Grand Rapids' Dominik Shine Named Inaugural Recipient of Bruce Boudreau Award

Award recognizes most outstanding player on an AHL contract

(Credit: Andy Nietupski/Texas Stars)

[Ed. Note: This is a fun one today. A few years back, I had the idea to recognize players who play in the AHL but aren't on NHL contracts. The idea sat in my head for a while, and this summer I finally put it together. Today, a group of league media led by me is launching The Bruce Boudreau Award. I'll write a process story about it for tomorrow or later today, but the highlight of the journey included an interview with Bruce Boudreau, something I never thought I'd be able to say when I started as a journalist. I'm incredibly proud and excited to finally get this into the world.]

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Grand Rapids forward Dominik Shine has been named the recipient of the inaugural Bruce Boudreau Award. The award, selected by a panel of league media, honors the most outstanding American Hockey League player who is not playing on an NHL contract, recognizing their leadership, consistency, and impact on the league.

“What makes winning AHL teams good is good American League leadership,” said the award’s namesake, AHL Hall of Fame player and coach Bruce Boudreau. “I've found that in every team that I've had.” 

An undrafted signee in 2017, Shine has played eight seasons with the Griffins, accumulating 184 points in 483 regular-season games and an additional 10 points in 22 playoff appearances. The Pinckney, Michigan native played for USHL Lincoln and Northern Michigan University before turning pro.

The panel noted Shine has become a cornerstone of Grand Rapids’ veteran leadership group, wearing an “A” since 2023. Known affectionately as the “Mayor of Grand Rapids,” Shine has taken a leadership role off the ice helping players from around the world acclimate and connect to their new hometown. 

“I love it in Grand Rapids,” said Shine. “It's become home for me. I just want to be that guy that makes guys want to be a part of the organization.”

Griffins’ head coach Dan Watson cites Shine’s development as an example that different players mature at different rates and uses his story to motivate prospects.

On January 27, 2025, the Red Wings rewarded Shine’s success, dedication and contribution to the organization with a two-year NHL contract, taking the call while he and his son were out buying his first pair of skates. Shine played nine NHL games to finish the season, earning his first NHL point in his third game.

“You're doing what you used to do as a 10 year-old kid,” said Shine. “We're so lucky to be able to do that, especially at this level. It's just a great honor.”

About the Bruce Boudreau Award

The Bruce Boudreau Award was conceived by Stephen Meserve, who has covered the AHL’s Texas Stars since 2009 with 100 Degree Hockey. 

Its namesake, Bruce Boudreau, spent 11 seasons as a player in the AHL, appearing in 695 regular and postseason games, before coaching in the league for nine years. He won the Calder Cup as a player with Adirondack in 1992 and as a coach with Hershey in 2006.

Many talented, hardworking players thrive in the AHL without ever signing an NHL contract. These players are often the backbone of their teams, leaders in the locker room, and consistent contributors on the ice, yet they rarely receive recognition beyond their immediate markets. The award spotlights those who make a lasting impact in the league as true AHL players, upholding the league's competitive spirit and professional standard year after year.

“They teach the young prospects how to be pros,” said Boudreau. “Most of it is from the players and not from the coach. The older, experienced American League player, in the end, is what usually makes winners out of all those young players.”

The inaugural voting panel included Ben Birnell (Utica), Mark Divver (Providence), Ben Lypka (Abbotsford), Stephen Meserve (Texas) and Patrick Williams (AHL). For the 2024–25 season, players were nominated from each division before the panel selected the league-wide winner. The next honoree will be named in April 2026.

For more information, visit boudreauaward.com.