JOHN KRUPINSKY & KEVIN MALLIN, FPHL FOUNDERS AWARD

Binghamton, NY – The Federal Prospects Hockey League today announces its selections for the FPHL Founders Award.  This is an annual award to a person(s) or group for their outstanding service and commitment to the FPHL.  This selection is from a voting process by (2) representatives from each FPHL member club and then a verification by the FPHL League Staff.

The FPHL Congratulates John Krupinsky & Kevin Mallin as the recipients for 2024-25 FPHL Founders Award.  

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John Krupinsky has been a fixture in Danbury hockey since the start and has served as an assistant coach for the Hat Tricks since their inaugural season in 2019. A respected leader and mentor, he was a key part of the team’s 2022–23 Commissioner’s Cup championship and plays a vital role in player relations, helping bring back notable alumni. His presence behind the bench, in the locker room, and in the community has helped shape the team’s culture and identity over the years.  This marks Krupinsky’s second time receiving the prestigious honor, first earning the award in 2020.

“To be recognized with this award again is incredibly humbling,” Krupinsky said. “It’s been an honor to work in this league—especially in this city, where hockey means so much to the community. I share this recognition with every player, coach, staff member, and fan I’ve been lucky enough to work with over the years, as well as all the players and coaches on other teams in the league I’ve had the pleasure of meeting.”

“Johnny is a cornerstone of our team and a leader in every sense of the word,” Hat Tricks president Herm Sorcher said. “He brings heart, toughness, and integrity to everything he does. This award is a fitting tribute to the incredible impact he’s had — not just on the Hat Tricks, but on the entire FPHL community.”

In addition to working under six different head coaches across multiple Danbury franchises — including the Mad Hatters, Whalers, and Titans — he also assisted behind the scenes with the Danbury Trashers during their 2004–06 run.

A longtime sergeant with the Danbury Police Department, Krupinsky was inducted into the Danbury Ring of Honor in March of 2025, further cementing his legacy as one of the city’s most impactful and enduring hockey figures.

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Kevin Mallin was asked in 2014 if he would consider coming to work in the federal hockey league.  He has served the FPHL for the past 10 years as a pillar of excellence and his veteran leadership has been part of the foundation of the FPHL officiating staff.  Kevin recently retired skating his last professional hockey game on March 29th, 2025 in Danville Illinois bringing a 37 year officiating career to an end.  

Kevin has brought a slew of experience and accomplishments to the FPHL.  He has work from all levels of Junior hockey and the way to the National Hockey League. He has mentored officials of all levels of his career and been a true ambassador to the game of hockey.

“I’m honored to have received this award. I have the upmost respect for my colleagues, Dave Jackson, Mark Pare, Wayne Bonney, Brent Rutherford (decd.),  Paul Jene, Don Kirnan (and the other executives), General Managers, equipment managers, trainers and most of all the players. All of the players were a joy to be around and despite an occasional disagreement, they kept me on my toes and hopefully I gained their respect as well! I truly enjoyed my service to the FPHL.”

Kevin resides in Carmel Indiana with his wife, Heidi where they raised their three daughters, Stasia, Bridget, and Gretchen.  Kevin is a Senior Environmental Geologist and has been working in that field for 35 years.

The FPHL is a Single-A Minor Professional hockey league operating in its 15th season during 2024-25.