We use cookies to personalize content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyze our traffic, as described in our Privacy Policy.
MARCH 24, 2025

Cubs wrap 2024-25 season with annual Awards Banquet

Cubs wrap 2024-25 season with annual Awards Banquet

Medicine Hat Cubs



On Friday, March 21st, the Medicine Hat Cubs held their year-end banquet at the Beefeater Steakhouse. The annual event concludes the 2024-25 season, and sees board members, players and coaches give speeches and reflect on the season that was. In addition, the team awards are handed out. Read on to learn who captured the hardware this season.

Sportsmanship Award:
Sportsmanship can generally be defined as follows: conduct (such as fairness, respect for one's opponent, and graciousness in winning or losing) becoming to one participating in a sport. At the NHL level, the league award (the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy) is given to the “player adjudged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability.” Once again, both of those definitions are perfectly on point regarding this year’s Cubs winner. As one half of the ‘dynamic duo’ who finished one-two in league scoring, this player regularly dealt with opposing teams’ best shutdown efforts and logged significant minutes every night, with very few of them occurring in the penalty box. His speed, skill, set up and finishing ability meant he was always a threat, but never a liability. This year he tallied 22 goals and a league-leading 49 assists, for at total of 71 points to finish 2nd in the HJ scoring race….with a microscopic 4 minutes in penalties. A true example of skill and composure that is rarely observed in this aggressive and intense game.
The 2024-25 Medicine Hat Cubs Sportsmanship Award: #77 Caleb Garrecht.

Most Dedicated:
The Most Dedicated Award is one that requires the greatest number of attributes that truly define what a hockey player is supposed to be about. Commitment, work ethic, sacrifice, intensity, physicality, unselfishness, passion and leadership. This player demonstrated all this and more, including an indomitable spirit, a never-give-up attitude and a willingness to take ownership during the toughest moments of the season. Whether in practice, a blowout (win or loss), 5-on-5, the powerplay, and especially the penalty kill, the Cubs could always count on this individual to inspire his charges and embody the heart and soul of the team. This award recognizes not just talent, but the grit, perseverance, and dedication that define a true champion and leader - qualities that make them an invaluable part of, and the heart of, any successful hockey team. It is with great admiration and little surprise that once again, we ask the Captain to rise and receive this award.
The 2024-25 Medicine Hat Cubs Most Dedicated Player: #16 Callen Prosofsky.
 
Outstanding Scholastic Achievement:
This year’s Outstanding Scholastic Achievement Award is proudly presented to a remarkable student-athlete who has excelled both on the ice and in the classroom, demonstrating that true success is achieved through balance. This individual has consistently shown a commitment to academic excellence, maintaining high grades while managing the demands of being a dedicated hockey player. Their ability to juggle rigorous schoolwork with late night practices, team travel, and game preparation serves as an inspiration to all. Beyond their achievements, they bring intelligence, focus, and integrity to everything they do, proving that mental toughness applies not only to sports but also to academics. By prioritizing education alongside the game, this award winner embodies the values of leadership, perseverance, and well-rounded achievement - qualities that will undoubtedly lead them to continued success in all future endeavors.
The 2024-25 Medicine Hat Cubs Scholastic Award : #77 Caleb Garrecht

Most Improved:

Each year in junior hockey, a good portion of your roster turns over. Players age out or move onto other ventures, and many new faces show up, looking to earn their way onto the club and obtain a regular spot in the lineup. This year’s “Most Improved Player” award celebrates an individual who has demonstrated significant growth, resilience, and determination throughout the season. Through hard work, a positive attitude, and an unrelenting drive to get better every day, this player has made remarkable strides in their skills, confidence, and overall performance. They brought a physical presence and an ability to make their opponents uncomfortable, with a combination of heavy play and a fiery spirit. They have shown that improvement is not just about talent but also about effort and perseverance. This player’s dedication has not gone unnoticed, as they’ve become a part of the team’s success and a source of inspiration for other aspiring teammates. By consistently pushing themself, they remind us all that progress is possible with commitment and heart - qualities that make them truly deserving of this recognition.
The 2024-25 Medicine Hat Cubs Most Improved Player: #8 Everett Liefso
 
