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Blizzard Post-Season Award Winners announced

04/11/2016, 11:45am CDT
By Adam Barta, Minnesota Blizzard

Blizzard recaps season, awards winners, says goodbye to seniors and honors Price at Blizzard Banquet

Blizzard End of Year 2015-2016 Season

In an emotional day at the year-end Blizzard Banquet, over 250 players, coaches and families came to honor current players, graduating seniors and the late Johnny Price. 

Former Minnesota Twins, Al Newman, gave a heart-felt speech (that can be seen here) about the Blizzard program.  And the seniors even pitched in with some of the best speeches, thanks and advice to the younger Blizzard players about hard work, dedication and determination.

The Blizzard program won 5 tournament titles this year and finished runner-up 7 times and finished 3rd 7 times.  And while winning is fun, the #BlueLove, friendship and brotherhood that is made throughout the course of a Blizzard baseball career and lifetime is what really makes this program "Elite."

Enjoy the video below and check out this year's Blizzard post-season award winners!

 

Blizzard End of Year Video - 2015/2016

"Johnny Price" MVP Award Plaque


"Johnny Price" Most Valuable Player Award

Minnesota Blizzard Awards Ceremony and End of the Year Banquet - Past Winners

At year’s end, the Blizzard program has an awards ceremony to recognize the top players from each team.  Plaques are awarded with each player voting for their teammates in five categories: "Johnny Price" Most Valuable Player Award, "Joe Loftus" Top Hitter Award, "Logan Shore" Top Pitcher Award, "Blue gLove" Top Defensive Player Award, and the “Jake Kuschke” Leadership Award.  The staff also awards one coach with the "Montana" Coach of the Year Award.

 

 

John Price 1997 – 2015

"Johnny Price" Most Valuable Player Award

John Price IV has been recognized by his peers as one of the best players and teammates who has ever stepped on the field in a Blizzard uniform.

A division I recruit, the right-handed hitting Price was a versatile player manning the outfield and corner infield positions as well as logging innings as a hard-throwing right hander.  At the plate, Price was a middle of the order hitter leading his Blizzard teams to the playoffs in eight separate tournaments including three championships from 2013-2015.

Price had one of – if not the top – offensive weekends in Blizzard history in the 2015 ScoutStop August Select.  Price hit three home runs including two at Miesville and one in the championship game at CHS Field.  Over the course of the tournament, Price, who finished his career hitting 4-hole for the top Blizzard varsity team, went 10-for-16 (.625 BA) with 3 home runs, 10 RBI and 6 runs.

While John’s contributions were certainly valued on the field, what truly made him an MVP was his impact off the field.  Price, a friend to everyone, was the center of every Blizzard activity including team building exercises, hotel fun and van rides to and from the field.  He taught and led younger players how to play and practice; with effort and a great attitude.

He is the person who every Blizzard player should strive to be – a vibrant young man who positively impacts other people’s lives and makes every one of his teammates better.

"Joe Loftus" Top Hitter Award

The "Joe Loftus" Top Hitter Award was named for one of the best hitters to come through the Blizzard program - Joe Loftus.  Joe was a top prep athlete in Minnesota, attending Holy Angels Academy HS, where he set many of their offensive record - most notably hitting more home runs in high school than Joe Mauer.  Loftus was drafted by the Minnesota Twins out of high school, but decided to attend Vanderbilt University where he helped his team reach the College World Series in 2011.  Loftus was drafted and signed by the Arizona Diamondbacks.

"Logan Shore" Top Pitcher Award

Right-handed pitcher Logan Shore was one of Minnesota Blizzard’s premier pitchers from 2006-2013 serving as the ace on almost every team he played on.  Leading his team to six national tournament championships and four top-four finishes in his tenure, Shore will be known as one of the fiercest competitors in the Blizzard program’s history.

Shore was named to the Chicago White Sox Area Code team (2012) and was awarded the Star Tribune’s Player of the Year (2012), Minnesota Gatorade Player of the Year (2013), Minutemen Mr. Baseball Award (2013), Class AAA Minnesota Players of the Year (2013) and earned the Blizzard’s Top Pitcher Award in 2009 and 2012 while earning MVP honors in 2010-2012.  In one of the Blizzard’s biggest program wins, Shore threw a one-hit, complete game shutout, beating the nationally-ranked Cincinnati Reds Scout team 1-0 striking out 13 in the Perfect Game Kernels Championships. 

