by Hockey PEI Communications // @HockeyPEI // Thursday, June 28th, 2023
CHARLOTTETOWN, PE - Hockey PEI handed out its annual awards on Thursday night at the Rodd Charlottetown. Here is the complete list of award winners:
Jim Stirling Scholarship Award Winner - Ella Collins
Our recipient of the Jim Stirling Scholarship award this year is Ella Collins from Tyne Valley. In Ella’s submission of “What Hockey Means to her”, she wrote: Playing female hockey created invaluable life lessons that will extend beyond my time playing the sport. It taught me discipline, time management, and balancing multiple responsibilities. No matter what needed to be done, I learned to work it around all my hockey commitments. The sport pushed me to have a strong work ethic to set goals and always keep working towards them. I believe these “hockey skills” and qualities have, without even realizing it, a profound impact on my personal growth, shaping me into a resilient and determined individual. A graduated Western Wind U18 Major, Ella displays exceptional time management skills by balancing academics and athletics while working two part time jobs. At Westisle High School, Ella’s academic record speaks for itself, where she keeps her grades well above the average, having the 4th highest overall average in grade 12 at 96% Through all of her hard work, Ella has found herself the recipient of various awards, including the Provincial Credit Union Scholarship, West Prince Chamber of Commerce Bursary and the Ellerslie Legion Bursary. In the fall, Ella will be moving to Charlottetown to begin work as a hairdresser, while simultaneously enrolling in Holland Collages full time Business Program. Ella’s tenacity and dedication to her team, combined with her Scholastic excellence, makes her this year’s Jim Stirling Scholarship winner.
Hockey PEI Scholarship - Zack O'Meara
This year’s Hockey PEI Scholastic Award winner is Zack O’Meara from Charlottetown. Throughout Zack life, hockey and sport has always been at the centre of his family life. The Sport has also provided him with many opportunities to test and develop his own determination and growth as an athlete. Overall, he credits hockey to playing a massive role in his personal development. The Escape, sense of belonging and determination the has provided him throughout his childhood and teenage years have been remarkable and says that he wouldn’t be the person he is today without it. Zack played this past season with the U18 A Male Charlottetown Abbies. He also helped as a volunteer coach for the Charlottetown U11 AA Abbies and the U15 AA Central Attack. Zack is also a Level 3 official who has shown great promise and was awarded the Gold Medal game of the 2023 U15 AAA Atlantic’s as a Lineperson. Off the ice, Zack has an impressive academic resume. He has held a 93% average over the past two school years and has received awards such as been a finalist and winner for a long list of honours, achievement, and recognition awards. In the fall Zach is enrolled in UPEI’s Bachelor of Kinesiology, with the hopes of one day becoming an educator on PEI. He also has aspirations to continue his officiating career on PEI with the hopes of one day officiating at the highest levels. Zack really does possess discipline and determination to make it all work, a perfect fit for the Hockey PEI Scholastic Award.
Congratulations to the 2023 recipient of the Hockey PEI Scholastic Award – Zack O’Meara.
Administrator of the Year - Twyla Doucette
Twyla Doucette, North Star Minor Hockey Ice Coordinator and Registrar, is this year’s Administrator of the Year. Twyla works tirelessly to ensure coaching staff, managers, and players have what they need to have a successful hockey season. Registering players, scheduling ice times and keeping track of ice times used for invoicing, criminal record checks, coaching certificates, checking clinics, creating manager packages for new managers, and so much more. This past season, proved to be a very difficult one with the North Star Arena set to be replaced by the new Eliyahu Wellness Center starting September 2023. The North Star Arena was set to be demolished immediately after the 2021/2022 hockey season with the new arena to open September 1 2022. Twyla had the foresight to prepare a backup plan just in case, even though everyone was telling her that the new arena would be ready. Twyla contacted numerous rinks in the Central region regarding their ice availability and prepared contingency plans. Come August when it was looking like the new arena was not going to open as planned Twyla secured ice time at 4 different rinks and organized schedules so that all teams would not only have the same amount of ice that they would normally have, but also created schedules that were efficient and allowed the teams to settle into routines with very little confusion. She did this in all the while also performing her role as registrar which was during the busiest time of the season for that role. We want to thank Twyla for her contribution to the game of Hockey on PEI and to recognize her for her outstanding contribution.
