Winston Churchill Bulldog

Ice Hockey Club

Varsity: Montgomery Hockey Conference First Place!

A Winning Legacy: Churchill Hockey Powers Into Its 31st Season

For 31 years, the Winston Churchill Hockey Club has set the standard for high school ice hockey in Maryland — and the tradition shows no signs of slowing down. Founded in 1994, the program gives students the chance to compete at the highest level while building the teamwork, toughness, and discipline that defines champions. From the first whistle of dry-land training in August to the final buzzer in February, Churchill hockey is fueled by grit, preparation, and pride.

Competing in the Maryland Student Hockey League (MSHL), as part of the Montgomery Hockey Conference (MHC), the Bulldogs have built a powerhouse reputation. Churchill has captured 10 MSHL State Championships — including a dominant stretch with titles in 2011, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2022 — and has appeared in multiple additional state title games, most recently in 2023 and 2024. Twelve Bulldogs have earned All-MSHL honors, more than any other team in the MHC, and three have been named Washington Post All-Met Players of the Year. Last season, Churchill claimed the MHC championship, and Head Coach Steven London was named MSHL Coach of the Year.

This 2025-26 season, the Varsity squad proved once again why Churchill remains a force statewide. The Bulldogs finished the regular season in first place with an impressive 10–2–0 record and a .833 winning percentage — ranking among the top public school ice hockey programs in Maryland.

Individual excellence matched team success. Senior Qin Lai earned the prestigious MSHL Yvon Labre Award, recognizing his relentless work ethic, elite skill, and outstanding leadership.

Junior Alex Bazyluk captured MHC All-Conference honors and also MHC First Team honors with teammates Lai and Junior Liam Naughton. Senior Cash Levenberg and Freshman Min Lai, Qin’s brother, earned MHC Second Team honors, and Senior Mac Glazer received MHC Honorable Mention for the second season in a row. The younger Lai also earned honors with the most points on the team (19), followed closely by Levenberg (16).

Junior Varsity: 8 Players Earn Top Honors!

The Bulldogs Junior Varsity team capped off an impressive regular season with a strong 4-2 finish and one OT loss, earning 6th-place finish in the Montgomery Hockey Conference.

Out of 211 conference players, Freshman Kevin (Trey) O’Connor, tied for 4th place, and Junior Mingshuo (Leo) Chang tied for 6th place of top goal scoring honors. O’Connor also tied for 6th place for the most points in the conference, and Freshman Olivia Hopkins, playing defense, tied for 6th place in assists. In the net, Junior Nicholas (Cole) Nelson was among the top 3 goaltenders in the conference with the lowest goals against average.

Across the state, out of 375 players in the Maryland Student Hockey League (MSHL) JV division, O’Connor tied for 6th place for goals scored and most points earned. Chang tied 10th place for goals scored. Honors for total points earned went to Chang tied for 10th place, and to Hopkins and Freshman Wyatt Haas who were tied for 11th place. Hopkins also tied for 6th place, and Sophomore George Kilavos, Junior Rama Allsopp and Sophomore Jessica Tang tied for 7th place for assists. In the net, Nelson finished in the top 4 for the lowest goals against average, tied for second place for the most number of shutout games, and finished in the top 10 for the highest save percentage.

Grades vs. Goals - Churchill Among the Top 2 in the state with Highest GPA

While hockey is a driving force, the Club prioritizes family and academic over hockey. The MSHL mandates a minimum GPA of 2.0 and no more than one failed class, but the Club encourages players to aim for a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

At the end of the most recent marking period, 89% of the JV and 99% of the Varsity players had a GPA of 3.0 or higher, 67% of the JV players and 60% of the Varsity players had a GPA of 4.0 or greater, and >80% of all classes taken by JV and Varsity players were Honors or AP.

Qin Lai Wins Maryland Student Hockey League Yvon Labre Award!

2/22/2026

The MSHL announced today that Qin Lai is this year's recipint of the Yvon Labre Award.

Yvon was the heart and soul of the Washington Capitals. He played the game with skill, dignity and honor. The MSHL recognizes one outstanding high school senior player who has successfully completed his or her career in the MSHL and, like Yvon, displays the following characteristics:

100% dedication to the sport of ice hockey
Superior work ethic
Exceptional hockey skills
Team leadership characteristics

More about Yvon here: LINK

You can read Qin's full nomination by Coach London below...