In 2013, Shore was drafted in the 29th round by the Minnesota Twins but decided to attend the University of Florida.  Shore led the Gators to the College World Series in 2015 winning two games before finishing third.  In 2014, Shore had a stellar freshman year where he earned All-American honors and was named SEC Freshman of the Year.

Logan’s impact on the Blizzard program, however, outweighs his accomplishments on the mound by being everything the Blizzard Big 5 stands for – outstanding leadership, loyalty, humility, hardworking and phenomenal teammate.

“Jake Kuschke” Leadership Award

Jake Kuschke, a 2012 graduate, played in the Blizzard program for four years and demonstrated all the characteristics of being a leader.  This award not only demonstrates achievements on the field, but more importantly, the leadership off the field.  The “Jake Kuschke” Leadership Award is awarded to the player who demonstrates the ability to being a great teammate, a mentor to younger players, a great student, hard worker and is always there for those who need to be 'picked up'.

“Blue gLove” Top Defensive Player of the Year

The Blue gLove award is named after our top defensive player each season.  Whether it be the starting shortstop, a versatile utility player or an individual who seems to make an impact with his glove every game, these defensive vacuums have shown their ability to consistently impact the outcome of many games.

"Montana" Coach of the Year Award

Steve Daugherty is regarded as one of the top coaches of the program and a player favorite.  As one of the first coaches in the Blizzard program, "Montana" has gone over the top in his efforts in making the Blizzard program one of the best in the country.  In 2009, the first Manager of the Year Award went to Steve and was named after a program favorite - Steve "Montana" Daugherty.

2021-2022 Post-Season Awards

Age "Johnny Price" MVP "Logan Shore" Top Pitcher "Joe Loftus" Top Hitter "Jake Kuschke" Leadership "Blue gLove" Award
11u Blue
12u Blue Noah Riegelman Noah Riegelman Parker Reckin Brody Radtke Brody Radtke
13u Blue Easton Ahrens Matthew Grundtner Ty Beck / Carson Hart Brady Keane Oscar Waisanen
13u Black Gavin Iverson Robbie Babcock Nate Barclay Gavin Iverson Riley West
14u Blue Spencer Barta Alex Seaver / Van Tellier Spencer Barta Spencer Barta Jace Matazynski
14u Black Charlie Mueller Brendan Koester Colin Fike Charlie Mueller Henry Saunders
15u Blue Luke Adams Nick Johnson Luke Adams Maddux Schrupp Connor McLain
15u Black Joe Fredkove Carson Timm Luke Voll Tyler Allshouse Joe Anderson
16u Blue Thomas Ohotto Thomas Ohotto Tyler Guerin Hunter Carlson Hunter Carlson
16u Black Ben Johnson Brayden Morel Cayden Mueller Chase McQuade Christiaan Koehler
2023 Blue Brayden Olson Cole Spitzer Matt Maulik Brayden Olson Matt Maulik
2023 Black Mitchell Iliff Isaiah Hasz Parker Huebsch Mark Manders Jack Setterlund
2022 Blue Blake Guerin Ben Irsfeld Maddox Mihalakis Zak Endres Sam Schneider
2022 Black Reese Tripp Caleb Vanderplas Reese Tripp Timmy Boncher Cayden Cherevko
2022 Red Michael Prosch Michael Prosch Bryce Rog Michael Prosch Carter Gunderson

"Montana" Coach of the Year - Jesse Tollefson (14u Blue)
"Diesel" Award Winner - Cole Albers