Coach of the Year - Trevor MacNeill
The 2022-23 Coach of the Year is Trevor MacNeill. This past season, John was the Head Coach of Mid Isle U11 AA Wildcats as well as the Coach for the U15 AAA Wildcats. Trevor has been coaching Minor Hockey on PEI for over 30 years. His first coaching year was 1993-1994 for Sherwood Minor Hockey and he has not missed a season since. Toggling between both the Male and Female streams, Trevor has been an important role model for many athletes on PEI including Adam McQuaid. “The biggest lesson I took from Trevor’s coaching was that he expected his players to conduct themselves as good people on and off the ice and he always showed the way. Weather it was opening and closing doors or keeping the dressing room cleaner after we left than when we arrived. I am often reminded of Trevor when I interact with kids today, he was a very important influence on my life and hockey career.” Adam McQuaid. Trevor brings together teams with unparalleled leadership abilities, commitment to fair play and foolproof coaching philosophy centered around respect and fun. He also mentors many young aspiring coaches, adding them to his teams each year with the hopes of developing the next generation of Minor hockey coaches on PEI. It’s clear that coaching is Trevor’s passion. He makes it his priority to not only make better hockey players, but to also help build good people, because for Trevor that is what coaching is all about. Hockey PEI is most honored to present this year’s Coach of the Year award to a true leader and inspiration to all, Trevor MacNeill.
Female Player of the Year - Megan Mossey
This year’s Female Player of the Year is member of the Central Attack U15 AAA female team as well as Hockey PEI’s Canada Games Team, Megan Mossey. It is clear that Megan shows a very high level of drive, determination, and commitment to the game she loves after the incredible season of both personal and team success she had. After making PEI’s Canada Winter games team as a 13-year-old, Megan went on to lead the team in points with 2 Goals and 4 Assist for 6 points in 5 games played while competing against players up to 17 years old. Megan has also received an invite to Team Atlantic U18 camp this summer as a triple underage player. She demonstrates a very high and consistent work ethic; whether it be practice or games, she leads by example pushing herself to grow and develop her skills and in doing so sets a wonderful example for her teammates. Megan always brings a positive attitude to any dressing room she is a part of. Noted for her work ethic, Megan is also praised for her humbleness as her career continues to blossom. Hockey PEI is very proud of Megan’s accomplishments at such a young age and look forward to watching her hockey career grow and much more success in the future. It is an honor to award this year’s Female Player of the Year to Megan Mossey.
Male Player of the Year - Ed McNeill
This year’s Male Player of the Year is Ed McNeill of the Junior A Summerside Western Capitals. The 20-year-old blueliner finished seventh in MHL scoring with sixteen goals and 61 assists, which also placed him second overall on the Summerside Wester Capitals club. He had the second-most power play points in the league with 44, trailing only the 48 from teammate Trentyn Crane. He was named Top Defencemen in September and December, with an honourable mention in January. He was named to the Eastlink North Team of the week nine times. His 77 points this season more than doubled his career point total, finishing with 146 points in 166 games across five seasons in the MHL. He finished first in goals among defencemen and was tied with for the overall league lead in assists. He was chosen as first team all-star in the MHL and was awarded Top Defenseman in the MHL. He also won Canadian Junior Hockey League Top Defenseman which is the first time anyone from the Maritime Hockey League has ever won this award. Ed exemplifies what it is to be a good teammate, leader, and person on and off the ice, and for this he is special. Hockey PEI is extremely proud to present this year’s Male Player of the Year to Ed McNeill.
Volunteer of the Year - Genna Phalen
The hockey community on PEI is driven by volunteers. Volunteers who step up to give of themselves, give of their time and help get the job done. Genna Phalen is one of these volunteers. Passionate, caring, and inspiring individual that make everyone around her want to be better players, teammates, coaches, and people. Genna has been a valued volunteer within the game of hockey on PEI since her playing days as the captain of the UPEI female Program. She has served as coach, player and administrator on many different teams each season. This past season Genna was the Manager of PEI’s female Canada Winter games team, Director of Operations for Team PEI’s Under 16 and U18 team in the Atlantic Challenge Cup, Hockey PEI’s High-Performance Program camp Administrator as well as being a group leader for the High Performance 1 coaching certification clinic. Genna all about creating a positive athletic environment for the athletes to enjoy and her level of volunteerism across many years makes her a very deserving recipient. Hockey PEI is proud to present the 2023 Volunteer of the Year award to Genna Phalen.
Aaron Coffin Official of the Year Award - Tanner Doiron
Tanner Doiron has shown an exemplary ability to officiate at the highest levels of Hockey PEI and beyond. This past season Tanner accepted the position of Director of Development and Certification for Hockey PEI Official Clinics with the goal of modernizing the content for younger officials. On the ice, Tanner is a fixture in many leagues. His highlights from this past season include:
July 2022 - Attended Hockey Canada’s U17 National Selection camp in Calgary.
August 2022 - Accepted an offer to be an official in the American Hockey League for the 2022-23 season.
October 2022 - Attended the National High-Performance Camp in Calgary for 6 days where he was 1 of 13 male officials selected to receive his National High-Performance Level (formerly known as Level 6).
November 2022 - Selected to officiate the World U17 Hockey Challenge in Langley BC.
December 2022 - Officiated his first game in the AHL as a referee in Wilkes-Barre Pennsylvania.
March 2023 - Tanner was selected as 1 of 5 Referees appointed by Hockey Canada to officiate the U SPORT National Men's Hockey Championship here in Charlottetown.
