On September 16, the Greater Toronto Hockey League, together with the Mississauga Hockey League (MHL) and North York Hockey League (NYHL), recognized the 2025-26 Officiating Award recipients. It was the 21st annual celebration of officiating excellence in the GTHL’s competitive (‘A,’ ‘AA,’ and ‘AAA’) program, MHL, and NYHL.
“Bringing officials from across the GTHL, MHL, and NYHL together is an important opportunity to recognize the people who help make minor hockey possible,” said GTHL General Manager Peter Kourtis. “With more than 1,100 officials under the GTHL umbrella, those being honoured have demonstrated a tremendous commitment to the game, their development and the players and communities they serve. Their dedication, professionalism and respect for hockey help create positive experiences that extend well beyond the final score.”
New for 2025–26, the GTHL introduced the Brian Coles Officiating Leadership Award, recognizing leadership, mentorship, and a commitment to supporting the development of others within the GTHL officiating community. The award honours the legacy of longtime official, Referee-in-Chief and mentor Brian Coles, whose involvement in GTHL officiating spanned more than five decades and helped shape generations of officials.
The 2024-25 MHL Officiating Award recipients include:
George McBride Award Recipient: Colin Morrison
In memory of George McBride, a long-time referee, volunteer, and parent with the Mississauga Hockey League. This award is presented annually to the MHL Referee as selected from their peers who portray characteristics of dedication, positive attitude, fair play, communication skills, and an overwhelming desire to be a dedicated member of the league.
Hockey Canada Most Deserving Official Award: Ian McRae
Presented annually by Hockey Canada to the MHL Officiating Program participant who has contributed the most to the officiating program at any level, in any capacity.
Hockey Canada Most Promising Official Award: Kieron Mullowney
Presented annually by Hockey Canada to the MHL Official who has shown a great deal of expertise and potential.
Hockey Canada Most Improved Official Award: Arkin Nag Chowdhury
Presented annually by Hockey Canada to the MHL Officiating Program official who has shown the most improvement as an official over the year.
MHL Officials Award for Courage, Perseverance, and Resilience: Ian Collie
The 2025-26 NYHL Officiating Award recipients include:
Jim Hickey Memorial Award: Steven Picco
Each year the NYHL honours one on-ice official who exemplifies a great attitude, work ethic, and overall desire to help the NYHL in any capacity they can. This award is named after Jim Hickey who was one of the first supervisors in the NYHL. Jim was an official in the Etobicoke Hockey League as well as the Ontario Hockey Association (OHA). This award was traditionally presented annually by Mike Duggan who recently passed away. The award will now be presented by Steve Gerry.
The Jim Hickey Memorial Award also encompasses the Hockey Canada Most Deserving Official Award, recognizing an NYHL Officiating Program participant who has contributed the most to the officiating program at any level, in any capacity.
Hockey Canada Most Improved Official Award: Jordan Jacobs
Presented annually by Hockey Canada to the NYHL Officiating Program official who has shown the most improvement as an official over the year.
Hockey Canada Most Promising Official Award: Jack Ginsburg (not pictured)
Presented annually by Hockey Canada to the NYHL Official who has shown a great deal of expertise and potential.
The 2025-26 GTHL competitive (‘A,’ ‘AA,’ and ‘AAA’) Officiating Award recipients include:
Brian Coles Officiating Leadership Award: Mac Hickox
Presented to a Greater Toronto Hockey League official who demonstrates outstanding leadership, dedication, and commitment to the GTHL and officiating community.
Hockey Canada Most Improved Official Award: Kaitlyn Yearwood & Lucas Prohaska
Presented annually by Hockey Canada to the GTHL Competitive Officiating Program official who has shown the most improvement as an official over the year.
Hockey Canada Most Promising Official Award: Omar Galal & Colton Peak (not pictured)
Presented annually by Hockey Canada to the GTHL Competitive Program Official who has shown a great deal of expertise and potential.
Gus Gordon Memorial Officials Award: Troy Whetstone
Presented annually by the GTHL Supervisors to the official who displays a balance between positive attitude, dedication, competence, and improvement.
