliss: Senior - Parchment
Kalamazoo Eagles
Forward
27
Travis Mitchell: Senior
Mattawan
Honorable Mention Awards:
POSITION
#
NAME
TEAM
Goalie
1
Brody Cavanaugh: Senior
Mattawan
Goalie
29
Tyler Gordon: Junior
Portage Central
Goalie
30
Kyle Dodge: Senior - Marcellus
Kalamazoo Blades
Defense
8
Kyle Hedden: Freshman
Mattawan
Defense
6
Paul Walke: Senior
Portage Northern
Defense
12
Ben Lamons: Senior - Gull Lake
Kalamazoo Eagles
Defense
16
Brody Stevens: Junior
Mattawan
Defense
17
Kyler Stanley: Senior Kalamazoo Central
Kalamazoo United
Defense
21
Patric Sampson: Senior - Three Rivers
Kalamazoo Blades
Forward
5
Ray Greiner: Senior
Portage Northern
Forward
5
Austin Staltmanis: Sophomore - Gull Lake
Kalamazoo Eagles
Forward
8
Keven Killman: Senior
Portage Northern
Forward
10
Cody Lisowski: Sophomore - Gobles
Kalamazoo Eagles
Forward
10
Andy Merkle: Senior - Comstock
Kalamazoo Blades
Forward
11
Matt Presta: Sophomore
Portage Northern
Forward
15
Scott Manski: Senior - Vicksburg
Kalamazoo Blades
Forward
15
Chris Powell: Junior - Loy Norrix
Kalamazoo United
Forward
15
Justin Renda: Junior
Portage Central
Forward
21
Daniel Simonds: Sophomore - Hackett
Kalamazoo United
Forward
22
Lucas Nadrasik: Junior - Schoolcraft
Kalamazoo Blades
Forward
25
Kevin Simonds: Junior - Hackett
Kalamazoo United
Forward
34
Dylan Baker: Senior
Mattawan

 

Season Award Achives:



Grant Smith Memorial Trophy (Sportsmanship)
The Grant Smith Memorial Trophy was first given at the conclusion of the 1979-80 season. It is named after a former Portage Northern hockey star who died tragically in an automobile accident in 1979. The Kalamazoo Hockey Referees Association awards this trophy to the player who best exhibits the combination of hockey talents and sportsmanship, both on and off the ice.

Previous winners of this award have been
NAME
SEASON
SCHOOL
Chris Powell
2010-2011
Kalamazoo United
Joe Ballmer
2009-2010
Kalamazoo Eagles
Cody Vanderveen
2008-2009
Portage Central
Dylan Dault
2008-2009
Mattawan
Chris Sandmeyer
2007-2008
Portage Central
Ryan Jones
2006-2007
Mattawan

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Ed Edwards, Referee in Chief Award
The Ed Edwards Referee-in-Chief Award was first given at the conclusion of the 1988-89 season. It is named in honor of Ed (Doc) Edwards for the more than 25 years of support and time he has given to amateur hockey in Kalamazoo. Ed was the founder of the Kalamazoo Hockey Referees Association (KHRA), and served as its president from its beginning through the 1986-87 season. The recipient of this award is chosen by the Referee-in-Chief of the KHRA, a member of the SWMHSHL board and Ed Edwards or his designate. The criteria for selection is based on overall:

  • Grade Point Average
  • Playing Ability and Sportsmanship

The award currently carries a $500 scholarship, which is presented upon acceptance to college or trade school. The money for the scholarship has been donated by corporations and individuals.

Previous winners of this award have been
NAME
SEASON
SCHOOL
Matt Copp
1988-1989
Portage Central
Craig Humphrey
Mike Nelson
1989-1990
Kalamazoo Central
Portage Central
Dana LaLiberte
1990-1991
Kalamazoo Central
Brian Kudary
1991-1992
Kalamazoo Eagles
Marc Humphrey
1992-1993
Kalamazoo Central
Steve Seiler
1993-1994
Kalamazoo Central
Tony Schirripa
1994-1995
Kalamazoo Eagles
Mark Lavender
1995-1996
Portage Northern
Josh Thomas
1996-1997
Kalamazoo Blades
Brian Bellware
1997-1998
Kalamazoo Eagles
Jeremy Von Eitzen
1998-1999
Kalamazoo Blades
Neil VerPlanck
1999-2000
Kalamazoo Central
Keith Czerney
2000-2001
Kalamazoo Eagles
Andrew Chrisman
2001-2002
Kalamazoo Eagles
Nathan Beverwyck
Danny Klauer
2002-2003
Portage Central
Portage Central
Zach White
2003-2004
Kalamazoo Eagles
Joe Warner
2004-2005
Portage Central
Jordan Schupan
2005-2006
Portage Northern
Janos Grantner
2006-2007
Portage Northern
Doug Wheelright
2007-2008
Portage Northern
John Lloyd
2008-2009
Kalamazoo Blades
AJ Vigen
2009-2010
Kalamazoo Eagles

 

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Matthew S. VanderSalm Memorial Scholarship Award
The Matthew S VanderSalm Memorial Scholarship Fund award was given at the conclusion of the 1989-90 season. The award is named after a 1988 graduate of Gull Lake High School and an excellent 3-year defenseman for the Kalamazoo Eagles who was tragically killed in 1989, a victim of a drunk driver. His parents directed that a scholarship fund be established in his memory to be awarded to a senior defenseman who has been accepted to a two or four year college. Donations are gratefully accepted through the Kalamazoo Foundation for the fund. The award goes to the defensive player who displays the highest degree of sportsmanship, skill and team play during their hockey career. A panel consisting of the League President, Referee-In Chief, Commissioner, members and friends of the VanderSalm family and other board members of the SWMHSHL makes the selection. This year’s award carries a $2,000 scholarship.

