Rockets’ Iwankiw Named USPHL Elite Fans Choice MVP And Forward Of The Year
By Joshua Boyd / USPHL.com
The people have spoken and they’re excited about the future of 2008-born Johnny Iwankiw, of the Rockets Hockey Club. Iwankiw received more votes than all players in the 2025 USPHL Elite Fans Choice voting, and earned the Fans Choice MVP and Forward Of The Year titles.
“I am truly honored to have been selected. I am so grateful to everyone who took a moment to vote for me. It was a great season with the best teammates. I want to thank all my Coaches at The Rockets Hockey club for all their support,” said Iwankiw, a native of Malverne, N.Y.
Iwankiw was not among the Elite leaders in scoring, picking up two goals and 15 points in 42 regular season games, and one assist in two playoff games. However, the public found something certainly exciting about the junior rookie, and he himself sees plenty of upside in his game, thanks to the development by RHC head coach Todd Wagenbach, and the organization overall.
“My game improved tremendously after this season. When I first came into the Rockets, I realized how much more I needed to elevate my game at the juniors level,” said Iwankiw. “My coaches invested in me to help me become a better hockey player and continue my growth and development.”
He was so grateful to the Rockets for his first year of junior development that he’s planning to be back for Year 2 in Bridgewater, N.J., with the Rockets Hockey Club.
“I plan on staying with The Rockets this coming season. I’m super excited to get back to it with a great group of coaches, continue my development, meet some new teammates, continue playing with returning guys, and play some good hockey,” Iwankiw added.
Obviously, the fan base out there is energized to see where Iwankiw can bring his game in 2025-26, so he’s doing the work to make sure he will not disappoint anyone watching his progress.
“I plan on working on all aspects of my game on and off the ice during the off-season. Every aspect can always be improved,” he said. “ Never stop grinding and working hard. Hockey is a sport that demands constant improvement.”
The USPHL congratulates Johnny Iwankiw on his Fans Choice Awards.