On Saturday, March 28th, the SNHL wrapped up another exciting year of hockey with the All-Star game, Callaghan Cup Championship, and Player Awards.
2025-26 SNHL All-Star Game
The night kicked off with the SNHL All-Star Game, showcasing an electrifying offensive display as Team Pacella defeated Team Botnick with a final score of 10-6. Right from the puck drop, the visiting team took control, with Bob McHardy lighting the lamp twice in the 1st period, netting his first goal just over ten minutes in and following it up with another later in the frame. Alex Schittenhelm and Hayden Simpson also contributed to a dominant 4-2 lead by the end of the first, with Daryll and Brady Simpson providing brief flashes of hope for the home side.
Hayden Simpson found the back of the net again, followed closely by Nick Curro, extending Team Pacella‘s lead to 6-2. Despite a spirited effort from Team Botnick, highlighted by captain Matt Botnick‘s goal in the 3rd, they struggled to close the gap. Late-game efforts by Noah Spagnuolo, who recorded two goals within the final minute, brought some excitement but ultimately couldn’t change the outcome. Team Pacella‘s relentless attack and sharp passing, especially from Gabriel Smith and Anthony Di Vito, allowed them to walk away with a decisive victory, celebrating a well-deserved win in this high-scoring spectacle. Bob McHardy took home All-Star of the Game accolades.
2026 Callaghan Cup Championship
The Kraken delivered a dominant performance against the SolarBears, securing a decisive victory with a final score of 4-0 to capture the 2026 Callaghan Cup Championship.
The scoring opened quickly in the 1st period when Michael Andrews lit the lamp just over six minutes in, with a helper from captain James McLean, setting the tone for the night.
In the 2nd period, Ryan Kerins extended the Kraken‘s lead to two goals, netting another score at 8:39 with assists from Daniel Berno and McLean. Kerins struck again in the 3rd period, scoring his second of the game, followed shortly by Daniel Berno adding salt to the wound with a goal just 20 seconds left on the clock.
Despite some penalties in the 3rd, the Kraken‘s defense and goaltending held strong, ensuring a shutout for Lucas Hillert.
Later in the evening, the Kraken’s Dan Berno was awarded the Bill Whitbread Memorial Award for Playoff MVP. Berno led the playoffs in scoring with 13 goals, and 20 points.
Congratulations to team captain, James McLean, and the Kraken.
2023-24 Player Awards
After the on-ice action was over, we headed out to the lot for an end-of-season celebration. Big thanks to Scott Cantelon for his BBQ expertise! We enjoyed some great food, a few drinks, and presented our annual SNHL Player Achievement Awards. Congratulations to this year’s winners:
- Team Rep of the Year: Steve Hutchins – Kings
- Goaltender of the Year: Lucas Hillert – Kraken
- Team Spirit Award: Kevin Wigner – WoodPuckers
- Rookie of the Year: Luke Hietkamp – HatTricks
- Regular Season MVP: Daryll Simpson – HatTricks
- Top Scorer – 55pts: Daryll Simpson – HatTricks
- D-Man of the Year: Ross Greco – SolarBears
- All-Star of the Game: Bob McHardy – Kings
- Bill Whitbread Memorial Award (Playoffs MVP): Dan Berno – Kraken
2025-26 Matt Dowdle memorial Award
We also presented our most prestigious award of the year – the Matt Dowdle Memorial Award. This award was introduced to honour Matt’s legacy and acknowledge a league member who is a leader on and off the ice and who makes coming to the rink each week fun. As per our tradition, last season’s award winner – Jody Spagnol – had the honour of helping select the 2025-26 recipient.
“This year’s recipient is a longtime member of the league. You know if you show up week one and he is sitting in your locker room, then there’s a really good chance that you’ll be sitting there on championship night too. And if you check back at all the championship photos on our website, I don’t think you’ll see someone that appears more times. This guy competes hard on AND off the ice, and is ALWAYS the first guy to pay for hockey each year. I’m pleased to announce this year’s Matt Dowdle Memorial Award recipient is Bob McHardy.”
– Steve Conforti, SNHL President
You must be logged in to post a comment.