NA3HL Yearly Awards continue

The NA3HL is proud to announce this year’s recipients of the Volunteer of the Year, Community Service, Leadership, USPA Academic Achievement, and Organization of the Year Awards.

The individual award winners were selected based on nominations submitted by all 35 NA3HL head coaches. The Organization of the Year honor was awarded to the team that demonstrated outstanding excellence both on and off the ice, as recognized by a league-wide vote of the coaching staff.

Volunteer of the Year: Presented to a dedicated individual within the NA3HL community who has gone above and beyond in their support, making a meaningful and lasting impact on their organization through exceptional service and commitment.

Julia Orth (Billet Coordinator for the Willmar WarHawks)

“Julia plays an invaluable role within the WarHawks organization, consistently going above and beyond to support the team in countless ways. Her dedication was on full display when she personally went door-to-door to help recruit future billet families,a true testament to her commitment. Whether it’s assisting with game day setup, managing social media, or helping coordinate WarHawks supper events, Julia is always ready to lend a hand. She’s a strong communicator, and her warm, welcoming personality makes both players and their families feel right at home. Julia truly embodies the spirit of the WarHawks family and the Willmar community,” exclaimed WarHawks’ Head Coach Payton Ruter. 

Community Service Award: Awarded to the player who has made the most significant positive impact in his community through outstanding service, leadership, and dedication to giving back.

Willy Fischer (Tulsa Jr. Oilers)

“Willy Fischer was one of the most dedicated community service volunteers within our organization, consistently advocating for greater representation and outreach in our area. He generously gave his time to tutor students, support local homeless shelters, and promote community engagement at our cancer institute. Willy also played a key role in organizing our toy drive in partnership with the children’s hospital. His compassion, leadership, and community spirit made him a true fan favorite and a respected figure throughout the community,” stated Jr. Oilers’ General Manager and Head Coach Chi-Yin Tse. 

Leadership Award: Recognizing a player who exemplifies outstanding leadership both on and off the ice. This individual consistently leads by example through exceptional performance, inspires and motivates teammates, and demonstrates a strong commitment to community involvement and charitable efforts.

Quin Dungan (Yellowstone Quake)

“In his rookie season, Quin consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and character, dedicating multiple days each week to volunteering at Livingston Elementary School. His positive impact was evident through the overwhelming feedback from students, teachers, and parents, some even suggesting he consider a future in education due to his natural ability to connect with and motivate kids. In addition to his work at the school, Quin also volunteered with the local after-school program at the rec center, once again receiving nothing but praise. Despite being a young rookie wearing an 'A'—a challenging role in itself, he remained one of the most committed players both on and off the ice. Throughout the season, Quin maintained a positive attitude and strong work ethic, even while facing personal challenges and the obstacles our team encountered,” stated Yellowstone Quake Owner Jon Riley. 

USPA Academic Achievement Award: This award honors the player who demonstrates outstanding excellence across all areas of academics, achieving the highest levels of success in their studies. 

Benjamin Carolla (Northeast Generals)

“A 2007 birth year player in his first season of junior hockey, Ben has impressed both on the ice and in the classroom. Despite the challenges of living away from home for the first time, he maintained a remarkable GPA. Achieving such academic excellence as a young player navigating the demands of junior hockey is truly exceptional and speaks volumes about his dedication and time management skills,” stated Northeast Generals Owner and General Manager Bryan Erickson. 

Organization of the Year: The Organization of the Year Award recognizes a team that has demonstrated exceptional achievement both on and off the ice. This award honors an organization that has shown outstanding performance, leadership, and commitment to player development, community engagement, and organizational growth. The recipient of this award exemplifies the highest standards of excellence in fostering a positive environment, supporting their athletes' goals, and contributing to the overall success and integrity of the league.

Louisiana Drillers

The Louisiana Drillers have been named the NA3HL Organization of the Year following an outstanding season that culminated in their first-ever Fraser Cup Championship. After falling short at last year’s Championship Tournament, the Drillers bounced back in impressive fashion, capturing the title and solidifying their place in league history. Beyond their on-ice success, the organization has earned widespread recognition for the incredible support they receive from the Lafayette community, with fans constantly filling the stands to cheer on the team. The Drillers have also made significant strides in helping their players achieve their goals both on and off the ice, fostering an environment that encourages growth, development, and success at every level. This award is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and community spirit that define the Louisiana Drillers organization.

“On behalf of the NA3HL, I’d like to congratulate the Louisiana Drillers on being named Organization of the Year,” said NA3HL Director Tyler Giwerowski. “This recognition is a testament to the incredible work put in by the entire Drillers family, from ownership and staff to the players and Head Coach Chris Francis. What they accomplished this season is truly special, especially bringing home the Fraser Cup for the first time in franchise history. The dedication, culture, and commitment to excellence within the organization has not only led to success on the ice, but has also helped their players grow and achieve their goals off the ice. We’re proud to have the Drillers as part of the NA3HL.”