The North American 3 Hockey League (NA3HL) has announced its award winners for the 2019-20 season, which include: Most Valuable Player, Forward of the Year, Defenseman of the Year, Goaltender of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Coach of the Year, General Manager of the Year and Organization of the Year, along with its All-NA3HL 1st, 2nd, 3rd and All-Rookie Teams, Community Service, Leadership and Academic Award. The awards are voted on by the league’s head coaches and general managers, based upon performance during the 2019-20 regular season.
Community Service Award: Brandon Connett, Alexandria Blizzard
Connett, 20, practiced and help coach the Special Olympic Hockey team in Alexandria, helping to conduct practices and pushed players on sleds. Connett also participated in the local Alzheimer’s Walk and Christmas Parade, where he also helped serve dinner at the Senior Citizen Center. He also passed out Candy at the Halloween Parade and Haunted House. Connett also took time out to work and volunteer with an after school compass program with local elementary schools in town. Connett also received a Service Award from the Alexandria Youth Hockey Association for all his work he has done this year. This year marked the first time that they have given this award to anybody. “I’ve had two players win this award in the past eight years and Brandon has gone well beyond the things they did. I’ve never had a player accomplish the things he has done in the community this year,” said Blizzard head coach Jeff Crouse. Connett, who is an NAPHL grad, was named to the All-NA3HL 2nd Team this season and is committed to play NCAA hockey for the University of Wisconsin-Stout.