Most Goals:
There’s really no denying who the winner of this next award is for Most Goals. So, for the next little bit, let's just talk about how nice it was to get to watch the most exciting player in the league every home game at the Kinplex. Kyle Woolridge is, to put it simply, an outstanding talent…a player that combines elite-level speed, a shocking ability to maintain puck possession in traffic, a willingness to go to the dirty areas of the ice to retrieve the puck, a killer release, excellent vision, enthusiasm for finishing his checks, and a out-of-this world chemistry with his linemates. He’d be the first to admit that this award comes with the caveat of playing alongside #18 and #77 all-season long. He absolutely demolished the competition in terms of goals this year, finishing with 17 – yes 17! – more goals than the next nearest player in the league in 38 games played, giving him a total of 49 on the season. The Cubs final regular season game saw him hassled, harassed and by the end of the game, straight up TACKLED…the only thing that preventing him from hitting that magical number of 50 on the year. Congratulations on an outstanding campaign Kyle.
The 2024-25 Medicine Hat Cubs Most Goals Award: #21 Kyle Woolridge.
 
Top Defensive Forward:
This year’s “Top Defensive Forward” award honors a player whose tenacity, awareness, and commitment to team defense have been instrumental in anchoring the Cubs success for several years now. This individual consistently disrupts opponents’ plays, wins critical battles along the boards, is a key member of the penalty kill, backchecks and forechecks with unmatched determination. Their ability to read the game and anticipate the opposition’s movements results in countless turnovers, blocked shots, and pivotal clears that protect the net. Beyond his defensive prowess, he is able to easily transition to offense, creating scoring opportunities while never compromising his primary role, as evidenced by the 41 points he put up this year, better than a point-per-game. This forward exemplifies the often unglamorous yet vital work that is essential for team success. Through grit, intelligence, and relentless effort, they have set the standard for what it means to be a 200-foot, two-way player…earning the respect of their coaches, teammates, opponents and the fans. Another very impressive campaign from the Cubs captain in his final season in the HJHL.
The 2024-25 Medicine Hat Cubs Top Defensive Forward: #16 Callen Prosofsky

Best Defenseman:

This year’s “Best Defenseman” award goes to a player whose exceptional skating ability, vision, and poise made him a cornerstone of the Cubs success this season. With a silky-smooth stride and unmatched agility, he effortlessly navigates the ice, displaying excellent defensive responsibility while transitioning to offense with ease. His precise puck distribution consistently sparks plays, turning defense into scoring opportunities with clarity and confidence. When the situation calls for it, his ability to lead or join the rush and carry the puck up the ice adds another dynamic layer to the club’s attack, yet he always maintains discipline…ensuring his primary job of defending never falters. He regularly manages to play a responsible yet assertive game without taking unnecessary penalties, striking a superb balance between physicality and disruption, and control. This defenseman exemplifies brilliance in all aspects of the game, making him not only reliable – but indispensable to his team.
The 2024-25 Medicine Hat Cubs Top Defenseman: #55 Austin Derzaph
 
Unsung Hero:
This year’s “Unsung Hero” award recognizes a player whose relentless work ethic and tireless dedication were a key component of the club’s success, even if his efforts often fly under the radar from those not tied directly to the team. Night in and night out, he brings an unmatched level of tenacity, throwing his body into every hit, battling along the boards, and doing whatever it takes to support his teammates. His intensity helps sets the tone for the team, wearing down opponents and creating space for others to thrive. All season long, he displayed a gritty, hard-nosed style, while increasing his offensive contributions, particularly in the postseason when it mattered most…showcasing his growth and versatility. Through sheer determination and heart, this player embodies what it means to be an unsung hero - someone who quietly elevates everyone around him while leaving everything on the ice each and every game. As with any passionate hockey player, playing right to the edge is going to mean occasionally going over it. In any event, there is no question that every game, you can count on this player to bring unmatched effort, heart and a willingness to straight-up COMPETE.
The 2024-25 Medicine Hat Cubs Unsung Hero: #19 Jesse Klimosko
 