2020 Fall Post-Season Awards

Age "Johnny Price" MVP "Logan Shore" Top Pitcher "Joe Loftus" Top Hitter "Jake Kuschke" Leadership "Blue gLove" Award
11u National Jack Manion Max Krause Henry Semans Brody Radtke Brody Boudreaux
11u American Noah Riegelman Vinny Bohle Parker Reckin Dom Pettman Cashton Gray
12u Blue Easton Ahrens Oscar Waisanen Ty Beck Matthew Grundtner Chase Rudolph
13u Blue Sam Abrahamson Cason Borchardt Jackson Glancey Spencer Barta / Jace Matazynski Keaton Coe
13u Gold Charlie Mueller Ford Stoen Ford Stoen Brendan Koester Landon McQuade
14u Blue Jackson Berg Colin Mitchell Jackson Berg Davon Castro Luke Adams
14u Black Isaac Beseman Joe Hess Luke Voll Braden Morel Owen Farrington
15u Blue Bradyn Bezanson Thomas Ohotto Teddy Juaire Hunter Carlson Hunter Carlson
15u Black Graham Sullivan Tyler Guerin Chase McQuade Dylan LaFaive Tyler Guerin
15u Gold Brayden Carlson Brayden Carlson Gabe Kattchee Ben Johnson Christaan Koehler
16u Blue Sam Erickson AJ Rasmussen Sam Erickson Matthew Maulik J. Busson / I. Morton
16u Black Mark Manders Cole Spitzer Luke Carnoy Brayden Olson Braden Ebeling
16u Red Eddie Peine Caleb Hautajarvi Eddie Peine Leo Matuga Andrew Phillips
16u Stillwater Andrew Harris Cooper Keykal Andrew Harris Matthew Marrah / Louis Hoye Alex Vandell
Blizzard Blue 2021 Noah Furcht Evan Esch Joe Longo Trent Burkhalter Matthew Friesen
Blizzard Black 2021 Joe Blink Aaron Heger Joe Kroeger Will Thompson / Ryan Parrat Cooper Kleppe
Blizzard Blue 2022 Sam Kennedy Liam Martin Blake Guerin Zak Endres Ragan Pinnow
Blizzard Black 2022 Brayden Hellum Kale Hopke Justin Roitman Boden Strafelda Brayden Hellum

"Montana" Coach of the Year - Blizzard Coaching Staff and Instructor Staff

2019/2020 Post-Season Awards

Age "Johnny Price" MVP "Logan Shore" Top Pitcher "Joe Loftus" Top Hitter "Jake Kuschke" Leadership "Blue gLove" Award

"Montana" Coach of the Year - 
"Diesel" Award Winner (Inaugural Year) - Graig 'Diesel' Weber

2018/2019 Post-Season Awards

Age "Johnny Price" MVP "Logan Shore" Top Pitcher "Joe Loftus" Top Hitter "Jake Kuschke" Leadership "Blue gLove" Award
11u Van Tellier Peter Adie Bennett Skinner Spencer Barta Andrew Brandt
13u Bl Sam Erickson Teddy Juaire Sam Erickson Hunter Carlson Carson Schwartz
13u Bk Luke Skinner Calvin Schmelzle Collin Hackl Brady Lawrence Luke Sinner
14u Mark Olberding Weston Russell Abe Reinitz Hayden Torgerson Matt Maulik
15u Bl Liam Martin Logan Winkelman Ragan Pinnow Jackson Cooke Isaac Buehler
15u Bk Trenton Burkhalter Parker Gilchrist Blake Guerin Trenton Burkhalter Sam Schneider
16u Bl Ethan Hansen Simon Gregerson Bennett McCollow Joe Longo Bennett McCollow
16u Bk Noah Furcht Alex Grygar Justin Hanson Jacob Prosch Ben Vujovich
18u Bl Drew Gilbert Will Frisch / Ben Pederson Marcus Cline Jakob Kouneski Dalton McNamara
18u Bk Nicolas Linarte Kobe Olson Jon Koehn Zach Carden Maddux Baggs
18u Rd Logan Bjorkman Duke Coborn Logan Bjorkman Anthony Lavalle Andrew Mathies

"Montana" Coach of the Year - Lonnie Robinson (15u Blue)
"Diesel" Award Winner (Inaugural Year) - Graig 'Diesel' Weber

