2025-26 MEN'S HOCKEY AWARD WINNERS

Mark Cross Heart of a Lion Award
Aiden MacIntosh, Forward		 Complete List

York University Lions men's hockey player Aiden MacIntosh has been was named the winner of the 2025-26 Mark Cross Heart of a Lion Award at the men's hockey awards banquet on Apr. 6, 2026."For Aiden to have completed his Junior career after losing sight in one eye while playing was an accomplishment on its own; to then carry that forward to the U SPORTS (and now professional) level provided a daily inspiration to all of us as Lions. Aiden’s drive and perseverance were reminiscent of Mark’s and his willingness to become immersed in all that York had to offer was as well. A quiet leader who was widely respected by his teammates and staff, Aiden is such a great example of how approaching life by embodying the C.R.O.S.S. Spirit can lead to overcoming adversity and achieving great success while having a positive influence on those around you." -Russ Herrington, Head Coach
   
Bill Maguire Yeoman's Service Award
Alex Chu, Goaltender
Logan Holm, Defenceman		 Complete List

York University Lions men's hockey players Alex Chu and Logan Holm were named the winners of the 2025-26 Bill Maguire Yeoman's Service at the men's hockey awards banquet on Apr. 6, 2026."This was the first year that we have had opportunity to recognize active players for this award however it was the obvious choice this season. Alex and Logan showed incredible initiative in approaching, with assistance from some of their teammates, alum Sasha Cucuz and the Greybrook team last spring. It was their idea and they put all the work in to design their pitch, which they presented in person at Greybrook’s offices. The approach proved fruitful as we entered into an exclusive partnership this year with Greybrook as our first ever sponsor, which is providing an enormous benefit to the team and programme as a whole.” -Russ Herrington, Head Coach
 
 
Dave Chambers Most Outstanding Player Award
Harry Clark, Forward		 Complete List

York University Lions men's hockey player Aiden MacIntosh was named the winner of the 2025-26 Dave Chambers Most Outstanding Player Award at the men's hockey awards banquet on Apr. 6, 2026."Harry Clark was consistently the driving offensive force for our team, even in games where we felt down and out and the energy wasn’t there. He always found a way to spark the group with his legs, his compete level, and his refusal to lose battles. Harry could be relied on to take on any role or task we asked of him, and he often played some of the toughest minutes on the team. His hard-working character speaks volumes about the type of player and teammate he is.” -Jayden McCarthy, Forward
  
Graham Wise Lasting Legacy Award
Jayden McCarthy, Forward		 Complete List

York University Lions men's hockey player Jayden McCarthy was named the winner of the 2025-26 Graham Wise Lasting Legacy Award at the men's hockey awards banquet on Apr. 6, 2026."Jayden sets an example for everyone around him with the way he carries himself every day both on and off the ice. The attitude he brings, the character he shows, and the respect he has for his teammates, coaches, and the entire York Lions program say everything about the kind of leader he is. What makes Jayden so deserving of the Graham Wise Lasting Legacy Award is that his impact goes far beyond hockey. Being his teammate over the past three years, I’ve seen first-hand the impression he has left on this team through his leadership, his selflessness, and the way he always put the group ahead of himself.

Throughout his career at York, Jayden battled through several major injuries, but he never let that stop him from being one of the best teammates anyone could ask for. Even when he was dealing with his own challenges, he still found ways to support the team, help others, and give more than what was ever expected of him. Jayden is the kind of person who makes a team better just by being in the room.

His dedication, consistency, and work ethic never went unnoticed. He holds himself to a high standard, competes hard, and pushes everyone around him to be better. He brings maturity, accountability, and pride every single day, and that has helped shape the culture of this team and this program. He’s someone his teammates look up to, and while his presence will definitely be missed, the impact he’s had will stay with this program long after he leaves. The team and the program will miss him big time, but I am excited to see where he goes next and I can say any team is lucky to have a 'J-Mac' on their team.” -Ethan Strik, Forward
 
