ROCHESTER, NY - For the second time in school history, the Empire 8 Man of the Year resides in Utica, New York. Aydin Parekh (Nobleton, Ontario/Blyth Academy), a three-year standout for the men's hockey and men's golf programs at Utica University, has achieved the prestigious honor thanks to his unique blend of academic and athletic excellence, and willingness to give back to the community in every aspect of his student-athlete life. The Man of the Year is an award that exceeds the usual athletic and academic requirements, and honors a student-athlete who has set himself apart thanks to his actions of goodwill. Parekh is the second Empire 8 Man of the Year in school history, following in the footsteps of former teammate Brian Scoville, who took home the honor following the 2023-2024 academic year. Below is the Empire 8's official release, which explains the honor and covers all of Parekh's accomplishments since coming to Utica ahead of the 2023-2024 academic year. 

Empire 8 Official Release

Aydin Parekh (Nobleton, Ontario/Blyth Academy), a three-year member of the Utica University men's hockey and men's golf teams, was named the 2025-26 Empire 8 Conference's Man of the Year. This award honors a senior male student-athlete who has distinguished himself throughout his collegiate career in the areas of academic achievement, athletics excellence, service and leadership.

Parekh, a native of Nobleton, Ontario, recently graduated Summa Cum Laude in just three years with a cumulative grade-point average of 4.0 as a cybersecurity and business administration double major. He also served as the Utica University School of Business and Justice Studies School Marshall for its 2026 Commencement. He is the second Utica University student-athlete to earn E8 Man of the Year honors, joining former teammate Brian Scoville, who earned the prestigious honor in 2024.
 
A standout defenseman, Parekh helped lead Utica to the NCAA Frozen Four in both 2023-24 and 2024-25, culminating with a trip to the to the 2024-25 NCAA National Championship Game. He led Utica to a pair of United Collegiate Hockey Conference Tournament Championships in 2023-24 and 2025-26 and three straight UCHC Regular Season titles.
 
Parekh earned 2024-25 UCHC All-Conference First Team accolades and was a second team selection in 2025-26. Parekh, who served as an assistant captain for Utica in 2025-26, has amassed 42 points on two goals and 40 assists in 80 career games with 60 blocked shots. Utica has recorded a 68-16-6 overall record in Parekh's three seasons, including a 48-4-4 mark in UCHC play.
 
"I am incredibly honored to receive the 2026 Empire 8 Man of the Year Award," said Parekh. "Utica University has nurtured my growth not just as an athlete, but as a student, leader, and person, and to be recognized across the conference in this way means the world to me. The values, experiences, and lessons I have gained here have shaped me into the person I want to be, and I look forward to carrying them forward as a leader, mentor, and competitor in everything I pursue at and beyond Utica University."
 
As a first-year in 2023-24, Parekh became a mainstay in the Utica lineup, appearing in 20 games, while recording five points from the blueline and was plus-17, as the Pioneers rolled to the UCHC Championship, finished 24-3-3 and advanced to the NCAA Division III Frozen Four. In 2024-25, Parekh dished out a career-best 23 assists in 31 games, earning All-UCHC first team accolades, as Utica advanced to the NCAA Division III Championship game, finishing 24-5-2. Last season, Parekh played in all 29 games for Utica, tallying 14 points on a goal and 13 assists, while blocking 32 shots on his way to earning All-UCHC second team honors. The Pioneers won the 2026 UCHC Championship and advanced to the NCAA Division III Quarterfinals.
 
"Aydin has a quiet intensity to his game and mindset as a whole," said Gary Heenan, Utica University Men's Ice Hockey Head Coach. "He leads by example, is polite and polished and is a gentleman in every sense of the term. Aydin logs monster minutes for us on the ice, crushes it in the classroom, and loves to give back to the community. I can't think of anyone more deserving. We are lucky to have him at Utica University."

Academically, Parekh was a four-time Empire 8 President's List selection, six-time Utica Dean's List recipient and earned High Honors accolades. In addition, Parekh was named a 2024-25 AHCA Division III All-American Scholar and is a three-time UCHC All-Academic Team selection. He also served as a peer tutor at Utica for two years, providing academic tutoring to students across campus through Utica's peer tutoring program in subjects including Math, Cybersecurity, Business, and other disciplines.
 
"I want to deeply thank Coach Heenan and Coach Ironside for their guidance, mentorship, and belief in me, which pushed me to grow in ways I never anticipated," said Parekh. "I also want to thank my teammates whose support and trust have made me a better player and a better person every single day. And lastly, my family, whose unwavering support has been the foundation of everything I have accomplished."
 
Off the ice, Parekh is very active in the Utica community. He mentored the Utica Notre Dame High School Hockey Team in 2025-26. In addition, he represented Utica University at the Thomas Jefferson Elementary Welcome Back Carnival in 2024 and 2025. He also read and taught ball hockey sessions at Westmoreland Primary School. Parekh also participated in several community service initiatives, including the Parkinson's Walk at Presbyterian Home, Upstate Caring Partners Buddy Walk at Mohawk Valley Community College, Zonta Brunch at Hart Hill's Inn for women's rights and leadership and walk for Autism Awareness at Mastrovito Hyundai among other events.
 
"Aydin has distinguished himself as an outstanding student, a dedicated and driven athlete, and an engaged member of our local community," said Kristin St. Hilaire, Utica University Director of Athletics. "His commitment to excellence extends far beyond the ice, and he consistently demonstrates the character, leadership, and service that define our program. We are incredibly proud of his accomplishments and the positive impact he has on those around him. Aydin reflects everything we hope our Utica student-athletes represent."
 
On the golf course, Parekh won individual medalist honors at the SUNY Poly Invitational and was an Empire 8 Golfer of the Week. He led Utica to the 2025 Keuka Invitational and 2024 Suny Poly Invitational Team Championships.
 
"Aydin represents the best qualities of Utica University and the Empire 8 on and off the ice," said Empire 8 Senior Associate Commissioner Joe Venniro. "On the ice, Aydin has helped lead Utica to its two finest seasons in program history, while recording a perfect grade-point average as a double major, in addition to an abundance of philanthropic efforts in the Utica community. He is a model student-athlete and a tremendous choice as the 2026 Empire 8 Man of the Year." 
Parekh will now be forwarded to the national DIII Commissioner's Association Senior Male Athlete of the Year award. He led a strong contingent of seven outstanding nominees considered by the Empire 8 Man of the Year Committee. The 2023 Empire 8 Man of the Year, Noah Campanelli, a baseball player from St. John Fisher University, was named the DIII Commissioner's Association Senior Male Athlete of the Year.

2025-26 Empire 8 Man of the Year Finalists
Colin August, Lacrosse, Hartwick College
Vincent Lucyszyn, Baseball, Houghton University
Greg Meder, Swimming and Diving, SUNY Geneseo
Aydin Parekh (Nobleton, Ontario/Blyth Academy), Ice Hockey and Golf, Utica University
Alex Rivara, Soccer, SUNY Brockport
Jaylen Savage, Basketball and Track & Field, Nazareth University
Franlys Valenzuela, Basketball, Alfred University