BOSTON, MA -- The Eastern Hockey League (EHL) and the Eastern Hockey League Premier (EHLP) are pleased to announce that the New England Wolves have won the 2018-19 Humanitarian Award. After giving away this award for the first time last season, the Wolves have set the bar by taking home the honors in each of the first two years. The Humanitarian Award recognizes the organization which provides outstanding contributions to their community. With over 1000 hours of community service and volunteer work dedicated this season, it came as no surprise when coaches of the league chose to recognition the Wolves once again.

"The job that Andrew Trimble, Tim Kunes, and the rest of the staff have done in Laconia is just phenomenal," said Mark Kumpel, the league's Director of Hockey Operations. "Highlighted by this year's EHLP Championship, it's clear to see how the product on the ice has improved, but the work off the ice hasn't slowed down either. The Wolves have become such a strong part of their community, and they are so worthy of being recognized on back-to-back years."

As Kumpel mentioned, the Wolves are led by Andrew Trimble and Tim Kunes. Trimble serves as the General Manager for the entire organization and the head coach of the EHLP team. Trimble's team hit new heights this year when they claimed their first title in Providence, and the veteran coach also earned himself Coach of the Year honors.

As for Kunes, the leader of the Wolves' EHL team, while their season fell just short of the postseason, the club continued to improve in the right direction. Led by the 2018-19 Rookie of the Year (Dominiks Marcinkevics), the Wolves continue to climb their way up, one step at a time in the EHL.

Looking back on the team's community efforts from this past year, and the list of events that the team contributed too is extensive.

• WOW Trail Cleanup
• New England Pond Hockey Classic
• Pumpkin Fest
• United Way's Day of Caring
• Laconia Christmas Village Cleanup
• Gilford Rotary Christmas Tree Sale

Also, along with the community service hours, all of the players and coaches got involved with volunteer work within the Laconia Youth Hockey Program:

• Lakes Region Learn to Skate
• Lakes Region Lakers/Scoring Concepts Skills Nights

Last, but certainly not least, a set of benefit games and a toy drive helped set the Wolves apart:

• NH Humane Society Donation Night - Collected pet food and supplies, kitty litter, and fundraising for the organization.
• JBT Benefit Game - Raise over $30,000 for the Cure Stars Now Foundation.
• MAX Toy Drive - Holiday Toy Drive to Benefit Dana Barber and the Boston Children’s Hospital.

It was a truly special season for the Wolves in the Lakes Region community, and the icing on the cake came when the city of Laconia named September 22nd “New England Wolves Day".

From the endless fundraisers, to the tremendous success the Wolves saw in the EHLP, the EHL, and with their NCAA alumni, the 2018-19 season was special. The EHL and the EHLP strive to build up every player to best of their abilities both on and off the ice. It's not just about how many points you finish the season with, as our focus also centers in on making our players better people. The Wolves are helping to develop some of the top individuals to ever be a part of the EHL and the EHLP.

Congratulations to the New England Wolves on being named the Humanitarians of the Year for the 2nd consecutive season.