Steve Banonis
Coach of the Year Award

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The Coach of the Year Award was first awarded in the 1989-90 season.

The name of the award was changed in the 1997-98 season in memory of Steve Banonis who was tragically killed in an automobile accident in December of 1993. Steve was an outstanding former Kalamazoo Wings player. He coached in the SWMHSHL and was currently coaching the Junior K-Wings at the time of his death.
 

The award recognizes the outstanding contributions of all of our coaches but particularly the one who experienced all around success. The criteria for this selection are overall success on the ice relative to talent available. Such things as development, improvement and team sportsmanship are important considerations.

The recipient of this award is selected by all of the Head Coaches and League Commissioner.