2026 YNHL PLAYER OF THE YEAR NOMINATIONS
2012-2013 Division
Jack McCarthy / Wild
I wanted to nominate Jack for player of the year because of everything he has demonstrated so far this season on and off the ice. He has been an outstanding player, who plays the game the right way defensively and offensively. He has also been an excellent teammate and extremely coachable off the ice. He has exemplified all the core values of the YNHL this season: Outstanding Sportsmanship, Compete Level, Being an Incredible Teammate, Attendance, Coachability, Integrity, Production, and Demonstrating Love and Passion for the Game as well. Really hope he wins this award because he deserves it!!
Noah Gray / Hurricanes
Noah is one of the best young athletes I have had the privilege to coach. He is always looking for ways to improve and willingly adjusts his game to become a better player. Noah approaches every challenge with a positive attitude and is eager to do whatever is asked of him. He is extremely coachable, a great teammate, and an outstanding young man. Whether on the ice or on the bench, Noah consistently supports those around him. He is always encouraging his teammates, leading by example, and bringing positive energy to the team. While his style of play may not be flashy, Noah makes a meaningful impact every shift. His work ethic, hockey IQ, and commitment to the team make him a valuable player and an even better person.
Kyle Cantie / Kings
It is my privilege to recommend Kyle Cantie for Player of the Year recognition. Kyle exemplifies everything that this award is intended to honor exceptional athletic performance, outstanding sportsmanship, unwavering competitiveness, leadership, coachability, and a genuine passion for the game. As a goalie, Kyle delivered one of the most dominant seasons imaginable. He finished the year with an incredible 0.52 goals-against average and a remarkable .959 save percentage, surrendering only two goals the entire season. His consistency, focus, and ability to make key saves in critical moments gave our team confidence every time he stepped between the pipes.
While his statistics alone would make him a worthy candidate, Kyle’s impact extends far beyond the numbers. He is a true competitor who embraces challenges and consistently raises the level of play of everyone around him. His determination and commitment to excellence set the standard for our team and were instrumental to our success throughout the season. Kyle is also an exceptional teammate and leader. He served as a vocal and positive presence on the bench, helping maintain energy and focus during both practices and games. As a goalie partner, he was supportive, encouraging, and selfless, always supporting his goaltending partner. He held his defense accountable, communicating clearly and effectively, while also keeping the atmosphere light and positive. His ability to balance accountability with encouragement earned the respect of his teammates and coaches alike.
One of Kyle’s greatest strengths is his coachability. He actively seeks feedback, embraces instruction, and continually works to improve every aspect of his game. His willingness to learn and grow has been a key factor in his development as both an athlete and a leader. Most importantly, Kyle’s love and passion for the game are evident in everything he does. His enthusiasm is contagious, and his dedication inspires those around him. He competes with integrity, treats opponents and officials with respect, and consistently demonstrates outstanding sportsmanship.
Kyle Cantie’s combination of elite performance, leadership, character, and passion make him an outstanding representative of the YNHL and a truly deserving candidate for Player of the Year. I offer my strongest recommendation for this honor.
2014-2015 Division
Wes Lasher / Capitals
Wes is a great combination of skill, hockey sense and grit. His solid defense along with his puck moving ability is excellent, but what stands out the most is his willingness to use his body to block shots. A quality that exemplifies a player willing to do what is necessary to help his team win. His demeanor and attitude epitomize the traits every coach looks for in a player.
Jack Sheehan / Oilers
Jack has been an outstanding team player. He's very coachable. He's an excellent offensive player whose sacrificed points for team success. Jack has not missed a single game. The league leader in both goals and assists, he has volunteered for penalty kill and to play defense to help his team win. Jack passed on shot opportunities to help teammates score. He made an outstanding play in game #6 to get a player his 1st of the year.
Jack was a stand-out in the Western Conference All-Star game, coming second in the hardest-shot competition and scoring 5 goals in the win.
Noah Crowley / Golden Knights
Noah is as close as you can get to the perfect player. He’s an absolute leader - shows up to every game ready to give it his all, leads by example, never takes a shift off, never gets down when losing, never gets cocky when winning, always puts points on the board. When asking for a volunteer, he’s first to raise his hand no matter what the job is! He’s a multi-sport athlete, but finds a way to make it to everything he possibly can. He always cheers for his teammates when they succeed and lifts them up when they are down. His coachability is off the charts - puts recommendations into action the very next shift and is always attentive in the locker room and contributes to discussions in a meaningful way. Id find it hard to believe that there is a more deserving player for this award in the YNHL league than Noah. I’m luck to have him on my squad!