Ian Macdonald Academic Excellence Award
Keeton Oakley, Forward		 Complete List

York University Lions men's hockey player Keeton Oakley was named the winner of the 2025-26 Ian MacDonald Academic Excellence Award at the men's hockey awards banquet on Apr. 6, 2026."Keeton was most deserving of this award because of how much he puts into his academics. He’s always in the library or somewhere on campus putting in hours studying, and it’s no surprise he consistently earns such high marks. But it’s not just that – he’s always helping other guys too. Whether it’s through being a PAWS mentor or just within the team, he’s someone people can go to if they’re struggling academically. Being in the same program as him, I’ve seen firsthand how willing he is to help me understand things better, and he always puts in the work during group projects to make sure we do well. He takes academics seriously every day and sets the standard for the rest of us, which is why I believed he was fully deserving of this year’s Ian MacDonald Academic Excellence Award.” -Brandon McCartney, Defenceman
 
David Kosoy Best Teammate Award
Brendan McCarthy, Forward		 Complete List

York University Lions men's hockey player Brendan McCarthy was named the winner of the 2025-26 David Kosoy Best Teammate at the men's hockey awards banquet on Apr. 6, 2026."'B-Mac' winning the Kosoy Best Teammate Award was no surprise. It really comes down to the kind of person he is off the ice just as much as on it. He is a really guy who treats everyone with respect, no matter who you are or what your role is on the team. He’s always making sure everyone feels included, and just brings a positive, easygoing energy that makes being around the team better. He would bring a fun environment to the room always making people laugh. When I look back at my time at York and all the memories Bmac will be in almost all of them which I think says a lot. So thankful that I was able to be his teammate just wish it could of been longer."  -Aiden MacIntosh, Forward
 
Guy Burry That's a Lion Award
David Mabey, Defenceman		 Complete List

York University Lions men's hockey player David Mabey was named the winner of the 2025-26 Guy Burry That's A Lion Award at the men's hockey awards banquet on Apr. 6, 2026"David Mabey was a natural choice for the Guy Burry ‘That’s a Lion’ Award because of the standard he set every single day, both on and off the ice. He consistently put the team first, worked hard, and committed to the program. Whether it was in practices, games, or around the locker room, he embodies what it means to be a Lion. David is someone his teammates can rely on without question, and his positive attitude and leadership made a lasting impact on our group. His dedication to the team and the culture we strive to build make him more than deserving of this recognition." -Chase Sandhu, Forward
 
Bob Hedley Unsung Hero Award
Ethan Strik, Forward		 Complete List

York University Lions men's hockey player Ethan Strik was named the winner of the 2025-26 Bob Hedley Unsung Hero Award at the men's hockey awards banquet on Apr. 6, 2026"He represents everything you want in a player, even if a lot of what he does doesn’t always get recognized publicly. From the beginning of the season right through to the end, he was one of the most dependable and consistent players on our team. Every day he came ready to work, brought a positive attitude, and was willing to do whatever was needed to help the group succeed. He took pride in the details of the game playing hard, being reliable defensively,

What stood out most was the way he constantly sacrificed himself for the team. Time and time again, he was willing to put his body on the line in situations that many players shy away from, simply because he cared more about the team’s success than personal comfort or recognition. Those moments may not always be immediately recognized, but they have a huge impact on the outcome of games and on the identity of a team. Ethan never asked to be praised for this behaviour it was always just a non negotiable for him. 

Ethan wasn’t focused on stats or individual recognition; he just genuinely cared about the group and about doing his job the right way every single day. Inside the locker room, everyone saw and appreciated the effort, toughness, and consistency he brought throughout the season in times of adversity. Off the ice, he was just as valuable, helping bring the team together and contributing to the culture we built this year through his attitude and leadership.

Ethan led by example in a quiet but extremely meaningful way, and he earned the respect of everyone around him because of it." -Keeton Oakley, Forward
 
Bill Purcell Community Leadership Award
Logan Holm, Defenceman		 Complete List

York University Lions men's hockey player Logan Holm was named the winner of the 2025-26 Bill Purcell Community Leadership Award at the men's hockey awards banquet on Apr. 6, 2026"Logan is a leader both on our team and in the York community. He is someone people look up to, turn to when they need support, and can always rely on. Whether it be mentoring first-year athletes, organizing community events, or simply giving his time to others, he consistently goes above and beyond. Being involved in the PAWS program for first-year athletes with Logan, I have seen first-hand how dedicated he is to providing support throughout the community, as well as the time he volunteers to plan events to bring people together. The Bill Purcell Community Leadership Award speaks to exactly who he is as a person. Logan is extremely deserving of this recognition, and we're all lucky to have him as a teammate. Congrats Holmer!" -Matt Tovell, Goaltender