A Night of Recognition
The Genesee Amateur Hockey Association (GAHA) held its End‑of‑Year Awards Ceremony on April 16 at the David McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena in Batavia, New York. MCs Erik Triftshauser and Steve Pies greeted attendees, who enjoyed catering from Batavia’s Original and cookies from Ally’s Market.
The season began later than usual because of a chiller system installation in April 2025, but the teams showed resilience, capturing multiple Division Championships and earning numerous trophies and medals across the Squirt, Pee Wee, Bantam and Midget divisions.
Celebrating Achievements
The ceremony also honored the graduating seniors — Ryan Ballinger, Torrence Bansbach, Carter Fix, Max Traugott, Colton Smith, Julian Hunsinger and Hunter Zambito — who concluded their youth hockey journeys with GAHA.
Awards and Honors
Hanna Dunn received the Sharon Valyear Dedication Award, complete with a Pure Hockey gift card, while Allyson Valyear was presented with the Tom Scott Volunteer of the Year Award in acknowledgment of her extensive service within the association. Other recognitions included the Matthew Mondi Memorial Award to Mite player Odin Adams, the Danny D Tribute Player Award to Aliya Aguirre and Liam Langiewicz, the Pam Borden Memorial Award to Anthony Peca, and the David McCarthy Leadership Award to Axton Engler.
Looking Ahead
The association extended its gratitude to head coaches, assistant coaches and team managers, thanking them for their dedication throughout a challenging yet successful season and looking forward to continued growth in the sport.