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36 // JUNE 2026 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM 2026 Annual Awards Mike Norton was a pillar of USA Hockey's coaching education program across the Mid- American district for over 25 years. After becoming a coach developer in 1999, Norton became known for his unwavering positivity and dedication, often hosting up to six clin- ics in a single weekend. When the program transitioned to remote learning in 2020, he ran weekly virtual sessions, going the extra mile by attending prior clinics to know his students and staying late to answer every individual question. A frequent featured speaker, he also hosted notable clinics at Miami University and Culver Academy. Before shaping coaches, Norton excelled as a player, skating for four seasons at Saint Louis University and Miami University in the late 1970s. Upon graduating, he transitioned into coaching. He led Miami's men's club hockey team, served as head coach for NCAA Division III Wisconsin-River Falls and returned to Miami as an assistant coach from 1985-1991. Norton later served as the assistant athletic director at Culver Academies from 1993- 2015. He then returned to Miami University as the director of hock- ey at Goggins Ice Center and general manager of the ACHA Division II men's club hockey program. In this role, he collaborated closely with university coach- es and local youth hockey associations to implement USA Hockey's American Development Model at every level before his passing in 2024. Mike Norton Walter Yaciuk Award Mark Verplaetse Chet Stewart Award A longtime official and volunteer with USA Hockey, Mark Verplaetse's impact on the sport extends far beyond the calls on the ice, but in the growth and advancement of officiating in the land of 10,000 lakes and beyond. An on-ice official since 1980, Verplaetse has dedicated over four decades to officiating and officiating development in his home state of Minnesota, serving in a variety of leadership and mentorship roles in the officiating community with USA Hockey and the Minnesota Hockey Officials Association. During his time on the ice, Verplaetse officiated the game at all levels in Minnesota, ultimately earning a USA Hockey Level 3 certification. Passionate about training the next generation of officials, the Centerville, Minnesota, native, has been a seminar instructor since 1995. In the early 2000s, he became a Minnesota District 10 evaluator, mentor and seminar coordinator, roles he continues to hold today. His work has inspired thousands to don the stripes, while pro- viding many with a meaningful way to stay connected to the game. Known for his outside-the-box thinking, Verplaetse also helped establish an innovative partnership with the Minnesota Wild, hosting clinics on the same ice their professional idols skate on and providing new officials the opportunity to complete their USA Hockey Level 1 certification, the first step on any officials journey. Click to read more on Verplaetse Click to read more on Norton