2016-2017 Division
Nolan Nytz / Stars
This season, Nolan proved to be a true Most Valuable Player for the team through consistent effort, leadership, and a strong commitment to improvement. He made an impact in every game by working hard in all three zones, supporting teammates, and setting a positive example both on and off the ice. Whether contributing with timely goals, smart assists, or responsible defensive play, Nolan could always be counted on in important moments. His positive attitude, coachability, and dedication to the team’s success made a meaningful difference throughout the season, earning him the well-deserved MVP recognition.
Hannah Ebbs / Flames
This is a nomination for a player i never coached prior to this league. I recognized her name from games we played last fall when she stood out then.
But I am truly impressed with the player Hannah is capable of being. She has a killer attitude on and off the bench. Has played in multiple summer tournaments as well as making a majority of the YNHL games. She plays extremely fast and smart and is always smiling while doing it. If Hannah were to win it wouldn't be because of points or stand out flashy plays, but because she plays the game the way it is meant to be played.
Hudson Lindell / Panthers
I am nominating Hudson Lindell for his work ethic, leadership, and performance. The team had multiple losses where he continued to work hard and tried to motivate other players. He took a leadership role even with players he did not know, and worked through adversity.
Eastern Conference
2010-2011 Division
Gabe Heid / Panthers
Why you are nominating him/her: Gabe is the best player on the ice most games but that’s not what matters. With that skill set he still backchecks better than anyone, makes the right passes, and never cheats up to try and score. He is physical without being cheap. He plays right way.
But here is why he should get it- he doesn’t act to his teammates on the bench or locker room like he is better than anyone else. He is a true teammate, nice and open to everyone on the team. When your best player is open and not click forming, no one else can be. He sets the tone on and off the ice.
Joseph Riganti / Maple Leafs
I picked Joe not only because of his raw talent and skill but also because he is always working hard and hustling. He has great sportsmanship on the ice and is very well reserved on the bench. Off the ice Joe is a true gentleman and very easy going as well. This kid has a great future ahead of him.
2012-2013 Division
Andrew Jesmer / Canadiens
It is my pleasure to nominate Andrew Jesmer for the Player of the Year Award. Andrew exemplifies everything that this award represents, both on and off the ice. Andrew consistently demonstrates outstanding sportsmanship in every game. He competes with integrity, treats opponents and officials with respect, and serves as a positive example for his teammates. His attitude and character reflect the highest standards of athletics.
As a teammate, Andrew is second to none. He is supportive, encouraging, and always willing to put the success of the team ahead of his own individual accomplishments. Whether celebrating a teammate’s success or helping someone improve, Andrew consistently shows what it means to be a true team-first player. His commitment to the team is evident through his exceptional attendance and reliability. Andrew is always present, prepared, and ready to contribute. Coaches and teammates can count on him to show up with a positive attitude and strong work ethic. One of Andrew’s greatest strengths is his coachability. He listens attentively, accepts feedback, and works hard to apply instruction to improve his game. His willingness to learn and grow has made him a valuable asset to the team and a role model for YNHL players. Most importantly, Andrew has a genuine love for the game. His passion is evident in the energy, effort, and enthusiasm he brings every day. He plays for the right reasons, embraces challenges, and inspires those around him through his dedication and enjoyment of the sport. For his outstanding sportsmanship, commitment to his teammates, exceptional attendance, coachability, and unwavering love for the game, Andrew Jesmer is highly deserving of the Player of the Year Award.
Brayden Wing / Red Wings
I’d like to nominate Brayden Wing (goalie) as most valuable player for the YNHL Eastern Conference 2012/2013. Brayden shows up each week ready to play. He’s always early to get his warmup in , headphones on & energetic. He is always communicating with the team in the locker room to get them ready for the game ahead. He takes the time to talk to the defenders on what he expects them to do in front of him as well as what they do well after the whistle. After his time on the ice he is on the bench coaching the forwards & D during the remainder to f the game. Cheering the plays and celebrating on their achievements during the game. His energy is always there and his team feeds off it. His attitude and coach-ability is never in question . I’m proud of him and his roll on this team. He has exceeded expectations throughout this series.
