BCEHL ANNOUNCES 2024-25 HUMANITARIAN AWARD WINNERS - SECOND HALF

Ava McGinley of the Fraser Valley Rush was the Female U18 AAA recipient of the Humanitarian Award for the second half of the 2024-25 season.

As an on-ice mentor with her home association, Tri-Cities Female Hockey Association (TCFHA), Ava assisted with skill development sessions with the younger age groups, where they focused on skating, puck handling, game awareness, and building confidence and resilience on the ice. Ava has also been an on-ice mentor with TCFHA's U15 A1 team for the past two seasons, where she has helped teach new skills, while fostering a positive team environment.

A student at Archbishop Carney Regional Secondary, Ava is a member of the school's Retreat Leadership Team, where she planned and led retreats for students in grades 8-11, and guided small group discussions and supported students' faith and personal growth. Ava also volunteered with fundraising events at Our Lady of the Assumption School, where she managed concession sales and event setup, while promoting school spirit and engagement.

The Port Moody product skated in 32 games with the Rush during the regular season. She finished fifth in team scoring with 20 points (8g-12a) and helped her Rush squad to a second-place finish in the regular season standings with a record of 16-12-1-3.

Congratulations to all of the second half nominees: Chelsea Clark (Greater Vancouver Comets), Maddy Fick (Vancouver Island Seals), Payton Planetta (Northern Capitals) and Emma Ward (Thompson-Okanagan Lakers)

The U18 AAA Humanitarian Award for the second half of the 2024-25 season went to Noah Lawless of the Fraser Valley Thunderbirds.

Noah gave back to his home association of Mission MHA by volunteering his time with the skating development program, and the introductory program where he helped new players find success on the ice.

Outside of hockey, Noah volunteered his time through his high school as a "Big Buddy" to kindergarten students, and also prepared and delivered sandwiches for local elementary school food programs. On Christmas Day, he spent time at a local elderly care home, visiting with ones that couldn't be with their families and served Christmas dinner to the unhoused.

The Fraser Valley captain finished the regular season fifth in team scoring, with 41 points (21g-20a) in 33 games played.

Congratulations to all of the second half nominees: Nikhael Dhaliwal (Valley West Giants), Grady Gustafson (Cariboo Cougars), Erik Hoemberg (Greater Vancouver Canadians), Kieran McMillan (Thompson Blazers), Jonathan Ruus (Vancouver North West Hawks), Jake Torres (Okanagan Rockets) and Brayden Yee (Vancouver North East Chiefs)

For the second half of the 2024-25 season, Valley West Giants' defender Cody Smethurst was the recipient of the U17 AAA league's Humanitarian Award.

Cody played a central role in various community initiatives with his team throughout the season, which included raising over $3,000 with his teammates for the local food bank. He also was a driving force behind the Giants' involvement with the "Coldest Night" and "Hockey Helps the Homeless" fundraising events.

Despite missing a chunk of the season due to a pair of injuries, Cody consistently demonstrated resilience and commitment to his team. He was a constant at every game, practice, road trips, and team events, while never allowing his injuries to prevent him from being involved with the team and supporting his teammates.

Cody skated in 17 games with the Giants' this season, and contributed six points (2g-4a) from the blueline.

Congratulations to all of the second half nominees: Ivan Andersen (Cariboo Cougars), Trevor Bernoties (Vancouver Island Royals), Trevor Chin (Greater Vancouver Canadians), Greyson Douglas (Vancouver North East Chiefs), Jackson Krahn (Fraser Valley Thunderbirds) and Boston Simpson (Thompson Blazers).

Fraser Valley Thunderbirds' forward Noah Carignan earned the U15 AAA Humanitarian Award for the second half of the 2024-25 season.

This season, Noah organized a Toy Drive for the BC Children's Hospital, something he and his family have been doing since he was young. For the past three seasons, Noah and his family have teamed up with the WHL's Vancouver Giants to support the cause, and together, donated over 600 toys to the Children's Hospital this year.

On the ice, the first-year Thunderbird racked up 38 points (18g-20a) across 30 regular season games, which was tied for ninth in league scoring.

Congratulations to all of the second half nominees: Austin Archibald (Thompson Blazers), Dylan Khakh (Vancouver North East Chiefs) and Alexander True (Valley West Giants).