"It is my honor to nominate Qin Lai for the Yvon Labre Award presented by the Maryland Scholastic Hockey League. This award reflects the character and legacy of Yvon Labre, whose dedication, dignity, and leadership defined his career with the Washington Capitals. Qin exemplifies these same qualities in every respect.

From the moment Qin joined the varsity program at Winston Churchill High School as a freshman, he distinguished himself through his extraordinary dedication and work ethic. In fact, his commitment and preparation were so exceptional that I made the rare decision to start him in the state finals as a freshman, something I would only do for a player who had fully earned that level of trust. His work ethic has only continued to grow since that moment. Qin is relentless in his preparation, constantly pushing himself to improve and setting the standard for his teammates.

Qin’s hockey ability is exceptional. While his statistics may not always place him at the very top of the leaderboard, I am completely confident that he is among the most talented, if not the most talented players in the state. His understanding of the game, skating ability, and decision-making consistently impact every shift. His influence goes far beyond what can be measured on a score sheet.

Equally important is Qin’s leadership. He has served as our team captain for the past two seasons, and in that role, he has been the heart of our program. He leads by example both on and off the ice, demonstrating accountability, humility, and maturity well beyond his years. Qin never loses his composure. He remains calm under pressure, never showing frustration outwardly, and instead focuses on encouraging his teammates and inspiring them to give their very best. His presence elevates everyone around him.

Qin’s dedication to hockey is unwavering. Outside of his academics, which are his top priority, hockey is his primary commitment. He devotes himself fully to the sport and to his team, embodying the spirit of dedication this award represents.

In every way, Qin reflects the qualities that define the Yvon Labre Award: complete dedication to hockey, superior work ethic, exceptional skill, and outstanding leadership. He has been an essential part of our program’s success and has left a lasting legacy that will continue long after his graduation.

I can think of no player more deserving of having his name added to the plaque at The Gardens Ice House. I strongly and wholeheartedly recommend Qin Lai for this honor.

Stephen London

Head Coach, Varsity Hockey

Churchill Hockey Club"

Seven Churchill Players Win Montgomery Hockey Conference Honors!

Congratulations to the Churchill players voted on by the MHC coaches

as the "the best of the best" in the Montgomery Hockey Conference!

MHC All-Conference:

Alex Bazyluk

MHC First Team All-Conference:

Qin Lai
Liam Naughton
Alex Bazyluk (top vote receiver)

MHC Second Team All-Confernce:

Cash Levenberg
Min Lai

MHC Honorable Mentions:

Mac Glazer

The full list is available at this link: https://www.capitalscup.com/page/show/8784491

Churchill had the most players selected across the conference!

Bulldogs Finish 2025 Spring League in 1st Place for Second Year!

Out of a field of ten high schools, Churchill again finished in the top spot with a nearly flawless 9-0-1 record. Five rising 8th graders joined members of the existing team to post an impressive showing battling solid competition from opposing high schools. Churchill outscored their opponents 47-41 over the course of the season, and earned a .944 points percentage vs. the closest # 2 school with a .722 points percentage.

Coach London named Maryland Student Hockey League

Coach of the Year!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Winston Churchill High School Ice Hockey Club’s Head Coach, Stephen London, Named 2024-25 Maryland High School Ice Hockey Coach of the Year

Potomac, MD – February 28, 2025 – The Maryland Student Hockey League (MSHL) has named Stephen London, the Head Coach of the Winston Churchill Club and Varsity Ice Hockey Team, as the 2024-25 Maryland Ice Hockey Coach of the Year. This prestigious recognition highlights Coach London’s exceptional dedication, leadership, and impact on high school ice hockey in Maryland.

Coach London, who has more than two decades of experience in the sport, is deeply respected for his commitment to the values of teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship. His journey from being a Bulldog player on the Churchill High School State Championship team in 2005-06 to becoming a championship-winning coach is a testament to his unwavering passion and devotion to high school hockey.

“Stephen's leadership on and off the ice has been instrumental in the growth and success of our program,” said a spokesperson from the Winston Churchill Club. “His ability to connect with players, instill discipline, and foster a love for the game has positively impacted countless student-athletes over the years.”

