NAHL Announces 2025-26 Off-Ice Yearly Awards
The North American Hockey League (NAHL) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 NAHL Awards. The selections were based on performances during the 2025-26 regular season, as voted upon by the league’s 34 Head Coaches, the NAHL’s Board of Governors, and the NAHL front office.
Organization of the Year: Austin Bruins
Taking home Organization of the Year honors, the Austin Bruins continue to excel in all areas of what it means to be a NAHL organization. The Bruins have provided a place for players to develop and advance to the next level of hockey, while providing an opportunity to grow as young men. Six players on the Austin Bruins this season have secured Division I commitments.
The Bruins are stakeholders in the town of Austin with strong roots in the local community. In addition, Austin has done an incredible job of giving back with their annual “Paint the Rink Pink” night. This year, the Bruins raised over 20,000 dollars for the Hormel Institute.
President of Business Operations for the Bruins, Brian Schulz, shares the organization's gratitude for winning the award.
“We are incredibly honored to be named Organization of the Year by the North American Hockey League. This recognition belongs to our players, coaches, front office, staff, volunteers, and—most importantly—our fans. Their passion, commitment, and belief in what we’re building here in Austin make everything possible.”
General Manager of the Year: Dan Wildfong, Lone Star Brahmas
Earning his fourth General Manager of the Year honors, Dan Wildfong has continued to showcase excellence in leading the Brahmas organization to success. Under his leadership, Lone Star has been and remains a playoff-ready team. Wildfong has led the Brahmas to 11 postseason appearances and has won the South Division Regular Season Title for the past three seasons while taking home the Robertson Cup trophy twice.
Wildfong shares more on what it means to be named to the award.
“It is an honor to receive this award; however, I can not do my job without a ton of help from our scouting staff. Mike Bloom, Logan Murphy, and Lori Seguin have been an incredible help in finding us talent to make the Brahmas successful. Additionally, I have to thank the incredible ownership. Sal and Frank Trazzera make it easy for us to recruit players with the help of the resources and investment that they have in the players. Lastly, I would like to thank the players for their hard work and buy-in to the culture.”
Executive of the Year: Bill McCoshen, Janesville Jets
Earning his third Executive of the Year honors, McCoshen has ushered in a new era of the Janesville Jets with their recent move to their brand new facility, the Woodman’s Center. In their first season in their new building, the Jets have more than doubled their corporate sponsorship, tripled their ticket revenue and merchandise sales, while increasing their average attendance by nearly 400 fans per game. Janesville features a new organization record of 998 fans per game. This dedication to providing a top-notch experience does not stop there. The Jets have become major stakeholders in the community, regularly volunteering and giving back to local non-profit organizations. McCoshen’s dedication to providing a top-notch player experience is one of the many reasons why he earns the Executive of the Year honors.
Volunteer of the Year: Suzanne Stowell, Austin Bruins
As the event coordinator and a billet mom of the Austin Bruins, Suzanne Stowell has become a beloved member of the Bruins organization. Her involvement started nearly 15 years ago. From planning community appearances to opening her home to players, Stowell has continued to pour into the Bruins year after year. You can find her cheering Austin, rocking pink hair during “Paint the Rink Pink night” to provide a special touch to the jerseys with sewing for name plates and patches for the team. Her love and dedication to the organization are evident.
Brian Schulz, President of Business Operations at the Austin Bruins, explains the impact Stowell has had on the Bruins organization.
“There are volunteers, and then there is Sue. Her dedication, kindness, and tireless effort have shaped the Bruins experience for our players, fans, and community in ways that can’t be measured. We are incredibly grateful.”
Schulz went on to explain why Stowell is a prime representation of what the Bruins stand for.
“From organizing countless player appearances to opening her home as a billet, Sue embodies everything we strive to represent in Austin. She doesn’t just support the Bruins—she strengthens the entire community around us.”
