SWMHSHL Champs: Portage Central

Portage Central notched a 5-0 victory over the Kalamazoo Blades in the championship of the SWMHSHL. Eric Hoffman led the Mustangs with 3 goals and 1 assist. Line mate Jared Hook added 2 goals and 2 assists. Brogan VandeVelde stopped everything that the Blades threw at him to earn the shutout. The pre-game hype had the Annex in Kalamazoo buzzing because the previous meeting between these two league rivals had gotten ugly. To the credit of both teams, their coaches and the officials this game was played with emotion and respect. John Lloyd did his best to keep the Blades in this game tonight, but Portage Central was just too strong.

Following the game, the SWMHSHL Awards were announced.

1st Team All League
Goalie: Joey Ballmer, Kalamazoo Eagles (Rookie of the Year, Goalie of the Year)
Defense: Chris Sandmeyer, Portage Central (Referees Sportsmanship Award); Todd Miller, Portage Central (Defenseman Scholarship Award) ; Matt Duris, Portage Northern
Forwards: Jared Hook Portage Central; Kevin Campbell, Portage Northern (League MVP); Nicco Braganini, Portage Northern; Scotty Simmons, Kalamazoo Blades.
Coach of the Year: JD Kalleward , Portage Northern

2nd Team All League
Goalie: Brogan VandeVelde Portage Central
Defense: Nick Kruse, Portage Northern; Nate McCorry, Mattawan; Dan Merkle, Kalamazoo Blades.
Forwards: Doug Wheelright, Portage Northern (Players Choice Award, Referees Scholarship Award); Austin Pence, Mattawan; Bobby Miller, Kalamazoo Eagles

Honorable Mention
Goalies: Derek Straub Mattawan; Barry Toornman Portage Northern
Defense: Hunter Atkins Kalamazoo United; Shawn Jones Mattawan; Dylan Dault Mattawan; Kyle Pavlack Kalamazoo Eagles.
Forwards: Brian Phillips Kalamazoo United; Tommy Fawley Kalamazoo Blades; Tyler Hatfield Kalamazoo Blades; Scotty Sulka Kalamazoo Eagles; Rob Fender Portage Northern; Erik Hoffman Portage Central; Travis Tuma Portage Northern; Max Taylor Portage Central