Building a Championship Contender: The St. Marys Lincolns' Rise to Success Under Brandon Boyd's Leadership
The St. Marys Lincolns were struggling before Brandon Boyd took over as the team's president in 2016. Under his leadership, the team has become a stable and successful championship contender. Boyd was recognized as the GOHL's Executive of the Year for the 2025-26 season, attributing the success to the organization's consistent approach and the support of the community.
Since the 2019-20 season, the Lincolns have consistently finished above .500 and have been a top-three team in their conference five times. They have reached the conference final in the last four seasons and made it to the Sutherland Cup championship in 2023-24. Boyd's focus on building connections with local businesses and the community has helped attract top players and staff to the team.
Mark Kennedy of the Listowel Cyclones was named GOHL Equipment Manager of the Year, recognizing his dedication to the team for nearly three decades. Kennedy started as a timekeeper and goal judge before moving into the equipment side in 2013. Despite the time commitment and sacrifices, Kennedy finds joy in supporting the team and helping players succeed.
Dave Williams, the coach of the Stratford Warriors, was named the Western Conference Coach of the Year. Williams, who has won the award three times since 2015, emphasizes continuous improvement and learning from successful coaches. His ultimate goal is to win a Sutherland Cup, and he values the collective effort of players, staff, and the local community in achieving that goal.
Several St. Marys Lincolns players received conference honors, including Ryan Hodkinson, who won the Pat Stapleton Memorial Award as the Most Valuable Player. Chase MacQueen-Spence was recognized with the Kevin McIntosh Award for best defensive forward, and the trio of Colby Booth-Housego, Brogan Colquhoun, and Vaughn Barr shared the Twin Cities Trophy for the lowest goals-against average. Boyd expressed pride in the players' achievements and their contributions to the team's success.
In conclusion, under Brandon Boyd's leadership, the St. Marys Lincolns have transformed into a competitive and respected team in the GOHL. The recognition of Boyd as Executive of the Year and the individual player awards highlight the team's commitment to excellence and the strong community support that drives their success.