Ryan McDonough / Avalanche
Ryan is a fast and skilled forward who has a nose for finding open skating lanes and scoring goals. He always brings a high level of compete to every game, even when he was asked to play defense when I needed him to. Ryan’s goal every game was to win, with his teammates, no matter the cost. He is a player who always wants to be on the ice, regardless of the score or game situation. He is a pure joy to coach, always listening for how to improve his game, and is always there to talk to his teammates about the game, both good and bad. Best of luck with your winter season Ryan, you’re a great hockey player and I look forward to continuing to see you grow your game.
2014-2015 Division
Maverick Rivers / Jets
I am honored to nominate Maverick Rivers for the 2026 YNHL Player of the Year Award. Players are remembered for goals, assists, wins, and championships. Maverick will be remembered for something even more important: his commitment. From the moment he was drafted by the East Jets, Maverick fully embraced being part of our team. In a spring league where players often balance multiple commitments, he never missed a single game. Not once. Week after week, he showed up ready to compete, support his teammates, and represent the YNHL with pride.
What makes his season truly remarkable is the responsibility he carried along the way. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Maverick served as the East Jets' only goaltender. There were no weekends off, no rotation, and no backup waiting to take over. Every game, our team relied on him to be ready, and every game he answered the call. Not only did he embrace that challenge, but he thrived in it. While carrying one of the most demanding roles in the league, Maverick has established himself as one of the top goaltenders in his division. His performance on the ice has been exceptional, but what has impressed me most is the consistency, maturity, and determination he displayed throughout the season.
Maverick leads by example. He is coachable, respectful, accountable, and always puts the team ahead of himself. He treats teammates, coaches, officials, and opponents with respect and carries himself in a way that reflects positively on his family, his organization, and the YNHL as a whole.
When our team needed a big save, Maverick was there. When we needed reliability, Maverick was there. When we needed someone willing to shoulder the responsibility of being the lone goaltender, Maverick was there. That level of dedication cannot be taught. It comes from character.
For his outstanding performance, unwavering commitment, sportsmanship, leadership through action, and passion for the game, I am proud to nominate Maverick Rivers for the 2026 YNHL Player of the Year Award.
Eli Rettig / Islanders
Eli has been a great player in the locker room and on the ice. He has brought a bunch of randomly picked players together and kept the game him and others on the team love to another level of fun. As from a coaching perspective he has been open and receptive to corrections and helped other players dial in and just remember to have fun.
Everly Colantuoni / Oilers
There were several players who had outstanding seasons and made this a difficult choice, but when our coaching staff discusses the qualities we challenged this team to embrace every single week—effort, positivity, commitment, teamwork—Evy consistently demonstrated all of them.
From opening faceoffs to final buzzers, she brought a positive attitude and competitive energy to the rink. Always smiling, willing to play physically, and possessing both hockey IQ and speed, she approached every game with an enthusiasm that had a positive effect on both teammates and coaches.
As a defenseman, Everly took pride in her responsibilities. She consistently identified her assignment in front of the net, protected her goalie, and cleared the house when opponents pushed into the blue paint. She understood that effective defense is not always flashy, but it is built on positioning, effort, awareness, and making the right play at the right time. Throughout the season, she demonstrated her skills as a blue-liner who understood when to pinch, how to play angles, and how to use her body effectively, all while maintaining the positive attitude that became one of her trademarks.
What stands out most, though, is that her commitment never wavered. Whether the team was winning, losing, tired, frustrated, or facing adversity, Evy showed up and worked. She encouraged teammates, accepted coaching, embraced challenges, and consistently gave her best effort.
In a season filled with deserving candidates, Everly’s combination of hard work, positivity, coachability, and commitment to her teammates is what ultimately earns her the vote for East Oilers Team MVP.
Reid Keating / Rangers
Reid is an exceptional player who sees the entire sheet of ice and utilizes the entire sheet. He has great hands, great footwork and a knack for finding the back of the net. He is the first forward back on the backcheck and willing to put his body on the line to block shots in front. He plays a complete game. He's also not afraid to move the puck to make a play instead of trying to do everything himself. Respectable on and off the ice to coaches and teammates.