From Let's Play Hockey press release:

Josh Karels, a second-year Bantam A forward for Cottage Grove, has been named the 2016 recipient of the Patrick Schoonover Award, an annual award named in honor of the Eastview Bantam AA player who passed away during a game during the 2014-15 season.

The award is given to the Minnesota Peewee or Bantam hockey player who best exemplifies Patrick’s ideals of hard work, high character, loyalty, honesty, humor and athletic achievement.

Karels is the oldest child of Katie and Andy Karels, and a sibling to brother Ryan (12) and sisters Gracie (9) and Natalie (7).

“Being a 15-year-old, Josh has the biggest heart I’ve seen in any human being,” Cottage Grove Bantam A coach Alex Chuhel said. “Josh always wants to give back. He’s always trying to help others out. When it comes to leadership, Josh is the first one to get his teammates pumped up – whether it’s from leading a chant in the locker room or laughing at a joke that was told. His pride, passion, heart and desire for this game goes beyond the rink when it comes to this hockey family.”

“It’s challenging to select a winner, especially when there are so many worthy candidates,” Mike Schoonover said. “They are all wonderful kids and they make the State of Hockey a great place to be. Gayle and I would like to congratulate Josh Karels as this year’s Patrick Schoonover Award winner. Josh shares many of Patrick’s attributes. He is kind-hearted and humble. He is passionate about playing hockey and being with his friends. He is a quiet leader who shows strength and determination. Josh is changing lives and inspiring others and we are honored that he’s been selected as this year’s award recipient.”

This season, Karels’ Cottage Grove Bantam A team finished District 8 in third place with a record of 11-2-3. They won the District 8 playoffs and played in the Minnesota Hockey East Region Tournament last weekend. Entering the regional, Karels played in 33 of the Cottage Grove’s 35 games this season. He recorded 11 goals and 16 assists for 27 total points.

Karels has earned a spot on every “A” team from Squirts through Bantams. In order to play hockey, Karels has had to overcome many challenges dealt to him by an immune deficiency disease originally diagnosed in 2006, and the disease’s many related challenges.  

Karels will be recognized with the second annual Patrick Schoonover Award at the Minnesota State High School League Class AA State Tournament Banquet, on Wednesday, March 2, in St. Paul. Karels, his family and the Schoonover family will make the “Let’s Play Hockey” call at an upcoming Minnesota Wild game, and he will be recognized in the Patrick Schoonover Award’s permanent display at the Xcel Energy Center.