Brainerd Native Mitch McLain Wins AHL Man of the Year for Henderson Silver Knights

McLain recognized for community service and charitable work in Las Vegas.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 9:19pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a hockey player's movements and interactions, conceptually representing the diverse ways a professional athlete can make a positive impact off the ice through volunteer work and charitable initiatives.A cubist interpretation of a hockey player's community service efforts, highlighting the multifaceted ways professional athletes can give back to their local communities.Henderson Today

Mitch McLain, a former Brainerd Warrior, has been named the IOA/American Specialty Man of the Year for the 2025-26 season while playing for the Henderson Silver Knights, the American Hockey League affiliate of the Vegas Golden Knights. McLain is in his ninth professional season and second with the Silver Knights, where he serves as an assistant captain.

Why it matters

The Man of the Year award recognizes players who have made outstanding contributions to their local communities. McLain's work with the John F. Miller School, a specialized education program for students with special needs, as well as his hospital visits and charity hockey games, demonstrate his commitment to giving back off the ice.

The details

In addition to his work at the John F. Miller School, McLain frequently visited hospitals and helped organize charity hockey games with Las Vegas police officers and firefighters. With the Man of the Year award, McLain is now a finalist for the Yanick Dupre Memorial Award, which honors the overall IOA/American Specialty AHL Man of the Year.

  • McLain was named the IOA/American Specialty Man of the Year for the 2025-26 season.

The players

Mitch McLain

A 32-year-old former Brainerd Warrior who is in his ninth professional season and second with the Henderson Silver Knights, where he serves as an assistant captain.

Henderson Silver Knights

The American Hockey League affiliate of the Vegas Golden Knights.

John F. Miller School

A specialized education program serving students with special needs between the ages of 3 and 22 in Las Vegas.

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What’s next

With the Man of the Year award, McLain is now a finalist for the Yanick Dupre Memorial Award, which honors the overall IOA/American Specialty AHL Man of the Year.

The takeaway

Mitch McLain's dedication to community service and charitable work, including his involvement with the John F. Miller School and organizing charity hockey games, exemplifies the positive impact professional athletes can have off the ice. His recognition as the IOA/American Specialty Man of the Year for the Henderson Silver Knights is a testament to his character and commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.