2017/2018 Post-Season Awards

Age "Johnny Price" MVP "Logan Shore" Top Pitcher "Joe Loftus" Top Hitter "Jake Kuschke" Leadership "Blue gLove" Award
12u Sam Erickson Sebastian Ritter Sam Erickson Hunter Carlson Carson Schwartz
13u Weston Russel Hayden Torgerson Mark Olberding Brayden Olson Matthew Maulik
14u Ragan Pinnow Logan Winkleman Tomas Nelson Ben Irsfeld Liam Martin
15u Bennett McCollow Ben Fiedler Jaden Schwantz Ben Reinhard Joe Longo
16u Bl Jonathon Bunce Duke Coborn Jack Erickson Jonathon Bunce Will Busch
16u Blk Jon Koehn Joey Hurth Matt Moore James Pfarr Andrew Mathies
17u Bl 2019 Will Frisch Will Frisch Bryce Lovcik Drew Gilbert Noah Dehne
17u Bk 2019 Dylan Peck Trent Schoeberl Dylan Peck Jakob Kouneski Kathan Decker
18u Bl 2018 Tommy Springer Seth Halvorsen Nic Nelson Charlie Fischer Nick Juaire
18u Bk 2018 Addison Elcombe Matt Nelson Addison Elcombe Grant Rolen Jack Horman

"Montana" Coach of the Year - Mike Jurgella (15u) and Ben Moore (16u Black)

2016/2017 Post-Season Awards

Age "Johnny Price" MVP "Logan Shore" Top Pitcher "Joe Loftus" Top Hitter "Jake Kuschke" Leadership "Blue gLove" Award
11u Sam Erickson Sam Erickson Sam Erickson Carson Schwartz Carson Schwartz
12u Weston Russell Weston Russell Keenan Rodriguez Hayden Torgerson Mark Olberding
13u Easton Fritcher Easton Fritcher Isaac Buehler Trenton Burkhalter Isaac Buehler
14u Bennett McCollow Joey Hurth Bennett McCollow Ben Reinhard Joe Longo
15u Black Jon Koehn Duke Coborn Rodney Erickson Nick Harris Jon Koehn
15u Blue Jack Erickson Zach Carden Jack Erickson Jack Erickson Anthony LaValle
16u Black Jakob Kouneski Ben Pedersen Jakob Kouneski Hunter Guyette Will Olsen
16u Blue Will Frisch Will Frisch Marcus Cline Eathan Soeffker Charlie Rubendall
Varsity Black Nathan Berg Leo Pfarr Nathan Berg Max Ploof Nic Nelson
Varsity Blue Sam Carlson Sam Carlson Cam Kline Cole Albers Cole Albers
Varsity Red Trenton Fredenburg Aidan Maldonado Trenton Fredenburg Trenton Fredenburg Cole Pengilly

"Montana" Coach of the Year - Jake Kurth (11u)
 

2015/2016 Post-Season Awards

Age "Logan Shore" Top Pitcher "Joe Loftus" Top Hitter "Jake Kuschke" Leadership
12u Liam Martin Tate Wischnak Trent Burkhalter
13u Joey Hurth Ben Reinhard Ben Reinhard
14u Kobe Olson Jack Erickson Jack Erickson
15u Black Noah Dehne Noah Dehne Hunter Guyette
15u Blue Aiden Maldonado Will Goodin Eathan Soeffker
16u Black Leo Pfarr Nic Nelson Grant Rolen
16u Blue Marcus Bouley Charlie Fischer Nick Juaire
Varsity Blue 2016 Michael Jensen Trevor Moses/John Price Ben Livorsi
Varsity Blue 2017 'Bubba' Horton Dylan Criquet-Danielson/Nick Onomiya Nick Onomiya
Varsity Black Luke Wade Ryan Brunner Tyler Stilp

"Montana" Coach of the Year - Brent 'Trig' Peters (12u)
In 2016, the "Johnny Price" MVP Award was given to Tommy Price and the Price family.

