2026 | New Jersey |

Ocean Township High School Ice Hockey | Spartans |

Leadership can be easy when everything goes right. True leaders shine most brightly in difficult and trying times. Leo was a member of three very strong teams that made the conference and state tournaments each year from his freshman to junior season. After last year, the team graduated nine players which forced young players and even incoming freshmen into roles that underclassmen rarely have to fill long term. In the past, with other teams, I’ve seen skilled players decide not to play, or leave teams for greener pastures, rather than stick it out through the tough times. Instead, Leo donned the Captain’s “C” and always played his heart out on the ice, rarely let any frustrations show to the younger players and instead encouraged them and gave them the motivation to push through the tough times for future successes, all while knowing that, as a senior, he wouldn’t personally benefit from those successes. He never quit, he never complained and he was an asset to the coaching staff and his teammates. Our program’s future is bright because of what Leo instilled in our young players. When people, who don’t know, him tell me that #26 really worked hard out there, I tell them that hard work is just part of why he’s a great captain. Leo truly defines what this award is about and his character will carry him on to success long after he takes off his Ocean jersey for the final time. It is my pleasure to nominate Leo Labush for the Hobey Baker High School Character Award.