OHL humanitarian Woodall
Spitfires defenseman Carson Woodall has been named this year’s winner of the Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy. The annual award goes to the Ontario Hockey League’s Humanitarian of the Year.
Woodall has made charitable contributions to cancer research in excess of $175,000 through his Woody’s Hoodies initiative, a cause near and dear to his heart. The initiative was inspired by Woodall’s two grandmothers, including the late Nana O’Brien and in support of Nana Woodall, who has also battled cancer.
Woodall’s creative fundraising endeavours have included engaging minor hockey tournaments, partnering with teams, schools and local businesses as well as rappelling down one of Windsor’s tallest buildings — the CIBC on the corner of Riverside Drive and Ouellette Avenue — on two separate occasions.
While hoodies are Woodall’s most sought after line of fundraising apparel, he has also ventured into other creative styles such as pucks, stickers and drink koozies.
“We did a lot in the community for cancer research in honour of my grandma,” said Woodall of the honour. “I’m just hoping that this can bring some awareness to it and we can do more with Woody’s Hoodies in the future. I am thankful for all of the support that I have received and have really enjoyed doing this work.”
Named the 2025 Youth Philanthropist of the Year by the Windsor-Essex Community Foundation, Woodall’s charitable efforts have benefitted causes such as Play for a Cure, the Windsor Cancer Foundation and Erie Shores Hospice.
His iconic “Woody’s Hoodies” can be seen throughout Windsor-Essex as he continues to roll out new customized designs and has sold more than 5,500 items including over 4,800 hoodies.
Woodall becomes the first player in Windsor Spitfires’ history to be named OHL Humanitarian of the Year.
“Carson is a local product who developed through the LaSalle Vipers of the Greater Ontario Hockey League, growing into an OHL defenseman of the year finalist,” said Spitfires general manager Billy Bowler. “His initiative with Woody’s Hoodies also speaks volumes about his character and the values instilled by his family. He has not only made an impact on the ice, but in the community as well, and that’s something we are incredibly proud of.”
A former 10th round pick by the Spitfires at the 2022 OHL priority selections draft, Woodall — who has a 2006 birth date — stepped up his offensive production during the ’26-27 regular season by finishing with 12 goals, 51 assists and 63 points in 68 games.
file photo of Carson Woodall by Bob Davies