Community Service Award: Mason Lupo, Amarillo Wranglers
The 19-year-old from Woodbury, Connecticut, Mason Lupo has demonstrated a commitment to community service in the Amarillo community. The ‘06 forward has logged over 175 hours of community service, going above and beyond what is asked and expected of him.
Head coach of the Wranglers, Michael Hill, shares more on his dedication to community service.
“His involvement has included school visits where he actively participated in physical education programs designed to promote the game of hockey, while also spending time in the classroom reading to students. In addition, he has supported multiple military veteran-focused events, including two different VetsGiving events. In each setting, Mason carries himself with humility, respect, and a genuine desire to make a meaningful impact.”
The impact does not end there. Lupo has shown up in the Amarillo community week after week. Michael Hill went on to explain more about his dedication to the West Texas community.
“Mason has also been a key contributor to our Learn to Play Hockey program in Amarillo, Texas, dedicating his Saturday mornings to working with young players — often on game days. He further demonstrated his leadership through his involvement in the ‘Hockey and Homework’ program at Rudy’s BBQ, where he spent time each week mentoring and supporting local youth. His willingness to consistently invest his time in developing others and growing the game reflects both his character and his passion for hockey.”
Lupo earned the respect of the community and team. The 19-year-old earned the Assistant Captain position midseason.
Hill went on to share how Lupo “represents the standard of what it means to be a player in this league, both on and off the ice — living out what we define as the Wrangler Way. What sets Mason apart is not just the volume of his service, but the consistency and intent behind it. He shows up, he engages, and he leads by example. His actions reflect a strong sense of responsibility and leadership, making him a role model both within the locker room and throughout the community.”
Leadership Award: Owen Pitters, Aberdeen Wings
Hailing from Michigan, Owen Pitters is a second-year veteran of the Wings, and this past season, Pitters served as the captain of Aberdeen. His example of leadership was made known from the jump this season.
The Aberdeen Wings organization explained that Pitters “is one of the first guys in the rink, the first to sit down with the coaches, and the first to shake a visiting player's hand. This creates an even better example and an inviting environment in the locker room for the younger players within the organization.”
His leadership extends onto the ice as the Northern Michigan commit is the first to stand up for his teammates while being the voice during a much-needed pick-up.
What stands out the most about Pitters’ character is that he exemplifies the “no one gets left behind” ideology.
The Wings organization explains that “Owen is the first to invite the team over for dinner, and makes sure that everyone is included in plans. When it comes to Owen, no one gets left behind. When the weather is warm in Aberdeen, the team will go out and golf, and the first people he asks to go with him are any of the affiliate players, visiting players, or rookies who might not know their way around town yet. Owen may have won the Aberdeen Wings Offensive Player of the Year Award, but making sure everyone is included, and everyone buys in - that is what true leadership means to him.”
Pitters has been one of the leading scorers on the Wings this season. His work on the ice is a direct reflection of his ability to be a leader off the ice.
“Owen has grown into a leader. He has been very receptive to studying and learning the ways to lead a team that produces results. Owen will bring that quality to Northern Michigan University with him when he attends there in the fall,” stated Scott Langer, head coach of Aberdeen.
USPA Academic Achievement Award: Avery Anderson, Minnesota Wilderness
The 21-year-old from the State of Hockey, Avery Anderson, earns the honor of the USPA Academic Achievement Award. The second-year veteran has shown up in the classroom and as a leader on the team. Anderson has been a captain on the Wilderness’ roster this season.
Head coach of the Wilderness, Zach Stepan, shares more on Anderson’s work in the classroom.
“Avery’s academic accomplishments are a direct reflection of his work ethic and dedication to personal growth. He has earned merit-based full scholarship offers from multiple institutions, including Miami University, based solely on his academic performance. This distinction highlights not only his intellectual ability, but also his consistency, accountability, and drive to succeed.”
His academic achievements are just one aspect of the Minnesota native. Stepan shares more on what stands out about Anderson.
