Dominik Shine: 2025 Boudreau Award Winner

An undrafted signee in 2017, Shine has played eight seasons with the Griffins, accumulating 184 points in 483 regular-season games and an additional 10 points in 22 playoff appearances. The Pinckney, Michigan native played for USHL Lincoln and Northern Michigan University before turning pro.Over time, Shine has become a cornerstone of Grand Rapids’ veteran leadership group, wearing an “A” since 2023. Known affectionately as the “Mayor of Grand Rapids”, Shine has taken a leadership role off the ice helping players from around the world acclimate and connect to their new hometown.“I love it in Grand Rapids,” said Shine. “It's become home for me. It's a great place to live and a great place to raise a family. I just want to be that guy that guys feel comfortable talking to, that guys feel comfortable joking around with, and keep things light and make guys want to be a part of the organization.”Griffins’ head coach Dan Watson cites Shine’s development as an example that different players mature at different rates and uses his story to motivate prospects.

On January 27, 2025, the Red Wings rewarded Shine’s success, dedication and contribution to the organization with a two-year NHL contract. He received the call from Detroit Assistant GM Shawn Horcoff when he and his son were out buying his first pair of skates. Shine played nine NHL games to finish the season, earning his first NHL point in his third game.“You just need to put things into perspective every now and then,” Shine reflected. “Take a step back and realize you're doing what you used to do as a 10 year-old kid. We're so lucky to be able to do that, especially at this level. It's just a great honor.”

The Bruce Boudreau Award

An American Hockey League roster is made up of dozens of talented, hardworking players through the course of each season. Many of them thrive in the league without ever signing an NHL contract. These players are often the backbone of their teams, leaders in the locker room, and consistent contributors on the ice, yet they rarely receive recognition beyond their immediate markets.With that in mind, a group of league-wide media members, led by Stephen Meserve of 100 Degree Hockey, created a new award, voted on by the media, to spotlight those who make a lasting impact in the league as true AHL players, upholding the league's competitive spirit and professional standard year after year.In searching for a namesake for the award, it was immediately obvious that former AHL player, coach, Calder Cup winner and AHL Hall of Fame inductee Bruce Boudreau was the perfect person to honor with the name.“What makes winning AHL teams good is good American League leadership. I've found that in every team that I've had,” said the award’s namesake, Bruce Boudreau. “They teach the young prospects how to be pros. Most of it is from the players and not from the coach. The older, experienced American League player, in the end, is what usually makes winners out of all those young players.”Bruce Boudreau built his coaching reputation in the AHL after a prolific minor-league playing career, where he ranks among the league’s all-time scorers (316 goals, 799 points). As a coach, he logged 340 AHL wins, most notably guiding the Hershey Bears to the 2006 Calder Cup and a 2007 finalist run.Washington promoted him to lead the Capitals in 2007, and he promptly won the 2007–08 Southeast Division and the NHL’s Jack Adams Award. Overall, he compiled a 617-342-128 record across four different teams in the NHL.

2025 Divisional Nominees

Tyler Wotherspoon, Laval (North)

Tyler Wotherspoon has been regarded as a steady defenseman and a valuable leader for teams on and off the ice. Wotherspoon's career has spanned more than 700 AHL games (regular season and playoffs) along with NHL time and representing Canada at the 2022 Beijing Olympics. He's also recently been part of the Professional Hockey Players Association's Executive Committee, which "provides direction and oversight in dealing with various matters of importance" for member players. —  Birnell

Chris Terry, Bridgeport (Atlantic)

In his 14th season in the AHL, league standby Chris Terry led Bridgeport in points while crossing 900 combined games in regular season and postseason play. The four-time 30-goal scorer became Bridgeport’s all-time leader in points (205) and assists (129) this past April. — Divver

Seth Griffith, Bakersfield (Pacific)

Seth Griffith racked up the most assists in the American Hockey League in 2024-25 and almost single-handedly dragged the Bakersfield Condors into the playoffs after the team's slow start to the season. The Bakersfield captain finished third in league scoring and was named an AHL second team all-star for the second time in his career. The Condors all-time leading scorer has 644 points in 684 AHL games and has the 36th most points in the history of the league. — Lypka

The Voting Panel

Stephen Meserve (Texas, Central Division) has covered the Texas Stars and hockey in Texas since 2009 at 100 Degree Hockey. He originated the idea for the Boudreau Award.Ben Lypka (Abbotsford, Pacific Division) has covered the Abbotsford market since 2015 and the Abbotsford Canucks since their arrival in 2021, currently at The Abbotsford News.Ben Birnell (Utica, North Division) has covered the AHL in Utica since 2015, currently with the Daily Sentinel / Sentinel Media Company. He is the 2018 winner of the AHL’s James H. Ellery Memorial Award for outstanding media coverage.Mark Divver (Providence, Atlantic Division) has covered the Providence Bruins since 2009, currently with Rinkside Rhode Island and the New England Hockey Journal, where he also covers local high school and collegiate hockey. He watched his first AHL game in 1964.Patrick Williams (AHL) has covered the AHL for the past 23 seasons, starting with his coverage of Manitoba and transitioning to be a prominent and respected league-wide voice. He now writes feature work for TheAHL.com. He is the 2016 winner of the AHL’s James H. Ellery Memorial Award for outstanding media coverage.

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Photo Credits: Shine, Stick and puck (Andy Nietupski/Texas Stars); Wotherspoon (Rocket du Laval); Terry (Jackie Kalafut/Bridgeport Islanders); Griffith (Bakersfield Condors)