Leading Scorer:
This year’s “Leading Scorer” award goes to a player whose electrifying speed, exceptional skill, and goal-scoring prowess have made him the heartbeat of the Cubs offense. With the ability to weave in and out of defenders, he consistently creates scoring chances that leave opponents scrambling and fans on their feet. His elite vision and hockey IQ allow him to read the game at an extraordinary level, threading pinpoint passes while also finishing with precision and plurality. While he’s certainly not an oversized athlete, he fearlessly takes and delivers physical punishment, battling for every inch of ice without compromising discipline…playing a gritty game while avoiding unnecessary penalties…always keeping the team’s best interests in mind. Whether it’s blazing down the wing, threading passes, or burying clutch, highlight-reel goals, this player has proven time and again that he is a force to be reckoned with, making him not only the Cubs top scorer, but the HJHL’s as well, and the most dynamic player on the ice.
The 2024-25 Medicine Hat Cubs Leading Scorer: #21 Kyle Woolridge

Rookie of the Year:

This year’s “Top Rookie” award honors a player who made an immediate and impactful impression on the Cubs, with a remarkable balance of skill, physicality, and offensive ability. Right from the word go, he showcased a knack for finding the back of the net AND an exceptional ability to distribute the puck, playing a key role in countless scoring opportunities for his teammates, his vision and hockey sense making him a true dual threat. He also embraced the physical side of the game, delivering and absorbing many solid hits and showing a willingness to battle along the boards. As a rookie, his significant offensive contributions were pivotal to the team’s success this season, establishing him as a key piece of the lineup. His combination of talent and ability as both finisher and set-up man upgraded the HJHL’s top Dynamic Duo and made it a Terrific Trio. Hats off to this rookie who was an important and crucial contributor during the regular season, and continued to display that productivity in the playoffs as well.
The 2024-25 Medicine Hat Cubs Rookie of the Year: #18 Nolen Sutherland
 
MVP:
Being named the Most Valuable Player is a tremendous honor that reflects not only personal dedication and performance, but also the trust and support of teammates who make that success possible. Every year that’s he’s been on the Cubs, this player has elevated his game to another level. Last year, he increased his offensive output a staggering 65% from his rookie campaign. This year, he looked at that impressive feat and said…HOLD MY BEER. While leading the entire HJHL in points and goals scored, the Cubs MVP electrified fans and teammates with numerous highlight-reel plays and seemingly endless cardio. He logged big minutes in the most crucial moments of every game, and despite being regularly keyed-on by opponents, he was rarely held off the scoresheet. His contributions can best be summed up this way…when the team needed it, or it mattered most, they knew who to turn to, and were confident it would get done. This player was always worth price of admission, and is without question truly deserving of this recognition.
The 2024-25 Medicine Hat Cubs Most Valuable Player: #21 Kyle Woolridge
 
Playoff MVP:
This year’s “Playoff MVP” award is a testament to a player whose performance remained at the unparalleled heights he established during the regular season, continuing when the stakes were at their highest. In the playoffs, the game simply…intensifies. Every shift matters more, and the margin for error shrinks to almost nothing…making it exponentially harder to replicate the success achieved during the course of the year. Yet, this player did just that…showcasing an uncanny ability to produce while squarely in the meat grinder/pressure cooker that is postseason hockey. Enduring the increased pressure, his scoring touch remained immune, as he continued to bury at a pace greater than a goal per game. His determination, composure, and relentless drive not only inspired his teammates but also reminded everyone that…excellence shines through most, when the challenge is greatest. His offensive contributions, work ethic, poise and ability to produce while absorbing endless punishment during the postseason, have earned this player the title of Playoff MVP.
The 2024-25 Medicine Hat Cubs Playoff MVP: #21 Kyle Woolridge

 

RECENT HEADLINES
FACEBOOK & X
SPONSORS
© 2025, MEDICINE HAT CUBS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Design, Hosting, Online Registration & Administration Tools By:Powered By:
Sports Administration & Management, Online Registration, Stores, Professional Websites for Amateur Sports Teams, Leagues, Tournaments & Associations

ADMIN LOGIN