Previous winners of this award have been
NAME
SEASON
SCHOOL
Ray Greiner
2010-2011
Portage Northern
Dylan Dault
2009-2010
Mattawan
Chris Sandmeyer
2008-2009
Portage Central
Todd Miller
2007-2008
Portage Central
Brad Grossa
2006-2007
Kalamazoo United

 

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Jim Groetsema Adult Contribution Award
The Jim Groetsema Adult Contribution Award is given annually to recognize the tremendous amount of volunteer work done by an adult supporter. The award was first given to Jim by the League for his tireless contributions. Jim, members of the SWMHSHL Board and the Commissioner make the selection.

Previous winners of this award have been
NAME
SEASON
SCHOOL
Lisa Miller
2010-2011
Kalamazoo Eagles
Lori Vigen
2009-2010
Kalamazoo Eagles
Bob Wheelright
2008-2009
Portage Northern
Dan Klok
2007-2008
SWMHSHL Volunteer
Brian Sweeney
2006-2007
SWMHSHL Volunteer

 

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Rookie of the Year Award
The Rookie of the Year Award is presented to the Freshman or Sophomore player playing their first year in the League who most contributed to the overall success of his or her team. The recipient of this award is selected by all of the Head Coaches and League Commissioner.

Previous winners of this award have been
NAME
SEASON
SCHOOL
Matt Presta
2010-2011
Portage Northern
Cameron Michalka
2009-2010
Portage Northern
Tom Stankewicz
2008-2009
Kalamazoo United
Joey Ballmer
2007-2008
Kalamazoo Eagles
Derek Straub
2006-2007
Mattawan

 

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Goalie of the Year Award
The Goalie of the Year Award is presented to the goaltender(s) who contributed most to the overall success of their team. The recipient of this award is selected by all of the Head Coaches and League Commissioner.

Previous winners of this award have been
NAME
SEASON
SCHOOL
Tom Idzkowski
2010-2011
Kalamazoo Eagles
Brogan VandeVelde
2009-2010
Portage Central
Joey Ballmer
2008-2009
Kalamazoo Eagles
Joey Ballmer
2007-2008
Kalamazoo Eagles
Tom Vigen
2006-2007
Kalamazoo Eagles

 

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Ray Tripp Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award
The MVP award is presented to the player(s) who contributes most to the overall success of their team. The recipient of this award is selected by all of the Head Coaches and League Commissioner.

Previous winners of this award have been
NAME
SEASON
SCHOOL
Tom Stankewicz
2010-2011
Kalamazoo United
Brogan VandeVelde
2009-2010
Portage Central
Chris Sandmeyer
2008-2009
Portage Central
Kevin Campbell
2007-2008
Portage Northern
Tom Vigen
2006-2007
Kalamazoo Eagles

 

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Players Choice Award
This award began in the 1997-98 season and is presented to the player who, in the eyes of the other players, most contributed to his or her team and whom they most admire. At the conclusion of the regular season all players are asked not to vote for a player on their own team and are encouraged to consider all positions and base their vote on both player statistics and personal qualities.

Previous winners of this award have been
NAME
SEASON
SCHOOL
Tom Stankewicz
2010-2011
Kalamazoo United
Joe Ballmer
2009-2010
Kalamazoo Eagles
Chris Sandmeyer
2008-2009
Portage Central
Doug Wheelright
2007-2008
Portage Northern
Brad Grossa
2006-2007
Kalamazoo United

 

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Jimmy Arnold Courage Award
This is a new award this year. The award is named after Jimmy Arnold a 2004 graduate of Mattawan High School and an excellent 4-year defenseman who was tragically killed in Iran in 2007. This award is presented to the player who has persevered through any adverse situation on ice or off, injury, or showed tremendous amounts of courage and is available to a player at any grade level. The recipient of this award is selected by all of the Head Coaches and League Commissioner.

Previous winners of this award have been
NAME
SEASON
SCHOOL
Kyler Stanley
2010-2011
Kalamazoo United
Desmond Kearsley
2009-2010
Portage Northern
Delilah Clement
2008-2009
Portage Northern
Taylor Laning
2007-2008
Kalamazoo United

 

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Steve Banonis Coach of the Year Award
The Coach of the Year Award was first inaugurated in the 1989-90 season. The name of the award was changed in the 1997-98 season in memory of Steve Banonis who was tragically killed in an automobile accident in December of 1993. Steve was an outstanding former Kalamazoo Wings player. He coached in the SWMHSHL and was currently coaching the Junior K-Wings at the time of his death. The award recognizes the outstanding contributions of all of our coaches but particularly the one who experienced all around success. The criteria for this selection are overall success on the ice relative to talent available. Such things as development, improvement and team sportsmanship are important considerations. . The recipient of this award is selected by all of the Head Coaches and League Commissioner.


Previous winners of this award have been
NAME
SEASON
SCHOOL
JD Kalleward
2010-2011
Portage Northern
Matt Kakabeeke
2009-2010
Kalamazoo United
Jim Murray
2008-2009
Portage Central
Darrick Brown
2008-2009
Kalamazoo Eagles
JD Kalleward
2007-2008
Portage Northern
Brad Johnson
2006-2007
Kalamazoo United

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Season Award Achives:


 

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