Press release/provided photos
On Thursday, April 16th the Genesee Amateur Hockey Association celebrated their End of the Year Awards Ceremony, at the David McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena. The teams of Squirt, Pee Wee, Bantam, and Midget were celebrated.
The Beginners had their year-end Beginner Jamboree in mid March and the Mite Division held their year-end celebration on April 15 at the David McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena.. A great time was had by all of the players and their families.
After a delayed start of the hockey season due to the completion of the new Chiller System at the rink which began in April 2025, each team pulled together and prepared themselves for an outstanding hockey season with teams winning their Division Championships as well as bringing home trophies and medals from the Tournaments they participated in throughout the season.
This year’s Masters of Ceremony were Erik Triftshauser and Steve Pies who welcomed all of the players and their families The group enjoyed an array of food from Batavia’s Original and cookies from Ally’s Market.
GAHA graduating seniors were recognized as they leave the Association and move towards their selected futures. Those seniors were Ryan Ballinger, Torrence Bansbach, Carter Fix, Max Traugott, Colton Smith, Julian Hunsinger and Hunter Zambito.
Aliya Aguirre with TJ Peca (absent Liam Langiewicz) – the Danny D Tribute Player Award
The highlight of the event was the presentation of the yearly awards handed out by GAHA. The first award was the Matthew Mondi Memorial Award which was presented to Mite Player Odin Adams; the Danny D Tribute Player Award went to Aliya Aguirre and Liam Langiewicz.
Axton Engler with Coach Brian McCarthy – the David McCarthy Leadship Award
The Pam Borden Memorial Award was presented to Anthony Peca; and the David McCarthy Leadership Award was presented to Axton Engler. These awards are in the form of scholarships toward next year’s fees.
Mary Bansbach (nominator), Hanna Dun with Sharon Valyear-Gray – the Sharon Valyear Dedication Award for a female Player
The Sharon Valyear Dedication Award was presented to Hanna Dunn including a Pure Hockey Gift Card . Last, but least was the Tom Scott Volunteer of the Year Award which is presented to the GAHA volunteer who has dedicated countless hours to the betterment of the organization and exemplifies the ideals of GAHA as well as USA Hockey.
Allyson Valyear with Tim Sprague (nominator) – the Tom Scott Volunteer of the Year Award
This year’s award was presented to Allyson Valyear who serves as GAHA Registrar, Chairperson for the Merry Mitemas Tournament; serves on the Home Coming Committee, Co-Team Manager for past several years for her two children’s teams, Board Member, Chairman of the End of the Year Awards Event; and in total support of the growth of GAHA and it’s Rampart families.
Each of the Rampart teams with their coaches and players were recognized. The teams who won trophies throughout the 2025-2026 season presented them to the Association. The evening ended with all those present showing their gratitude to all of the Team Coaches (who did a presentation for their respective teams), Assistant Coaches, Team Managers.