Mike Ostrowski Named Winner of 2025-26 American Hockey League’s James C. Hendy Memorial Award

he American Hockey League has selected Mike Ostrowski, President for the Cleveland Monsters, as the winner of the league's James C. Hendy Memorial Award for the 2025-26 season. The James C. Hendy Memorial Award is presented yearly to an outstanding business executive in the AHL.

As President of Franchise Teams for Rock Entertainment Group, Ostrowski oversees every aspect of the Monsters’ business operation and helped lead the team this season to franchise-record attendance, expanded media visibility and long-term momentum for both the organization and the league. 

Under Ostrowski’s leadership, the Monsters led the AHL in attendance for the fourth consecutive year, averaging a franchise-record 11,531 fans during the regular season and posting the third-highest average attendance in league history. The Monsters also led the AHL in playoff attendance, averaging 11,312 fans per game, extending the team’s on-ice success to the stands. 

During the 2025-26 season, Ostrowski elevated the team’s visibility through media innovation, securing a record 30-plus games on local television through Rock Entertainment Sports Network. Additionally, Ostrowski led the bid that resulted in Cleveland being awarded the 2027 AHL All-Star Classic at Rocket Arena, an achievement that reflects the credibility, operational excellence and market strength he has established for the team in Cleveland. Under Ostrowski’s leadership, the Monsters have been reinforced as a major sports and entertainment property in Cleveland.

The campaign marked Ostrowski’s 15th year with the Monsters and 27th with the Rock Entertainment Group. His tenure speaks of an enduring commitment to Cleveland sports and the growth of the AHL.

The James C. Hendy Memorial Award is named for the late Jim Hendy, a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame and AHL Hall of Fame and long-time statistician and historian for the AHL who won four Calder Cups as general manager of the Cleveland Barons.

The Monsters were also recognized as the Eastern Conference honoree for Corporate Sales Growth. The team had previously been recognized for Sponsorship Sales Department of the Year and Most Unique Sponsorship Entitlement as well as for achievements in ticket sales and corporate sales during the AHL Team Business Meetings in June.

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