SOUTHFIELD, Mich. - Lawrence Tech Hockey has teamed up with the Michigan High School Hockey Coaches' Association to sponsor in-season and post-season awards.

Among the in-season awards is the Character/Leader(s) of the Month. The Character/Leader(s) of the Month award recognizes student athletes who are leaders on their respective teams and in their respective communities.

Lawrence Tech Hockey is proud to announce the Lawrence Tech Hockey High School Character/Leaders of the Month for the month of December:

Metro North Region: Alex Shimoon, Senior Forward, Notre Dame Prep

In his third season with Notre Dame Prep, senior forward Alex Shimoon continues to shine on and off the ice. Shimoon was instrumental in organizing two player-led community service events during the month of December for Notre Dame Prep Hockey.

On Saturday, December 3rd Alex put together a teddy bear toss promotion as Notre Dame Prep hosted Lansing Catholic. The Irish partnered with Toys for Tots in Oakland County and donated all stuffed animals to the Toys for Tots organization. Shimoon sold bears at school and set up a station at the game for the bears to be purchased. All in all, there were 75 stuffed animals that were donated to Toys for Tots from this event.

On December 17th, Shimoon and the Irish welcomed the Michigan Warriors to their home game as they hosted Livonia Franklin for a Salute to Service Night. Shimoon and the Irish collected new and used equipment along with training aids to give to the Michigan Warriors in addition to hosting them for the evening. The Michigan Warriors are a non-profit organization that provides an educational and developmental hockey program for disabled veterans.

"We are fortunate in the state of Michigan, especially Oakland County, that high school hockey generates such a following", Head Coach Aaron Crouse said. "I am incredible proud of our seniors, especially Alex Shimoon, for helping with the organization of two great event and for using the platform they have been provided to positively impact the community." Crouse added.

Central Region: Steven Mullaly, Senior Defenseman, Howell

Steven Mullaly is in his 3rd season with the Highlanders and serves as the team's Captain. Throughout the season Steven has led his team on and off the ice, including in the classroom. Mullaly was named captain at the beginning of the season by the Highlander coaching staff and by his teammates.

As a senior captain, Mullaly has mentored the younger players on the Highlander roster on and off the ice, helping these players transition to the stressful workload that comes with Varsity hockey.

"Steven is a leader on and off the ice" said Coach Mike Mantua. "He is on the ice in big moments during games, he contributes offensively as a defenseman, and his teammates rely on him on and off the ice." Mantua added.

Along with his stellar leadership, Mullaly has provided Howell with outstanding two-way play this season. Through 13 games, the senior captain has 6 goals and 11 assists for the Highlanders.

Congratulations to our Character/Leader of the Month winners for the month of December. The next Lawrence Tech Hockey Character/Leader of the Month Award winners will be announced Wednesday, February 8. Players keep up the exciting play and hard work; we look forward to the next group of nominees!