Paugan Falls Rapids Announce 2025–26 Team Award Winners

The Paugan Falls Rapids officially recognized the organization’s top individual performances from the 2025–26 season during the team’s year-end banquet at Heritage Hall in Low, Quebec. Following another exciting season filled with growth, memorable moments, and strong community support, the Rapids honoured several players for their contributions both on and off the ice.

From offensive production and defensive leadership to perseverance, sportsmanship, and development, this year’s award winners reflected the depth, character, and commitment that defined the Rapids throughout the season. 

Most Improved Player — Dylan Chamberlin

The Most Improved Player Award recognizes the player who has made the most noticeable strides in their gameplay through hard work, dedication, and development.

Dylan Chamberlin earned the award after showing tremendous growth throughout his rookie season with the Rapids. Standing at 6’2”, Chamberlin brought strong skating ability, a heavy shot, and plenty of raw potential to the lineup from day one, even scoring in his first exhibition game against the Smiths Falls Rideaus.

As the season progressed, Chamberlin became increasingly comfortable with the pace and physicality of senior hockey, and his confidence steadily grew alongside his game. By the end of the season, he was playing with far more consistency and had firmly established himself within the Rapids lineup.

His dedication and noticeable improvement throughout the year made him a deserving recipient of the award.

Rookie of the Year — Liam Murdoch

The Rookie of the Year Award is presented to the most outstanding first-year player who demonstrated exceptional talent, adaptation to senior hockey, and significant contributions to the team.

Liam Murdoch made an immediate impact after joining the Rapids midway through the season. Appearing in 13 games as a rookie defenseman, Murdoch quickly adapted to the speed and physicality of senior hockey while recording seven assists.

His hockey IQ and composure with the puck stood out immediately, consistently making smart transition plays and helping move the game in the right direction for the Rapids. As the season progressed, Murdoch earned more responsibility and established himself as a reliable presence on the blue line. His rapid development and strong rookie campaign made him a deserving winner of the award.

David Chamberlin Sportsmanship Award — Aidan Foley

The David Chamberlin Sportsmanship Award is presented to the player who displays outstanding sportsmanship and fair play while also contributing to the team’s success.

Goaltender Aidan Foley earned the award after combining strong on-ice play with tremendous character and leadership throughout the season. Foley appeared in 80% of the Rapids regular season victories while posting a 4-6 record, and elevated his game in the playoffs with an impressive .924 save percentage and 132 saves across three starts.

Beyond his play in net, Foley demonstrated the true meaning of sportsmanship during a January home game when he was the first person off the ice to assist an injured South Grenville Rangers player who had been struck by a puck. A paramedic away from the rink, Foley remained with the player until he was stable before returning to the game, reflecting the compassion and composure this award represents.

His relentless work ethic, leadership, and care for others made him a natural choice for the award.

Coach’s Award — Ric Shin

The Coach’s Award is presented to the player who demonstrates exceptional commitment, perseverance, and who positively influences the team both on and off the ice.

Ric Shin earned the honour thanks to his versatility, commitment, and team-first mentality throughout the season. After joining the Rapids as a free agent following a strong training camp and preseason, Shin quickly impressed the coaching staff with his hockey IQ and ability to contribute at both winger and center.

However, what stood out most was his willingness to step into any role necessary for the team’s success. When injuries created an emergency need on defense, Shin stepped in without hesitation and handled the role admirably despite it being outside his natural position.

Off the ice, Shin remained heavily involved in team events and consistently supported the group with a positive attitude and selfless approach that coaches deeply value.

Best Defenseman — Cole Peck

The Best Defenseman Award recognizes the defenseman who consistently demonstrates strong defensive play while also contributing offensively.

Cole Peck played a major role on the Rapids blue line throughout the 2025–26 season. Despite playing defense, Peck finished third in team scoring with 2 goals and 13 assists in 18 games while helping drive the Rapids transition game offensively.

Defensively, he was relied upon in every key situation, regularly matching up against opposing top players and playing an instrumental role in shutting down some of the league’s top offensive threats. His physical presence was also felt throughout the season, delivering several momentum-changing hits and bringing a hard-nosed edge to the lineup.

As an alternate captain, Peck’s leadership and consistency were invaluable throughout the season. His strong play also earned him a selection to the NPHL All-Star Game, where he recorded two assists in a 6-5 victory for the East.

Best Forward — Ryan Peck

The Best Forward Award is presented to the forward who excelled offensively, contributed significantly to the team’s scoring, and displayed outstanding teamwork.

In his third season with the Rapids, captain Ryan Peck once again established himself as one of the team’s most dangerous offensive players. Peck finished second in team scoring with 11 goals and 14 assists in 19 games while consistently creating offense through his speed, vision, and ability to generate scoring chances.

Beyond the scoresheet, Peck played a key role in all situations for the Rapids, excelling in the faceoff circle and contributing strong two-way play throughout the year. His strong season also earned him an opportunity to compete in the NPHL Outlaw Tournament with the Tilbury Bluebirds, where he recorded three points in three games. His offensive production, leadership, and dependable all-around game made him a deserving recipient of the award. 

Most Valuable Player — Etienne Champagne

The Most Valuable Player Award is presented to the player whose leadership, skill, and consistent high-level play have been indispensable to the team throughout the season.

Etienne Champagne earned the honour after serving as one of the Rapids’ biggest offensive drivers all season long. Named an alternate captain early in the year, Champagne combined leadership with elite production, recording 17 goals and 12 assists in just 19 games played. He consistently delivered in big moments, posting six multi-goal games including two hat-tricks, while providing the scoring touch the Rapids relied on throughout the season.

Champagne’s strong season also earned him a selection to the NPHL All-Star Game in Tweed, Ontario, along with an opportunity to compete in the inaugural NPHL Outlaw Tournament as a loan player for the Tilbury Bluebirds. Through his consistency, leadership, and offensive ability, Champagne proved to be an invaluable piece of the Rapids lineup all year long.