'26 Team Award Winners

BINGHAMTON- In celebration of the franchise's 5th year serving as the pro-hockey team in Binghamton, NY, the Black Bears honored eight members of the organization with team awards for the first time ever.  Eight awards were given to seven different members ahead of the final regular season game last Saturday.  

The awards are named after significant members in Binghamton's pro hockey history, three current or former Black Bears, and the Binghamton Hockey Booster Club. 

Binghamton Hockey Booster Club Player of the Year - Ivan Bondarenko 

The Binghamton Hockey Booster Club voted and selected 1st-year Black Bear, Ivan Bondarenko as the booster club player of the year!  Ivan finished the season with 98 points, tying the single-season record and set a new single-season record for assists with 77.

Don Olivieri Fan Favorite Award - Zac Sirota

Named after a previous fan favorite, Don "The Don Father" Olivieri, the organization opened up an award to the fans for the first time ever.  Across the team's social media accounts, fans could vote on for their "Fan Favorite" from this season.  The fans selected Zac "The Rat" Sirota because of playing-style, off-ice personality, and energy he brings each and everyday.

Rod Bloomfield Rookie of the Year - Dominik Tmej

The Broome Dusters were the first professional team in Binghamton in the 1970s.  In Bloomfield's rookie season he finished with 119 points.  Dominik Tmej finished the regular season leading every statistical category for a goaltender. He posted a record of 28-2-1, 1.83 GAA, .932 SV% and seven shutouts, tying the FPHL single-season record.      

Gavin Yates Forward of the Year - CJ Stubbs

The Forward of the Year Award is named after one of Binghamton's 5-year players, Gavin Yates.  CJ Stubbs finished the year with 97 points (39g, 58a).  He appeared in 10 more games than the previous season, adding 33 more points as a member of the Black Bears top line.   

Peter Laviolette Defenseman of the Year - Austin D'Orazio

Named after Binghamton Hockey Hall of Fame member Peter Laviolette, Austin D'Orazio was selected as the team's Defenseman of the Year.  In his first professional season, D'Orazio led the league in +/- with a +48 rating.  He also finished 5th of the team in points with 88 (24g 38a).    

Finn Hunter Unsung Hero Award - Scott Ramaekers

Finn was a goaltender in the STHA who courageously battled Leukemia.  The Black Bears contiune to honor his memory by naming the Unsung Hero Award after him.  Scott Ramaekers was an "Ironman" for the Black Bears, appearing in all 56 games this season.  Scotty set a new career high in points with 47, all the while switching to defense full-time this season.   

Tyson Kirkby Most Valuable Player - CJ Stubbs

The team's MVP Award is named after the longest tenured captain in team history, and the first player to score 300 goals with the franchise, Tyson Kirkby.  CJ Stubbs was selected as the inaugural recipient.  Stubbs played in 53 games, recorded multiple hat tricks and was able to record a league-leading nine GWG and five SHG. He was one of two players to have a 20-game point streak this year.      

Lifetime Achievement Award - Brant Sherwood

Black Bears Owner, Andreas Johansson, wanted to surprise Coach Sherwood with an award of his own.  In his 3rd full-season with the organization, no other head coach in the FPHL has accumiluated more wins as Brant Sherwood.  With 175 regular season wins, Coach Sherwood looks to lead the Black Bears to become the first team in league history to win the Comissioners Cup in three-straight seasons.