TORONTO – Trevor Blevins of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League’s Melfort Mustangs was officially recognized over the weekend as the 2024-25 recipient of the Darcy Haugan/Mark Cross Memorial Award, emblematic of Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) Coach of the Year, presented in conjunction with the National Hockey League Coaches’ Association (NHLCA).
Blevins was given his award on Saturday during the NHLCA’s Global Coaches Clinic, presented by Catapult, in Toronto.
He, along with Mustangs’ assistant coach Tye Scherger, were invited honourary guests of the NHLCA at the event.
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.
Earning the honours, Blevins garnered the recognition following a voting process completed by the CJHL’s nine-member leagues, for his efforts during the course of the 2024-25 regular season.
He guided his club to a SJHL-best record of 46-8-0-2 while boasting a winning percentage of .839.
Humbled by the award, Blevins had this say: “It was an absolute honour to be named the CJHL Coach of the Year this past season.”
Knowing such an achievement was more than just about him, Blevins was quick to point out that many people played an integral part on his collecting CJHL Coach of the Year laurels.
“With an individual award in a team sport, there are many people that share in this award: Family; staff; the Mustangs’ board of directors; our volunteers; fans and most importantly the players,” stated Melfort’s bench boss. “We had an outstanding group of players that we appreciate so much.”
Blevins went on to add: “I had the pleasure to coach against Darcy and Mark, and they are truly remembered as men with high level character and integrity.”
Having the opportunity to attend NHLCA Global Coaches’ Clinic was also something that was not lost on Blevins.
“To experience so much knowledge from quality coaches and people was a highlight for Tye (Scherger) and myself. We appreciate the NHL Coaches’ Association in supporting an award like this that gives Junior A coaches across the CJHL an opportunity to learn and develop.”