2014/2015 Post-Season Awards

Age Top Pitcher "Joe Loftus" Top Hitter MVP "Jake Kuschke" Leadership
12u Joey Hurth Bennett McCollow Joe Longo Jackson Cooke
13u William Scheil Max Carlson Jeremy Klick Anthony LaValle
14u Aidan Maldonado Will Roguske Aidan Maldonado Ethan Soeffker
15u Black Marcus Bouley Owen Granger Owen Granger Owen Granger
15u Blue Michael Jensen Noah Winkelman Tommy Springer Ty Okada
16u Red TJ Wagner Zach Loven Cam Kline Connor Bachman
16u Black Cole Albers Tyler Stilp Zach Smith Ethan Mocchi
16u Blue Brock Anderson Ben Livorsi Sam Carlson Nick Novak
18u Red Ryan Fox Eric Pearson Eric Pearson Tanner Winslow
18u Black Lawson Zenner Trevor Moses Trevor Moses Tyler Fredlund
18u Blue Ben Suits Ben Suits Ben Suits Tommy Seaberg

"Montana" Coach of the Year - Jeff Huth (14u)

2013/2014 Post-Season Awards

Age "Jake Kuschke" Leadership Award Most Valuable Player "Joe Loftus" Top Hitter Top Pitcher
12u Brady Johnson Max Carlson Brady O'Loughlin Max Carlson
13u Blue Eathan Soeffker Will Goodin Patrick Barrett Will Goodin
13u Blk Will Roguske Will Olsen Sam Dufault Charlie Pope
14u Blue Nick Juaire Michael Jensen Jordan Wright Michael Jensen
15u Blue Nicholas Novak Sam Carlson Ben Livorsi H. Schoenrock
15u Blk Robby Metcalf Cole Albers Dylan Criquet-Danielson Cole Albers
16u Blue Willem Aldrich Cole Johnson Calgary Kellner Ben Suits
16u Black Aaron Wisecup Adam Gilsrud Eric Pearson Chris Witzke
18u Blue Zach Heaser Drew Fearing Brad Mathiowetz TJ Graumann
18u Blk Mickie Leius Isaac Hormann J. Joseph/J. Kuznia George Faue
18u Red Aaron Kubal Joe Burnley Austin LaDoux Tony Grabowske
18u Gold John 'Elmo' Holleran John 'Elmo' Holleran Evan Young Kellen Rholl

"Montana" Coach of the Year - Andrew Woitas (16u Blue)
*Jordan Kuznia and Jordan Joseph tied for "Joe Loftus" Top Hitter Award

2012/2013 Post-Season Awards

Age "Jake Kuschke" Leadership Award Most Valuable Player "Joe Loftus" Top Hitter Top Pitcher
13u Nicholas Juaire Teague Bogenholm Teague Bogenholm Leo Lerner
14u Blue Nick Novak Sam Carlson Ben Livorsi Brock Anderson
14u Black Kyle Halverson Josh Peterson Will Rog Jacob Drew
15u Blue Willem Aldrich Cole Johnson Cole Johnson Calgary Kellner
15u Black Ryan Zimmel Levi Falck Sebastian Holte Ross Luinenberg
16u Blue Tyler Midas Josh Baumgart Josh Baumgart Josh Baumgart
16u Black Jake Bear Hans Alwin Tommy Seaberg Ryan Helgeson
18u Blue Matt Fiedler Matt Fiedler Dylan Dresel Rob Mouton
18u Black Zach Heaser Drew Sannes Brad Mathiowetz T.J. Graumann
18u Red Derek Feige Justus Nelson John Horner *Rozek/Dzubay

"Montana" Coach of the Year -  Mike Loberg (18u Black)
*Aaron Rozek and Jacob Dzubay tied for Top Pitcher Award

2011/2012 Post-Season Awards

Age "Jake Kuschke" Leadership Award Most Valuable Player "Joe Loftus" Top Hitter Top Pitcher
12u Teague Bogenholm Nic Nelson Teague Bogenholm Jonah Milbrandt
13u Blue Nicholas Juaire Jordan Schramel Jordan Schramel Sam Carlson
13u Gold Kyle Halverson Ben Livorsi Will Rog Jonah Frantzich
14u Trevor Moses Cole Johnson Brady Gunderson Sam Goodman
15u Blue Connor Olson Ty Buck Ty Buck Josh Baumgart
15u Black Austin Strombeck Josh Falk Hunter Hart Brendan Broviak
16u Blue Justus Nelson Brandon Meyer Brandon Meyer Jacob Dzubay
16u Black Zach Heaser Brad Mathiowetz Chris Olson Sam Sorenson
18u Blue Jake Kuschke Logan Shore Kasey Ralston Logan Shore
18u Black Matt Fiedler Matt Fiedler Matt Fiedler Matt Fiedler
18u Red Rob Mouton Kevin Woebke Mitch Knippenberg Rob Mouton

