Awards

Each year, the team coaches select a Most Valuable Player from the four squads, and determine the recipients of the Vermont and New Hampshire men’s and women’s Sportsmanship awards. These awards are named in honor of some very special people who have been involved in years past and who have exemplified the spirit of this event.

Past Awardees:

The NH Men’s Sportsmanship award is named in honor of Charlie Holt, long-time and highly successful head coach of the University of New Hampshire Wildcats – who, in retirement, put together and helped coach the very first NH Make-A-Wish All-Star team in 1993. Charlie was the personification of the “gentleman coach”, admired to this day by so many he influenced in collegiate hockey.

Past Awardees:
2024 Zach Baker – Pinkerton Academy

The NH Women’s Sportsmanship award is named in honor of Dana Zucker, who has lent his organizational skills to coordinating the NH women’s squad since the women’s game first began in 1998. No other Granite Stater has given so much to this event, and we are most grateful for Dana’s continued support. Both of his daughters played in the Hockey Classic and went on to stellar college hockey careers, as well as returning to help coach the Hockey Classic.

Past Awardees:
2024 Mackenzie Ray – Lebanon-Stevens-Kearsage

The Vermont Men’s Sportsmanship award is named in honor of Bryan DesLauriers, a “Vermont” player in 1996. Bryan had to decline a roster invitation that year due to work commitments, but when his time later became available, he came to training camp to help out. The NH squad had lost two players before and during camp, so Bryan was approached to play in their places. He went on to score one goal and had an assist in that 1996 game, which NH won 9-5.

Here is a link to pre-game and post-game news clips about the 1996 Make-a-Wish Hockey Classic between Vermont and New Hampshire.

Past Awardees:
2024 Hunter Driver – Essex High School
2025 Ethan Wideawake – Rutland High School

The Vermont Women’s Sportsmanship award is similarly named in honor of Carlisle Doria, who had played in one of the inaugural “showcase” seasons, when there was no age limit for the girls’ team. She as even named the MVP following her freshman year in high school! When the eligibility rules changed to only juniors and seniors the next year (to only seniors very soon thereafter), Carlisle watched from the sidelines. She returned in stellar style the following year.

Past Awardees:
2024 Kiley Burke – South Burlington High School

A very special award was created years ago in honor of a special friend, Fletcher “Buster” Brush. We lost Buster suddenly, and far too soon, in the fall of 2008. He was a founding committee member of the Hockey Classic, an incredible Make-A-Wish Board member, exemplary Wish-granter, dedicated high school hockey coach, tireless representative of a former title sponsor, and invaluable consultant for many years. An award is presented to a player, coach or other Hockey Classic participant who exemplifies Buster’s dedication to community service and/or the Make-A-Wish Foundation.  2025 marks the year the award is given to a Vermont player each year.

Prior Awardees:
2009 Montanna Heinlein – Bellows Free Academy (VT)
2010 Brooke Boomhover – Bellows Free Academy (VT)
2011 Collin Kwasnik – Spaulding High School (VT)
2012 Kayleigh Ehler-Vock – South Burlington High School (VT)
2013 Brian Chick – Spaulding High School (NH)
2014 DJ Doney – Northfield High School (VT)
2015 Jordan Godfrey Rutland High School (VT)
2016 Kelly Brigham – Hanover High School (NH)
2017 Andrew Gleason – Middlebury High School (VT)
2018 Harris LaRock – Hanover High School (NH)
2019 Braylen Parent – Missisquoi Valley High School (VT)
2021 Zoe Green – Exeter High School (NH)
2022 Elise Lidstone – Rutland High School (VT)
2023 Kelly Shang – Oyster River High School (NH)
2024 Kaelin Downey – Burr & Burton Academy (VT)
2025 Ethan Wideawake – Rutland High School (VT)

The annual Sam Caswell Memorial Award was created for the 2025 games to honor Sam for his 18 years of ambassadorship to the Hockey Classic.  Not only was Sam an ambassador, but he developed into our sage and inspiring keynote speaker that made positive contributions to all involved with the Hockey Classic.  His courage and positive energy simply made the world better.  The award honors a New Hampshire player that has demonstrated the ability to overcome substantial obstacles, lives life with a passion, gives to others and is dedicated to life-long learning – all key attributes of Sam.

2025 – Henry Cotter – Hanover High School

“Winning is like the whipped cream on a hot fudge sundae – the extra treat on a good dessert. Winning is also the bonus in sports. It’s the journey – the hard work, the preparation, the discipline and the sacrifice, the camaraderie, the oneness of being a team, and the passion from within to be your best – this is what truly defines one’s character and builds a foundation for one’s success in the arena of sports and in life.”

~Fletcher “Buster” Brush