IMHA Awards
Each season at the IMHA Year-End Banquet a number of organization awards are presented to recognize the achievements of players and volunteers. Our award descriptions are listed below and and recent recipients are listed on each award page.
Jennifer Funston Memorial Award
On November 23rd, 2000 Jennifer Funston was fatally injured in an automobile accident. At the time she was a member of the Ilderton Jets Atom Girls team. In her memory Jennifer's family established the Jennifer Funston Award which is presented annually to a member of each Ilderton Minor Hockey OWHA teams. Coaches on each team are asked to select a player who has a quiet demeanor, demonstrates good sportsmanship, is coachable, a good skater, well liked by her teammates and loves the game of hockey.
Agnes Prebble Memorial Award
Agnes Prebble was a proud Ilderton resident who loved to watch and support Ilderton athletes and was an active baseball player herself in her youth, she lived for many years in what is now the Ilderton Pet Hospital at 125 King St. This award is presented to the the most dedicated and sportsmanlike players playing on the Shamrock U9-U15 teams.
Graham Benedetti Memorial Award
Graham was an Ilderton area resident and proud goaltender his entire life. This trophy is presented in his memory to recognize and acknowledge the commitment and passion it takes to become a better goaltender. This award is presented to the most improved goaltender across all teams.
Lucas McConnell Memorial Award-
*NEW* in 2023
Lucas McConnell was an Arva resident who grew up playing hockey in Ilderton. He was passionately involved in youth sports and camps in his adult life up until his passing at the age of 29 due to a heart condition. This award is presented to an IMHA U7 player that consistently demonstrate a general desire and true “love” for the game of hockey at such a young age.
Rob Andrews Officiating Award
Rob Andrews served 34 years on the Board of Ilderton Minor Hockey. He served two terms as President. His passion however has always been the development of referees. Hockey does not exist without an ample supply of referees. Rob advocated for establishment of the Middlesex Centre Referees Association that currently employs more than 100 officials. This award is intended to acknowledge and recognize the leadership, dedication and commitment of individuals whose role is to help make the game fun and safe for all.
Vi Higgs Memorial Award
Viola was a well known grandma to more than a few IMHA players and a very avid and popular fan for any team that wore a Jets Jersey. This award is presented to the person who makes an outstanding contribution to IMHA as determined and decided by the current President of Ilderton Minor Hockey Association.
An award given to a member of the Ilderton Minor Hockey Association who has gone over & above the call of duty this season for the sake of the Association and the benefit of all players. The recipients for this award are determined by a majority vote of the entire IMHA Executive
Esso Awards
Esso Achievement Awards are presented for the Most Sportsmanlike, Most Improved and Most Dedicated player on each team. Recipients are selected by the Coaching Staff for each team and presented at the Year-End Banquet.