Since the 2002-2003 hockey season, the Michigan High School Hockey Coaches Association Perseverance Award has been given annually to recognize a high school hockey player who has exhibited courage and determination while overcoming significant personal physical and/or family adversity and has continued to positively support his or her team, school, and our sport. The nomination is made by the head coach of the athlete’s team and is due no later than the end of January.

The creation of this award began when an East Kentwood High School player, J.P. Grover, overcame, through multiple surgeries, a serious life-threatening brain aneurism yet continued to support his teammates and school throughout his senior year. Through JP’s perseverance and amazing hard work, he ended up getting well enough to play one shift in the last league game of the season.   

Since its inception, the MHSHCA has recognized countless athletes and one team with this award, and they have provided thousands of dollars in college scholarships to these amazing athletes.  Of the many awards presented each year, this is the highest honor, because of the character it entails and the valuable, real life-lesson it teaches all of us – “Don’t quit in the face of adversity”.

Coach: C.J. Pobur, Rockford

Coach: Taylor Keyworth, Byron Center

Coach: John LaFontaine, Cranbrook