NA3HL League Awards Conclude

As the curtain closes on an incredible 2024-25 NA3HL season, it’s time to hand out the final, and most prestigious honors. Today, we celebrate the best of the best, revealing this year’s Coach, General Manager, Rookie, Forward, Defenseman, Goaltender and Most Valuable Player of the Year. These standout individuals were chosen by the people who know the game best: the 35 NA3HL Head Coaches.

Coach & General Manager of the Year:

Chris Francis, Louisiana Drillers

In just his second season behind the bench, Chris Francis led the Louisiana Drillers to their most successful campaign in franchise history, earning him the 2025 NA3HL Coach and General Manager of the Year honors. Under his leadership, the Drillers dominated from start to finish, claiming both the South Division regular season and playoff titles, sweeping the first two playoff rounds, and ultimately capturing the organization’s first-ever Fraser Cup Championship in St. Louis. Francis has taken the program to new heights in record time, and what he’s accomplished in just two seasons is nothing short of remarkable.

“Everything that this award says about the work that Chris has done as a coach and General Manager of the Drillers is 100% accurate. What it should also reward, is the impact that he and his wife, Dani, have had on the team, rink and community as a whole. The on ice success is merely a reflection of the culture he has instilled in a group of young men that have come in and completely trusted and bought in to. We are so happy to see this award goto Chris to recognize and validate the work of his family and the fans and organization that eagerly support him,” stated Drillers Owner Danny Smith. 

Rookie of the Year:

Cole Schmidt, Goaltender, Louisiana Drillers

In his first season of junior hockey, Cole Schmidt made an unforgettable impression, backstopping the Louisiana Drillers to a Fraser Cup Championship and earning 2024-25 NA3HL Rookie of the Year honors. The 6'3" netminder from Anchorage, AK was a cornerstone for Head Coach Chris Francis, posting a stellar 22-2-1 record in 23 regular season appearances with a 2.04 GAA (4th best in the league) and two shutouts. When the playoffs hit, Schmidt raised his game even higher, starting every contest and going 6-1, including a title-clinching performance with 33 saves on 34 shots against West Bend for a remarkable game save percentage of .971. 

“Our team brought the heat on offense and locked it down on defense, and then we had Cole! From day one, you’d never have guessed he was a rookie. He played with a calm confidence that never wavered, no matter the pressure. Even when we had lapses, we knew Cole would be there to stand tall in the net. There were a lot of talented rookies in the league this season, but for Cole to be recognized at the top says everything about the impact he made both in the locker room and on the ice. There’s no doubt in my mind: even bigger things are coming for him,” stated Drillers Head Coach Chris Francis. 

Forward of the Year:

Joey Crowley, Texas Brahmas

A true leader on and off the ice, Joey Crowley caps off an outstanding junior career by being named the 2024-25 NA3HL Forward of the Year. The Romeoville, IL native and three-year veteran for Head Coach Chad Bailey wore the "C" for the Texas Brahmas and delivered his most dominant season yet. Crowley led the league in scoring with 84 points (37 goals, 47 assists), averaging an impressive 1.79 points per game and finishing with the second-best plus-minus at +54. A powerhouse on special teams, he tallied 9 power play goals, 14 power play assists, and 6 shorthanded goals. Known for his clutch performances, Crowley also notched 5 game-winning goals. Next stop: college hockey at the University of Utah.

"I couldn’t be happier for Crow to wrap up his junior career with an honor as big as this. He’s put in the work year after year, and every time he returned to this league, he made it better. A three-time Iron Man, the Brahmas’ all-time single-season points leader, our Captain, and now, NA3HL Forward of the Year. That says it all. I wish him nothing but success as he takes the next step in Utah. They’re not just getting a great player—they’re getting an even better person. Crow, let’s go," stated Brahmas’ Head Coach Chad Bailey.

Defenseman of the Year:

Johnathon Berndt, Louisiana Drillers

Johnathon Berndt, a 2005-born blue liner, earned NA3HL Defenseman of the Year honors after a dominant season with the Louisiana Drillers. In his second year under head coach Chris Francis, Berndt led all defensemen in scoring with 64 points (16 goals, 48 assists) over the regular season, averaging an impressive 1.36 points per game. He was a key driver of the Drillers’ power play, tallying 7 power play goals, 22 assists with the man advantage, and even adding 2 shorthanded assists. Berndt’s all-around impact was unmatched, finishing with the league’s best plus-minus rating at +58 and ranking 13th overall in total scoring. After capping off the season with a Fraser Cup Championship, Berndt is set to continue his junior hockey career in the NAHL with the Shreveport Mudbugs, where he is tendered for the upcoming season.

“I’m incredibly proud of Johnathon! We all expected he’d be playing at a higher level this season, and when he came back to us, a lot of players in his position might’ve had a bad attitude or focused only on themselves, but not Johnny. He was a true leader in his second year as a Driller. His play all season long was something special to witness, shutting down top opponents defensively while sparking our offense. He was a huge part of our team’s success. Awards like this don’t happen without a strong group, and Johnny, along with our entire D-core, gave everything they had. I couldn’t have asked for a better group,” stated Drillers Head Coach Chris Francis. 

Goaltender of the Year & Most Valuable Player:

Adam Prokop, West Bend Power

In his final season of junior hockey, Adam Prokop cemented his legacy as one of the NA3HL’s best, earning both Goaltender of the Year and Most Valuable Player honors. The 6’2” netminder was a rock between the pipes for the West Bend Power, finishing the season with an outstanding 22-3-4 record. Prokop led all goalies in both major statistical categories, boasting a league-best 1.58 goals against average and a stellar .938 save percentage, along with three shutouts. His steady presence and clutch performances were the backbone of the Power’s historic run to their first Fraser Cup Championship appearance. Prokop will take the next step in his hockey journey this fall, suiting up for NCAA Division III St. Mary’s University.

“Adam was the backbone of our team this season, no question about it. He’s more than deserving of both Goaltender of the Year and NA3HL MVP honors. Just knowing he was in net gave our players the confidence to play fearless hockey. Beyond his elite play on the ice, Adam brought leadership and composure that helped guide us through tough moments. I couldn’t be more grateful for the person he is, both on and off the ice,” stated Power Head Coach Jason Woods.