“What separates Avery is his ability to maintain elite academic standards while competing in a demanding environment and being a captain of the Minnesota Wilderness. His time management, focus, and attention to detail allow him to excel both on and off the ice. He approaches his education with the same level of professionalism and commitment that he brings to his development as a hockey player.”
NATV Production of the Year: Watertown Shamrocks
In just their second season in the NAHL, the Watertown Shamrocks have elevated their broadcast and exercised a commitment to provide the best at-home viewing experience. From pregame coverage, innovative graphics on the broadcast, multiple replay and camera angles to intermission and postgame interviews, the Shamrocks have found ways to elevate the viewing experience. Their work earned them the honor of being the most-watched NATV broadcast in the regular season and became the first production to hit over 1,000,000 minutes watched. They increased their average viewers by 73% from last year to this season.
Their real-time statistics with graphics on the broadcast added to the storytelling aspect of their production. They enhanced the game presentation for fans at home by providing timely information about the players and teams that the Shamrocks were facing. While the visuals show the story, the commentary of the NAHL’s broadcaster of the year, Blake Theisen, helps convey the game to the audience. Blake brings a passion and enthusiasm to the broadcast that can be felt through the screen. His professionalism shines through despite the result for his club.
President of the Shamrocks, Ryan Bisgard, shares what it means to see the broadcast production recognized.
“Our production team has done an amazing job over the past two years to not only kickstart our broadcast but also set the standard for success. Blake Theisen, Austin Thompson, and Kyle Narod have dedicated countless hours this year to developing the systems in place and building a platform that is extremely professional for the fan experience.”
Broadcaster of the Year: Blake Theisen, Watertown Shamrocks
Blake Theisen serves as the voice of the Shamrocks and has been with Watertown since their inaugural season. Theisen serves as the Director of Media and Broadcasting for the Shamrocks and has helped to lift Watertown’s broadcast to one of the most viewed in the NAHL. Theisen is a graduate of St. Cloud State University, graduating with a degree in Mass Communications - Radio Broadcasting. His work on the call was recognized by his fellow broadcasters.
Theisen shares his gratitude for earning the award.
“I’m truly honored to be named the Broadcaster of the Year. There are so many talented broadcasters in this league, so to be recognized is something that I don’t take lightly and is something that I am immensely appreciative of. I’m very fortunate to be able to do this for a living, and there are so many people from my family, to our players, coaches, and the rest of our staff who deserve thanks for allowing me to be as successful as possible. Lastly, I want to thank our fans in Watertown for their continued support of our broadcasts and the team.”
About the Awards:
Organization of the Year: The Organization of the Year Award recognizes a team that has demonstrated exceptional achievement both on and off the ice. This award honors an organization that has shown outstanding performance, leadership, and commitment to player development, community engagement, and organizational growth. The recipient of this award exemplifies the highest standards of excellence in fostering a positive environment, supporting their athletes' goals, and contributing to the overall success and integrity of the league.
General Manager of the Year: Recognizes the individual who demonstrates excellence in leading their organization to success and shows dedicated commitment to the team.
Executive of the Year: Presented to the dedicated executive that features outstanding leadership and commitment to growing their team in their market.
Volunteer of the Year: Presented to a dedicated individual within the NAHL community who has gone above and beyond in their support, making a meaningful and lasting impact on their organization through exceptional service and commitment.
Leadership Award: Recognizing a player who exemplifies outstanding leadership both on and off the ice. This individual consistently leads by example through exceptional performance, inspires and motivates teammates, and demonstrates a strong commitment to community involvement and charitable efforts.
Community Service Award: Awarded to the player who has made the most significant positive impact in his community through outstanding service, leadership, and dedication to giving back.
USPA Academic Achievement Award: This award honors the player who demonstrates outstanding excellence across all areas of academics, achieving the highest levels of success in their studies.
NATV Production of the Year: Recognizes the organization’s commitment to providing an outstanding broadcast production for the viewers at home.
Broadcaster Award: This award honors outstanding work on the livestream and recognizes the broadcaster who demonstrates a commitment to the broadcasting craft.
