CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS

‘Coaches’ Awards

Awarded to one player from each age division (11U, 13U, 15U, 17U) who has consistently brought a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and a team-first, teamwork mentality to training and games throughout the season.

The team’s Head Coach and Assistant Coach/es will make the initial player selection, with final endorsement from the Head of Coaching and Development.

Criteria:

Positive attitude at both training and games
Work ethic, both at training and games
Embraces a team-first and teamwork mentality

2021

Not issued due to a COVID-affected season

2022

11U - Julien Baumgartner
14U - Rowan Barrett
17U - Daniel Thompson

2023

11U - Kirill Zolin
13U - Tom Giles
15U - Claudia Karmiste
17U - Shannon Biggs

2024

11U - Lachlan Richard
13U - Parker Barnes
15U - Aiden Forrest
17U - Justine Kruhlak

2025

11U - Kirill Zolin
13U - Patrick Stoeckigt
15U - Tom Giles
17U - Josh King

2026

11U - Emile Arbatov
13U Ducks - Danika Schmelzle
13U Flyers - Archie Robertson
15U - Julien Baumgartner
17U - Will Preston

‘Most Improved Player’ Awards

Awarded to one player from each age division (11U, 13U, 15U, 17U) who has made the most significant improvement in hockey IQ, passing, shooting, and skating throughout the season.

The team’s Head Coach and Assistant Coach (es) will make the initial player selection, with final endorsement from the Head of Coaching and Development.

Criteria: To the player who has made the most significant improvement across the following areas:

IQ (positioning/systems)
Passing
Shooting
Skating

2021

Not issued due to a COVID-affected season

2022

11U - Noah Polari
14U - Shamus Jamison
17U - Ren Nomachi

2023

11U - Lincoln Brotherton
13U - Jarrad Baguley
15U - Will Preston
17U - Oliver Lee

2024

11U - Essence Wishart
13U - Marcus Tse
15U - Will Peters
17U - Jarrod Downes

2025

11U - Denes Banhalmi
13U - Reuben Sammut
15U - Jarrad Baguley
17U - Madi Vnučec

2026

11U - Lincoln Harris
13U Ducks - Elijah Mackintosh
13U Flyers - Caelan Muir
15U - Alex De Santis
17U - Elle Morrison

The ‘Michael McMahon & Steve Belic’ Outstanding Leadership Award

Awarded to a single player across the club who has consistently demonstrated the expected behaviours of a leader. Behaviours associated with training and instruction, democracy, social support, and positive feedback.

A panel will select the player, including the 11U Head Coach, 13U Head Coach, 15U Head Coach, 17U Head Coach, Head of Coaching and Development, and the Junior VP / Club President.

Criteria: For the player who consistently demonstrates the expected behaviours of a leader:

Training & Instruction
Democratic Behaviour
Social Support
Positive Feedback

2021

Tristan Fraser

2022

Tristan Fraser

2023

Max Simmonds

2024

Rowan Barrett
Tristan Fraser

2025 & 2026

Billy Simmonds

The ‘Jo Mufale Memorial Spirit’ Award

Sport was a huge part of Jo Mufale’s life. An accomplished track athlete, netballer and coach, Jo’s love of competition and community has certainly passed on to her boys, with her youngest son Alex being a fixture at iceHQ since the rink’s inception.

For Jo, sport was a way of life and a way to express yourself, grow, make friendships and create experiences. She encouraged not just her boys, but everyone around her, to give 100% on game day and in training, show good sportsmanship, enjoy it, and certainly not tolerate excuses. In fact, we heard the words “get over it, there’s always next week” more than once!

Naming the Ducks' highest honour, the Spirit Award, is a perfect fit, as she had plenty of it.

In the 10 years Jo battled cancer, she never once said ‘why me.’ Instead, she made it her passion to spread the word on the importance of having regular checks and joined the Cancer Council, where she organised Relay For Life events throughout Victoria, and she still holds the record for the most money raised per capita, raising a whopping $125,000 in her hometown of Cobram (with a population of just 5,000).

Jo inspired her family and those around her, and it is our club’s absolute honour to name our most prestigious award in her memory.

Awarded to a single player throughout the entire club who has consistently demonstrated our Club principles and values. These principles and values include character, integrity, and skills in all facets of the game.

A panel will select the player, consisting of the 11U Head Coach, 13U Head Coach, 15U Head Coach, 17U Head Coach, Head of Coaching and Development, and the Junior VP / Club President. Feedback and input will also be sought from Team Managers.

Criteria: To the player who best exhibits:

Strength of character both on and off the ice
Contributes to the integrity of the club
Displays outstanding skills in all phases of the game

2021

Luca Lombardo
Maree West-Linnett

2022

Flynn Ireland
Lucas Chambers
Rowan Barrett

2023

Angus Hunter

2024

Bryher Johnson

2025

Lucas Chambers

2026

Tom Giles

The ‘Cameron Chambers’ Best Club-Person Award

Awarded to a single volunteer throughout the club who consistently demonstrates selflessness, hard work, and a club-first mentality.

A panel of the Club President, the Heads of Coaching & Development, and the Club Secretary will select this person.

2021

Cameron Chambers

2022

Sebastian Bennett

2023

Kate Hunter

2024

Adam Giles

2025

Justin Sheppard

2026

Maggie Sammut