"Montana" Coach of the Year -  Lonnie Robinson (16u Blue)
*2012 was the first year the Leadership Award was named after a player - Jake Kuschke.

2010/2011 Post-Season Awards

Age Leadership Award Most Valuable Player "Joe Loftus" Top Hitter Top Pitcher
12u Sam Carlson Jordan Schramel Jordan Schramel Sam Carlson
13u David Jorgenson Cole Johnson Trevor Moses Cody Goedderz
14u Connor Olson Tyler Midas Tyler Midas Dalton Allen
15u Blue Aaron Kubal Brandon Meyer Justus Nelson Aaron Rozek
15u Black Zach Heaser Kent Curran Drew Fearing Kent Curran
16u Blue David Goggin Logan Shore Logan Shore Jake Matthys
16u Black Danny McInnis Cody Wetmore Ryan Boldt Alex Trierweiler
18u Blue Paul Voelker Ryan Busch Max Murphy David Koll
18u Black *Burmeister/Kuschke Mike Hadden Christian Abilla Tim Krahn

"Montana" Coach of the Year -  Joe Dempsey (14u)

*Ryan Burmeister and Jake Kuschke tied for Leadership Award

2009/2010 Post-Season Awards

Age Leadership Award Most Valuable Player "Joe Loftus" Top Hitter Top Pitcher
12u Tiegen Lindner Tiegen Lindner Sam Horner Calgary Kellner
13u Connor Olson Tyler Godes Hunter Hart Tyler Godes
14u Blue Will VanSant Brandon Meyer Toby Hanson Zach Ziggelkow
14u Black Neil Pionk Stuart Maes Corey Binger Ben Jensen
15u Blue T.J. Galenti Logan Shore Matt Smith Jake Matthys
15u Black David Goggin Alex Trierweiler Matt Fiedler Dominic Reed
16u Dalton Leuschke Dalton Leuschke Marcus O'Neill Pad Getchell
18u Blue Paul Voelker Pat Kelly Aaron Gretz David Ernst
18u Black Ryan Burmeister Scott Splett Scott Splett Jason Hoppe

"Montana" Coach of the Year - Andy Sieberer (14u)
*2010 was the first year the Manager of the Year Award was named after a coach - Steve "Montana" Daugherty.

2008/2009 Post-Season Awards

Age Leadership Award Most Valuable Player "Joe Loftus" Top Hitter Top Pitcher
12u Connor Olson Bret Huebner Tommy Seaberg Sam Dalton
13u Parker Moquist John Horner Toby Hanson Zach Siggelkow
14u Tyler Hanson Matt Smith Matt Smith Logan Shore
14u Black Matt Fiedler Danny Sievers Danny Sievers Dominic Reed
15u Wes Hedlund Dalton Lueschke Pad Getchell Taylor Beattie
16u Paul Voelker Pat Kelly Ryan Busch Lucas Scocchia
17u Aaron Jensen Ryan Reese Alec Erhard Ben Schaben
18u Jordan O'Neill Jacob Dahl John Loeffler Andy Johnson

2009 Manager of the Year - Steve "Montana" Daugherty (14u Blue)


Adam Barta (L) with Leo Pfarr (R)


Ryan Thompson senior speech


Blizzard fans and family


Carlson, Livorsi, Jensen and Springer


Al Newman


Max (L) and Sam (R) Carlson with Coach of the Year - Trig Peters


Willem Aldrich senior speech


Tyler Fredlund senior speech


Lonnie Robinson (L) with Joey Hurth (R)


Trevor Moses senior speech


Michael Jensen and Ben Livorsi

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