2025-2026 Season Awards
Photo Credits: Tom Grimsdale/Ideal Images Red Deer
The Blackfalds Bulldogs handed out the end-of-season awards following the last home game of the season on Friday, March 27th. 14 awards were handed out during the ceremony.
The first award handed out was the Fan Favourite, which is determined by a combination of a fan vote, interactions of players’ content on social media, and community interactions. Bulldogs Director of Community Relations & Partnerships, Michelle Brown, presented the award to Nikita Ivashchenko.
The second award was the Reid and Wright Advertising Top Forward. The award goes to the forward who performed at the highest level all season. Sebastian Salazar presented the award to Thomas Neu.
The third award was the Vise Energy Top Defenceman. This award goes to the defensive player who performed at the highest level all season. Mike Tubbs and Kyle Drouin presented the award to Noah Mertz. He had 8 goals and 50 points in 53 games played. Mertz had the second-most points recorded by a defenceman in the BCHL.
The fourth award was the Milano for Men Scoring Leader. It goes to the player who scored the most points this season. Austyn Joseph presented the award to Nikita Ivashchenko. He had 31 goals and 69 points in 53 games played. Ivashchenko had the fourth-most points in the BCHL and tied for the third-most goals.
The fifth award was the Zeph Air Mechanical Rookie of the Year. It goes to the player who performed at the highest level in their first season of BCHL hockey. David Bassett presented the award to Carson Mertz. He had a 21-7-0 record with a 2.34 GAA (third best in BCHL), .910 SV% (2nd best in BCHL), 1 shutout, and 1 assist in 29 games played.
The sixth award was the Red Deer Mechanics Most Improved Player Award. This award goes to the player who has developed the most from the beginning of the season. Ryan Weatherley presented the award to Nick DiPaolo and Danny Hussa. DiPaolo had 14 goals and 27 points in 48 games, while Hussa had 14 goals and 25 points in 43 games.
The seventh award was the Owners’ Award for Heart and Hustle. It goes to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of hard work, hustle, and determination. Bulldogs Owners Doug and Jodie Quinn presented the award to Joey Melo and Luke Dahlen.
The eighth award was the Western Wallprinting Most Valuable Player. It goes to the player who performed at the highest level all season. Peter Friestadt presented the award to Nikita Ivashchenko and Noah Mertz.
The ninth award was the Evolution Inspections Teammate of the Year. It goes to the greatest teammate on and off the ice who contributes to their team and community. Remy Wattie and Wyatt Kolibab presented the award to Dean Toskos.
The tenth award was the Community Hero Award presented by Bonnie Lou Johnston. It goes to the player who exudes community passion while maintaining excellence in being a team member and attending school. These players were among the top volunteer hours this season. Bonnie Lou Johnston presented the award to Danny Hussa and Matthew Croxall.
The eleventh award was the Kody Willick Award. This award is named after former Blackfalds Bulldogs Captain Kody Willick, who embodies passion and leadership with his great work ethic and determination on and off the ice. This award is presented to a Blackfalds Bulldogs individual whose selflessness, dedicated efforts, excellent work ethic and outstanding contributions have made a significant difference in our brand and community. Bulldogs Owners Doug and Jodie Quinn presented the award to Bonnie Lou Johnston and Michelle Brown.
The twelfth award was the Career Assistance Network Best GPA Award. It goes to the player who had the best academic grade point average of the year. Ashton Selig presented the award to Carson Mertz and Alex Bosland.
The penultimate award was the Red Deer Kinsmen Volunteer of the Year. This year’s winners can be seen in almost any capacity on a game day, including ticket scanning, security and wherever else help is needed. Derek Fredeen and Derek Fuchs presented the award to Jeff and Lisa Milley.
The Final Award was the Q2 Artificial Lift Services Working Champion Award. It goes to the player who takes the initiative to better themselves by exploring employment opportunities and gaining experience for their future, and having balance by giving 100% as a team member and employee. Bulldogs Owners Doug and Jodie Quinn presented the award to Antoine Gauthier and Olivér Király.
The Bulldogs will be back in action at home on Friday, April 3, at 7 pm with Game 1 of the Rogers BCHL Playoffs against the Sherwood Park Crusaders. Game 2 follows on Saturday, April 4, at 6 pm. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.showpass.com/202526-bulldogs-single-game-tickets/
