We encourage you to take the time to nominate a deserving individual(s) for one of our annual SDMHA Awards! this is a fantastic opportunity to recognize the hard work, dedication, achievements and positive impact of those who go above and beyond within our local hockey community. Whether its a player, coach or volunteer, your nomination can help shine a light on those who truly make a difference. Lets celebrate those who inspire and contribute to making our association stronger! Nominate today and ensure their efforts and successes are celebrated!
A direct link to our on-line Awards Nomination Form is below:
2024-2025 SDMHA Awards Nominations
A list of the Awards and a brief description is provided below.
AWARDS
Deke Tyler Goalie Awards Jr. & Sr.
This award is named after Deke Tyler, a goalie who played his minor hockey in Strathroy.
Jr. Award = J10-U14, Sr. Award - U15-U18
Pat "Whitey" Stapleton Annual Achievement Award (formerly the St. Mikes Midget Award)
In honor of Whitey Stapleton, resident of Strathroy District and All Star defenseman with the Chicago Blackhawks of the NHL. The recipient of this award shall be the outstanding U16/U18 youth who has positively contributed to his team on the ice and the community, school and work, off the ice.
Wes McLeod Memorial Award
This award is named after Wes McLeod a long time player in SDMHA. Nominated by the coaching staff, the Wes McLeod Memorial Award is presented to a player U8 and above who demonstrates the following characteristics: Displays a love for the game of hockey, works hard in practices and games, comes to play each and every time, a team player who displays a positive attitude, good sportsmanship, respectful of coaches, referees, parents, and fellow players.
The Quinn Derbyshire Memorial LL TEAM Award
Awarded to the SDMHA Local League team that best exemplifies growth as a team throughout the season by demonstrating the following:
a. Respect for all aspects of the game both on and off the ice, with particular regard to attitude towards coaches and officials, and sportsmanship in both victory and defeat.
b. Developing camaraderie among players by encouraging one another and being supportive of one another’s efforts
c. Demonstrating resilience and perseverance throughout the season.
Coach of the Year
Presented to the coach that has done an exceptional job with all of the players on his/her team both on and off the ice SDMHA Spirit Award Presented to an adult member of the association who embodies the association's Missions Statement: "Provide a fun, safe and positive experience that encourages our kids to develop as hockey players, grow as individuals and gain experiences in a team environment"
Robert McFarlane Memorial Spirit Award (formerly the SDMHA Adult Spirit Award)
Presented to an adult member of SDMHA who embodies the association's Missions Statement: "Provide a fun, safe and positive experience that encourages our kids to develop as hockey players, grow as individuals and gain experiences in a team environment"
Murray Watt Award U5 Outstanding Contribution Award
Coach Murray shared his passion for hockey and dedicated many hours to the development of our youngest players just starting hockey. He gave countless hours to our association and benefitted hundreds of children within our community while building our foundation of hockey players. Murray passed on his knowledge and happily mentored other volunteers to coach. The Murray Watt Memorial Award is presented to an outstanding volunteer in the U5 program who has shown passion for fostering the development of all the players, commitment, and implementing fun while learning the basic skills of hockey.
The next three service awards are for involvement in SDMHA as well as minor hockey in general:
Stan Long Award - 5 years service
Presented to a past or present member of SDMHA who has demonstrated commitment to the association for a period of no less than 5 years
Industrial League Award - 10 years service
Presented to a past or present member of SDMHA who has demonstrated commitment to the association for a period of no less than 10 years
Bev Mackey Long Term Service Award - 15 years +
Presented to a past or present member of SDMHA who has demonstrated commitment to the association for a period of no less than 15 years