AHCA

ahcahockey.com | Summer 2026 5 Those attending this year's convention donated approximately $9,000 at the Hockey Coaches Care reception, which is always one of the highlight's of the annual convention. If you know of any individuals or families in need, please let me know so we can share information about Hockey Coaches Care. (Reach me at j2b2hockey@gmail.com). Speaking of the AHCA Convention, mark this down: the dates for Bonita Springs '27 are Wednesday, April 28 to Friday, April 30. On June 1, I will fly to Syracuse to present the 2026 John Mariucci Award to Frank Colabufo of West Genessee (NY) High School. This will close out a year in which the AHCA has recognized 112 individuals, between four Coach of the Year awards, two Player of the Year awards, nine "major awards" and 97 CCM All-Americans. I was happy to be one of those people and especially happy when my old friend Bruce Delventhal came out of the bullpen to present the Fullerton Award to me. I knew Jim Fullerton a little bit, having received hand-written letters from him in his later years, when I was ECAC Hockey Commissioner. He expressed concern over certain ways our sport was developing. I can only imagine what he would think of all that is going on today. I will enjoy my New York visit to present the Mariucci Award. My own high school coach, Eddie Burns of Arlington (MA) High School, was the second recipient of the Mariucci Award back in 1989. And I had the plea- sure of presenting it to him back then. We started giving these out away from the convention a number of years ago. I have made trips to Hanover, NH, and Plymouth, MI, to give these out in recent years and it is a pleasure to do so. Notices will be going out in mid-June for the annual AHCA/Krampade All-Ameri- can Scholar program. Some 1,500 athletes were recognized a year ago for meeting the following standards: 3.75 GPA or better in each semester and appearing in 40% of a team's games. Waivers are granted to back-up goalies and for illness/injury. To qualify, a school must be a paid member of the AHCA. Next year is will mark the 80th anniversary season for the AHCA, which was founded in1947. We should cook up some special ways to celebrate this milestone. I will have to use the summer to come up with some appropri- ate ideas. Until then, have a wonderful off-season. — Joe Bertagna your equipment isn't stuck in the 80's so why is your sports drink? WHAT'S IN YOUR BOTTLE? WWW.KRAMPADE.COM ® Media Director Joe Bertagna receives the Fullerton Award from AHCA Executive Director Forrest Karr (le) and former AHCA Secretary- Treasurer Bruce Delventhal. (Jennifer Ziegelmaier Photo)

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