April 2023 - Tanner was selected to officiate the IIHF U18 Division I Group A Tournament in Angers, France.
May 2022 - Tanner was also selected to officiate the Centennial Cup Junior A National Championship in Portage La Prairie.
With all of these assignments Tanner still managed to officiate 13 AHL games, organize 12 Clinics and re certifications as well as keeping his regular rotation as a QMJHL referee. Tanner often devoted many nights at the rink officiating while juggling many other commitments. His commitment to the Hockey PEI officials group continues to be his strongest asset. The overwhelming support and nominations received for this award from his peers and officiating leaders is a testament to the respect he has earned as an official but also the level of character he provides as a person. It is with great honor that Hockey PEI presents this year’s Aaron Coffin Official of the Year Award to Tanner Doiron.
Gordie Whitlock Development Award - Matt MacEwen
This year’s recipient of the Gordie Whitlock Development Award is Matt MacEwen. Matt has provided many coaching services in development levels for Pownal Minor Hockey and Hockey PEI over the years. This past season Matt served as an assistant coach and trainer with the U13 AA Pownal Team #1, while also serving as an Assistant coach on the U11 Female team in Pownal as well. When not behind the bench coaching a game, Matt is often found running extra development for goalies in the Pownal Minor Hockey System. As the Pownal MHA Development Lead for Goalies Matt spends countless hours to helping kids develop for the enjoyment of the game. Matt can be found on the ice with U9, U11, U13 and U15 male and female teams from Pownal as well as the U15 AAA Eastern Express and U18 AAA Taco Boyz teams. When not volunteering for Pownal MHA Matt can be found helping out at HPEI’s High Performance camps and Goalie Development sessions. He has and continues to donate countless hours mentoring young hockey players and coaches. Hockey PEI is lucky to have him contribute to its grassroots and High Performance programming. Hockey PEI congratulates and applauds the efforts of Matt MacEwen and are proud to present him with this years Gordie Whitlock Development Award.
Team of the Year - U18 "A" Rustico North Stars
This year’s Team of the Year is the U18 A Rustico North Stars. This past season was an incredible one for the U18 North Stars. Despite being displaced from their “Home” rink until the end of the season, the team finished first half of the season with an 11-0-0 record and only 94 penalty minutes. After tiering, the U18 North Stars completed the second half of the season with an 8-0-3 record and 76 penalty minutes. During the season, the North Stars competed in 3 tournaments – George Trainor Holiday Classic, coming in 1st place, Montague Norseman Tournament coming in 2nd place after a nail biter shootout loss and the Hillsborough District Minor Hockey Association Tournament where they claimed 1st place. The North Stars were selected to host the U18A Tier 1 Provincial Championships in the newly opened Eliyahu Wellness Center where they proudly won the Provincial Championship in their new Home rink with a 5-0-0 record and 28 penalty minutes. While the statistics paint a picture, it does not tell the whole story of a team with varied skill levels but a desire to have fun on the ice. This team was praised multiple times over the course of the winter for their actions off the ice as a respectful group by volunteers and officials. It’s an honour to recognize this year’s Team of the Year, the U18 Rustico North Stars.
Hockey PEI President's Carolyn MacPhee
Carolyn MacPhee is a long-time volunteer for Hockey on PEI and Eastern PEI to be more specific. Always willing to help out, Carolyn has served as a Team Manager, the Registrar, treasurer and President of Souris Minor Hockey. She is also a long-time member of the Kings County Board of Directors as well as a Board member of the Eastern Express. While wearing many hats Carolyn is always a key contributor to the Hockey Season getting off the ground and going. Whether it is coach sections, registering players or dealing with any issue that may arise, Carolyn is a key cog in the wheel of Minor Hockey on PEI. In recent years, Carolyn has provided support to the next generation of volunteers at the grass roots level. Her tireless work ethic and willingness to give back are guiding principles that have made Carolyn’s contributions to the game of hockey so large. It is an honour to present this year’s Presidents award to Carolyn MacPhee.
Recognition Award - 50 Years of Officiating - Wayne Gaudet
This past season marked the 50th year Wayne Gaudet has served as an official on PEI. Over those years Wayne has served as the Refereeing Chief and Assignor for Tignish Minor Hockey. Wayne has also mentored countless young officials in the Rinks of Tignish, O’Leary and Alberton in the hopes of growing the next generation of young officials. This past season, Wayne worked 65 Minor Hockey Games across all levels and categories. He is a staple in the Rink each winter and brings a positive approach to the game he loves. Wayne has received recognition from Hockey Canada and Tignish Minor Hockey Association for his contribution to officiating on PEI this past winter. His accomplishments within the game are unparallel and unmeasurable. His legacy will continue long after his blades are dry. With that, It is an absolute honour to recognize Wayne Gaudet for his contributions to the game of Hockey at the Grassroots level.
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