In addition to his coaching accolades, Coach London’s work as a high school counselor has enriched his coaching style, emphasizing the holistic development and well-being of his players. His approach ensures that success is achieved not only on the ice but in the classroom and in life.

Over the past two seasons, Coach London has expanded his impact by recruiting former players to return as coaches, further strengthening the program. His dedication to developing both players and coaches has led to an even more successful and rewarding experience for all involved.

“Stephen’s continued service to the high school hockey community and his passion for mentoring young athletes is why he is so deserving of this recognition,” said the spokesperson. “He truly embodies the spirit of the sport, both as a coach and as a leader.”

Please join us in congratulating Coach Stephen London for being named the 2024-25 Maryland Ice Hockey Coach of the Year. His leadership and dedication continue to inspire and shape the future of high school ice hockey in Maryland.

Varsity Wins Montgomery Hockey Conference Championship!

The Bulldogs earned the Montgomery Hockey Conference title on Friday, February 28, 2025, in a match-up against the Blair High School Blazers. Going into the contest the Blazers were 0-3 against the Bulldogs. Churchill won the contest 10-0, earning senior goalie Cam Shure his second shutout of the season. Senior Kobe Esko, and Juniors Aiden Pham and Ryan Wees scored two goals each, and Junior Qin Lai, and Sophmore Alex Bazyluk scored a goal each.

JV Has Best Finish In 4 Seasons!

The Bulldogs capped off an impressive regular season with a strong 4-2-1 record, earning an exciting 5th-place finish in the standings among 11 teams as they gear up for the Conference Championships starting January 3, 2025.

After three seasons of hanging out in 9th and 10th place, this JV squad has officially shed their underdog status. Watch out—these Bulldogs are on the rise! Go Bulldogs! 🐾

Check out the "News Archive" page to catch-up on other Bulldog happenings.

Winston Churchill High School Hockey Team

Wins 2024 Spring League Championship!

Facing a challenging start to the season with a record of 3-4-1 at the halfway mark, many had begun to doubt the Bulldogs' ability to compete. However, fueled by determination and an unyielding spirit, the twenty-one players, comprising rising 8th graders and current 9th, 10th, and 11th graders, refused to let adversity define their season. Igniting a sensational comeback, the team embarked on a 5-game consecutive winning streak to take the title. They outclassed their opponents with an impressive scoreline of 50-23 over those five games, beating teams ranked in first, second, third and fourth place at the end of the regular season.This extraordinary turnaround showcased individual talent but more importantly demonstrated the importance of teamwork and the power of unity in the face of adversity. The crowning moment came as Churchill High School beat number 1 ranked RAM in the Spring League Championship, marking their first triumph in four years! Reflecting on their journey, the Coaches expressed immense pride in the team's resilience and determination, stating, "This victory is a testament to the character and perseverance of these great student-athletes. They never lost faith in themselves, and their hard work and dedication paid off in the most gratifying way. It's a huge win for them and the club. Coming together, trusting each other, believing in one another, and creating a united force that was unstoppable from the first puck drop to the final whistle. We are so proud of what these players learned and accomplished."

About Winston Churchill High School Ice Hockey

The Winston Churchill High School Hockey Club, Inc., established in September 1994, provides students at Winston Churchill High School (WCHS) the opportunity to enjoy the challenges, camaraderie, thrill and excitement of playing competitive ice hockey against other area high school teams.

The most successful varsity program in the Maryland Student Hockey League (MSHL,) the Winston Churchill Bulldogs are 10 time MSHL Champions, winning titles in 2006, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021, advancing to the state championship game in 2001, 2005, 2022 and 2023, and winning the Montgomery Hockey Conference Championship in 2024.

The Bulldogs are the only public school program with three Washington Post All Met Players of the Year

- - Matt Weber in 2001
  - Phil Satin in 2016
  - Jack Taylor in 2018

The WCHS Hockey Club, Inc. is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization. It receives no funding or staff assistance from the Montgomery County Public School system (MCPS) or the Winston Churchill High School. The Club is funded primarily through player dues which vary in cost from year-to-year and parents MUST help out as a team manager, hosting team dinners, clock/scoresheet/penalty box person or in a variety of other ways. Each year dues are set based on estimated expenses for the season (such as league fees, ice time, referees, game security, senior night, scheduling and bookkeeping, year-end banquet offset, etc.) Players provide their own hockey equipment, USA Hockey membership, and a one-time purchase of a uniform (home/away jersey, practice jersey, pant shell and socks.) Jersey numbers stay the same year-to-year so uniforms only need to be purchased once for a player's high school career.

