2025-26 Hockey All-Conference Honors Released

(Awards Ceremony Photos) The Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) has announced its 2025-26 men's hockey awards. The All-Conference teams consist of three forwards, two defenders, and one goalie each for both the first and second teams. Individual awards include Player of the Year, Newcomer of the Year, Coach of the Year, and Champion of Character Coach. Winners are selected by a vote of all WHAC head coaches.

Player of the Year: Bennett Sheppard, Cleary University

Bennett Sheppard becomes the first player in Cleary hockey history to earn WHAC Player of the Year honors following his tremendous 2025-26 season. The junior from Pinckney, Mich. appeared in all 30 games for the Cougars and led the conference in points with 44. His 20 goals and 24 assists each tied him for the league lead in those categories respectively. Sheppard was a three-time WHAC Offensive Player of the Week selection during the regular season. 

Newcomer of the Year: Blair Krawchyk, Cleary University

For the second consecutive season, a player from Cleary University has been selected by WHAC head coaches as the conference Newcomer of the Year. Freshman Blair Krawchyk stormed onto the scene and helped the Cougars to a 14-6 season. The freshman from Cambridge, Ontario appeared in all 30 games for the Cougars, scoring 20 goals with 21 assists. His 41 points ranked him third in the WHAC. This marks the second time in school history a Cleary players has earned Newcomer of the Year accolades. 

Coach of the Year: Scott Gardiner, Cleary University

Cleary's Scott Gardiner was selected as Coach of the Year by his fellow head coaches. Gardiner led Cleary to its best season in program history and a first round bye as the #2 seed in this year's conference tournament. Under his leadership, Cleary finished 14-6 with 40 points, four points better than a season ago. This is the second time he has earned this honor. 

Champion of Character Coach: Brandon Rozema, Aquinas College

Rozema earns his first career Champion of Character honor in just his second season at the helm with the Saints. He was selected by his peers as the coach who best represents the NAIA Core Values of: integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership.

In addition to the All-Conference awards, the WHAC also announced its All-Academic and Champions of Character teams. The All-Academic Team consists of sophomores or above with a cumulative 3.25 GPA who have been at their school for one full year. The Champions of Character Team comprises one player from each school who best represents the five core character values of integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership.