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.

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.

Season Award Achives:

• 2006-2007 Season Awards

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

This year’s winner, Joey Ballmer, played in almost half of the season games and had 114 shots on goal with a Goals Against Average of 2.67 and a Save Percentage of 86%.

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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.

This year’s winner, Kevin Campbell, played in all of the season league games, had 12 goals and 13 assists for a total of 25 points, which he was one of the three players that lead the league in points.

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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.

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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.

This year’s winner is a 90-pound Freshman Forward that played in eight league games displaying a tremendous amount of courage playing against players twice her size. She hung in there and made it through the season without injury.

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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.

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