Mark Nelson(1954-2012) was a youth hockey coach for 11 years from 1991-2002.  He taught many players the basics of skating, the fundamental skills of hockey, the elements and strategies of the game, and how to work and play as a team.  He also taught his players the right way to play the game, with fairness, respect for opponents, coaches, officials and teammates, maximum effort, fun, and perseverance in the face of adversity.  Mark embodied those traits and served as a role model for his players on and off the ice.  Mark's former players, their parents, friends, and the Nelson family honor Mark's life and work with youth hockey by creating and perpetuating the Mark R. Nelson Memorial Coaching Award of the Bowling Green Youth Hockey Association, presented annually to a youth hockey coach who best represents the aforementioned qualities and character exemplified by Mark.

Award Recipients

2023 - Kirk Maxey

2022 - Mike Kregel

2021 - Aaron Moore

2020 - Jamie Webb

2019 - Dale Calcamuggio

2018 -  Mike Howick

2017 - Reid Mankowski

2016 - Steve Burns

2015 - Shane Sieple

2014 - Chris Cox

2013 - Betsy DeWitt

On December 27, 1996 Bowling Green Youth Hockey lost a very special friend when Andy Schwanzl, a proud member of the D.A.R.E Squirt House Team was killed in a  tragic accident. Although Andy was only with BGYHA for a short time, he left a very impressive legacy. Andy's parents, coache and teammates will tell you that he played the sport with zest and vogor.  He was the definition of "hustle" and "team play".  His attitude, his style, and his work ethic and his skills outshined only by his most special attribute, his "smile".  Andy played hockey with a smile on his face and a smile in his heart.  The Andy Schwanzl Spirit Award will be presented annually to one player from each Squirt House Team who best exemplifies Andy's spirit and lover for the game.  Each Squirt House Team Coach is asked to nominate a recipient for the award.  The coaches are asked to consider the following attributes when nominating a player, hustle, team play, attitude and love for the game.

Award Recipients

2012
Zach Marvin
Wyatt Nagel
2011
Nate Adams

2010
Julian Rose
Sam Scherer
2009

2008

2007
Blake Traver
Nathan Low
You-Jung Kim
2006
Jordan Fry
Phillip Rich
Dylan Berg
2005
Garrett Hammer
Tim Hoodlebrink
Zach Stock
2004
John Schaefer
Justin Moore
Collin Parcher
Jacob Krebs
2003
Max Munger
Brandon Bressler
David Barnes
Ben Scherer
2002
Matt Ruehl
Austin Joseph
Zach Clifford
Collin Hoops
2001
Craig Blasiman
Spencer Munger
Taylor Yohe
Michael DeWitt
2000
Adam Hawkins
Dan Oakes
Eric Crow
Ali Hills
1999
Evan Sharp
Matt Kryder
Matthew Snyder
Alex Bechstein
1998
Conrad Spelling
Billy Dyer
Cody Bauman
Ian Dunn
1997
Ryan Carr
Andrew Crawford
Joe Johnson
Ryan Stram

 

Bowling Green Youth Hockey Associations Distinguished Service Award is presented annually to the person or persons that have shown a immeasureable dedication to BGYHA and its youth hockey players.  Award recipients have been administrators, board members, coaches, volunteers and businesses, all demonstrating a willingness to do whatever it takes to promote and develop youth hockey in Bowling Green.