Musketeers captain Liam Hupka named finalist for USHL's Gaudreau Award
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) – The hockey world was shook following the tragic deaths of former NHL players Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau in August. As a way to honor the pair of players with ties to the United States Hockey League, the USHL created 'The Gaudreau Award' to honor their legacy and one Sioux City Musketeers player has been named a finalist.
Musketeers defenseman and captain Liam Hupka was named a finalist for the award, which goes to the USHL player that best embodies the traits and attributes of the Gaureau brothers. Hupka has made an impact both on and off the ice in Siouxland, helping raise money for local non-profits.
Also, the Minnesota native changed his number from 7 to 6 last season to honor Adam Johnson, a former Sioux City player who died as a result from an on-ice injury in 2023. The award will be presented on Saturday, April 12th.
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