Quick Facts

Nickname: Bulldogs

Location: Potomac, MD
Founded: 1994
Home Arenas: Rockville and Cabin John Ice Arenas
Club contact: wchs_hockey@outlook.com

Game Information

Varsity generally plays 11 conference games, and up to 5 non-conference games, plus playoffs. Games are usually on Friday nights at the Rockville Ice Arena or the Cabin John ice rink. There is no charge for games, but attendance is capped due to league and fire code regulations. Please contact one of the Team Managers for more information.

JV generally plays 7 regular season conference games, and up to 4 non-conference games, plus playoffs. Games are generally weekday afternoons or evenings at the Rockville Ice Arena or the Cabin John ice rink.

Both Varsity and JV may play additional non-conference games vs. both public and independent schools. This season games are planned with The Bullis School, Georgetown Prep., Oakdale HS (Frederick,) South River HS (Edgewater, MD,) and St. Albans depending on availability of ice time and schedules.

Schedules and results:

JV Schedule

JV Conference Standings

Practices

Generally held on Monday/Wednesday 3:00pm-4:00pm and Tuesday/Thursday 5:30am-6:30am at Cabin John Ice Rink. Times and days subject to change.

Coaching staff

Club & Varsity Head Coach: Stephen London
Varsity Assistant Coach: Adon Deguzeman. Varsity Video Coach: Rob Butler
JV Head Coach: Omid Manoochehri
JV Assistant Coach: Chance Begun
Club Goalie Coach and Varsity Assistant Coach: Shane Miller
Spring League Head Coach and JV Coach: Mike Nelson

Team Managers

Varsity: Violetta Bazyluk, vbazyluk@yahoo.com
JV: Marie O'Connor- oconnorfam@gmail.com

Club Director

Mike Nelson, mikenelson-wchshockey@outlook.com

Club Board of Directors

President: Nellie Abdallah - nellielaw@yahoo.com
Club director: Mike Nelson - MikeNelson-WCHSHockey@outlook.com
Director & Secretary: Rika Okayama - Rikaokayama@gmail.com
Director & Treasurer: Jason Gerstein - jason@lgacapital.com
Director & Varsity Team Manager: Violetta Bazyluk - vbazyluk@yahoo.com
Director & JV Team Manager: Marie O'Connor- oconnorfam@gmail.com

Club Priorities & Traditions

While hockey is why we exist, our priorities for our players are, in this order:

1) Family

2) Academics

3) Hockey

Our coaches emphasize these priorities and will work with players to ensure family responsibilities and academics always come before hockey. Traditionally, most players achieve and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Freshman benefit from the advice and mentoring of the more senior players, and the senior players get the enjoyment of passing on their experience and wisdom to their protégés.

A long-running tradition of the Club is that of promoting team dinners on a regular basis throughout the season, hosted by one or more families. The dinners are just for the players, the purpose of which is to allow them to get to know each other as whole persons, not just hockey team mates. This builds not only a strong team, but strong friendships and a solid support system as they face the challenges involved with being a high school student.

League affiliation links

VOLUNTEER TO HELP THE TEAM

It takes a village to support Bulldog Ice Hockey

(and it is fun to volunteer and meet other parents!)

ALL Parents on JV and Varsity are expected to volunteer throughout the season.

All parents should sign-up and share the workload for games during the season.

Scorekeeper
Clock Operator
Penalty Box Attendant
Crowd Control (2-4 people needed for Varsity games)

Training is provided!

To volunteer, please contact:

Varsity Team Manager: Violetta Bazyluk, vbazyluk@yahoo.com
JV Team Manager: Marie O'Connor- oconnorfam@gmail.com

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2025-26 Club Dues

Make checks payable to:

Winston Churchill High School Hockey Club, Inc.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

To inquire about payments already made, send an email to:

Jason at wchs.hockey@lgacapital.com

WCHS Hockey Club Treasurer

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