Earns Darcy Haugan/Mark Cross Memorial Award, presented in conjunction with the National Hockey League Coaches’ Association
TORONTO – The Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL), in conjunction with the National Hockey League Coaches’ Association (NHLCA), announced Wednesday that Trevor Blevins of the Melfort Mustangs (SJHL) has been named the 2024-25 recipient of the Darcy Haugan/Mark Cross Memorial Award, emblematic of CJHL Coach of the Year.
Presented annually by the CJHL and NHLCA, this distinguished honour serves in memory of Humboldt Broncos (SJHL) head coach Darcy Haugan and assistant Mark Cross, who were among those who sadly lost their lives following the tragic events of April 6, 2018.
Blevins earned the recognition over fellow Coach of the Year finalists Matt Melo, Winkler Flyers (MJHL); Darryl Moxam, Greater Sudbury Cubs (NOJHL); Simon Olivier, Edmundston Blizzard (MHL); Justin Pereira, Rockland Nationals (CCHL) and Chris Schmidt, Grande Prairie Storm (AJHL), following a voting process completed by the CJHL’s nine-member leagues, for their respective efforts during the course of the regular season.
“One of the core responsibilities of our Association is to foster the development of the next generation of NHL coaches,” said Lindsay Pennal, Executive Director of the NHLCA. “Coaches play a pivotal role in the sport of hockey, not only shaping players’ skills and performance but also serving as influential leaders and role models within their communities. With the ongoing support of our NHL coaches, we are committed to helping coaches succeed both on and off the ice.”
As the recipient of the award, Blevins, and his club, will also receive the following:
• CAD $5,000 contribution to the Melfort Mustangs on behalf of the NHLCA
• CAD $5,000 worth of Bauer Hockey equipment, to the team
• Blevins, along with one of his assistant coaches, are invited as honourary guests of the NHLCA to attend the 2025 NHLCA Global Coaches’ Clinic, presented by Catapult, taking place on June 14 in Toronto, Ont.
• Blevins’ award will be formally presented in person during the 2025 NHLCA Global Coaches’ Clinic on June 14.
Under Blevins, Melfort showed no letdown from last year’s run to the Centennial Cup championship game, by finishing with an equally stellar campaign in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League.
With another experienced team, he guided his club to a SJHL-best record of 46-8-0-2 while boasting a winning percentage of .839.
Of their wins, 41 of the Mustangs triumphs came in regulation time, while three more were decided in overtime and two via the shootout.
Boasting the top special teams in the SJHL, Melfort had a power play success rate of 25% and also led the way in penalty kill proficiency at 85.3%.
Their goal differential of plus-98 was 22 tallies better than the next closest side in the 12-team SJHL.
The Mustangs were also first overall in goals-scored (221) and allowed the fewest against (123).
“Coaches play a huge role beyond developing players on the ice. They teach life skills, build character, and serve as role models. Often, athletes reflect on a coach as one of the most influential people in their lives”, said Mary-Kay Messier, Chief Marketing Officer, Bauer Hockey. “At Bauer, we are honored to partner with the NHLCA on an award to recognize a coach’s lifelong commitment to making a positive impact on players, the game and our communities.”
Hailing from Melfort, Sask., Blevins also played his junior hockey for his hometown Mustangs.
He has served as head coach of the club since midway through the 2013-14 season and has also been their general manager for the same time frame.
Darcy Haugan/Mark Cross Memorial Award
CJHL Coach of the Year recipients
Presented by the National Hockey League Coaches’ Association
2024-25: Trevor Blevins, Melfort Mustangs (SJHL)
2023-24: Mike Reagan, Flin Flon Bombers (SJHL)
2022-23: Brayden Klimosko, Battlefords North Stars (SJHL)
2021-22: Rob Pearson, Pickering Panthers (OJHL)
2020-21: Pier-Alexandre Poulin, Condors du Cégep Beauce-Appalaches (LHJAAAQ)
2019-20: Billy McGuigan, Summerside Western Capitals (MHL)
2018-19: Blake Spiller, Portage Terriers (MJHL)
With files from Jamie Neugebauer & Clark Munroe, Co–Directors of Media (SJHL)
ABOUT THE NHL COACHES’ ASSOCIATION: The NHL Coaches’ Association is the professional organization that provides support and assistance to the head, assistant, goaltending and video coaches of the 32 teams in the National Hockey League. The NHLCA and its members seek to develop future coaches, give back to the hockey community, and grow the game of hockey globally. One of the Association’s primary objectives is to help develop all hockey coaches from the youth level up to the highest levels of hockey, as the NHLCA strongly believes that coaches are important leaders within their communities, serving as role models at every level of the game.
Photo credit: Broad Leaf Media