Annual Awards

Andrew Ducko and Ian McNally have served LPNHA as dedicated, passionate, and inspirational leaders in their roles as both coaches and hockey directors. Together, they have contributed nearly 30 years of service to the organization. Their work—both on and off the ice—has been focused on growing the game and providing LPNHA players with the best possible experience, helping young athletes develop a lifelong love of hockey.

The Ducko/McNally Award recognizes a second-year Squirt (10U) player who demonstrates perseverance while learning the game and a commitment to being a supportive teammate, regardless of the outcome of the game.

Shortly after arriving in Princeton at the age of six, Joey Leddy learned to play hockey at Baker Rink. As the eldest of five boys, he helped lead the Leddy family through the Princeton Youth Hockey program. Joey grew into an exemplary young man whose dedication and perseverance defined his approach to the game. While not always the most naturally gifted player on the ice, he earned the respect of teammates and coaches through his commitment to improvement and his contributions to his team's success. Joey played through the midget level of Princeton Youth Hockey while attending Littlebrook School, Princeton Day School, and The Lawrenceville School.

The Leddy Award recognizes a second-year Pee Wee (12U) player who demonstrates notable character, sportsmanship, and perseverance both on and off the ice.

Billy Smoyer participated in the Princeton Youth Hockey Association and attended Princeton Day School, where he captained both the hockey and soccer teams. He went on to attend Dartmouth College, earning six varsity letters and the deep respect of teammates, coaches, and friends. Shortly after graduating, Bill chose to serve his country by enrolling in the Marine Corps Officer Program. In 1968, at the age of 22, he was deployed to Vietnam, where he was killed in action.

With his passing, the Princeton community lost a remarkable young man. Bill was known as a fierce competitor, a true gentleman, and someone who approached life with humility, humor, and a genuine care for others.

The Smoyer Award recognizes a second-year Bantam (14U) player who demonstrates notable character, sportsmanship, and perseverance both on and off the ice.

This award is presented to second-year 16U players who have spent their entire youth hockey careers within the Princeton Junior Tigers program—including the former Princeton Youth Hockey Association (PYHA), the Lawrence Flames/Nassau program, and Tiger Cubs. It recognizes their loyalty, commitment, and long-standing dedication to our community-based organization.

The Frank L. Whittaker Award is named in honor of former board member, parent, coach, and volunteer Frank L. Whittaker. This award is presented annually to the family member(s) of a Princeton Junior Tigers player who exemplifies the spirit of the Princeton Junior Tigers organization.

Recipients of this award have demonstrated a consistent commitment to the Princeton Junior Tigers community—cheering for our teams, supporting our players and coaches, and generously volunteering their time to help strengthen and sustain the organization.

Paul Puchalik served for many years as the Manager of Loucks Rink at The Lawrenceville School and was a cherished friend of our youth hockey program. Paul was deeply committed to Loucks Rink, his family, and the growth and development of youth hockey in our community. After a long and courageous battle with cancer, Paul passed away in 2009.

The Paul Puchalik Award was established in his memory to honor his dedication and lasting impact on the sport. This award is presented annually to a member of the organization who demonstrates perseverance in the face of a significant life-changing event or illness, while continuing to show commitment to Princeton Junior Tigers hockey despite adversity

Peg and Dave Firth were an integral part of the Princeton Youth Hockey Association from 1988 to 2003. During that time, they devoted themselves selflessly to the organization's growth and success. Dave served as President for four years, while Peg held the roles of Treasurer and Registrar for many years. Their sons, Steven and Tim, both participated in the Princeton program from Mite through Midget.

The Firth Award recognizes an LPNHA Board member who demonstrates exceptional loyalty, dedication, and service to the Princeton Junior Tigers, Tiger Cubs, and Nassau House programs.

Greg McDonald was a beloved Princeton Junior Tigers coach who passed away in the fall of 2023. Greg was known for his positivity, presence, and deep commitment to the players he coached. He believed that the key to coaching was learning from the kids themselves—building meaningful connections and earning their trust.

Greg encouraged coaches to continually work on themselves, remain open to feedback, and focus on developing the whole player. He was a champion for every child, especially those who were harder to reach, and cared deeply about how his players carried themselves as teammates and individuals, not just how they performed on the ice. His love of coaching and enthusiasm for the game were truly infectious.

This award is presented annually to a Princeton Junior Tigers coach who best exemplifies the qualities that made Greg such a special person: positivity, presence, and a genuine commitment to the growth and well-being of every player.