The American Hockey League honored Ryan Holt of the Bakersfield Condors and Mason Wilks of the San Jose Barracuda with top business awards at the 2026 AHL Team Business Meetings in Grand Rapids, Mich. Holt was named the Ken McKenzie Award winner for the 2025-26 season, while Wilks received the inaugural Frank Torres Memorial Award.
Ryan Holt, vice president of marketing and communications for the Condors, has been a driving force behind the franchise’s success since joining in 2011. In that time, he has led the organization to record attendance revenue through advertising, community engagement, and promotions. He also serves as the team’s primary media contact and play-by-play broadcaster. This season, he spearheaded initiatives like Condors Fighting Cancer Night and Cares for Kids at the Holidays.
The Ken McKenzie Award, first presented in 1978, recognizes an AHL executive who most successfully promotes their club. Holt’s work has maximized media exposure for the team and its players, helping Bakersfield become a regional hockey hub.
Mason Wilks, newly elevated to director of ticket sales and service for the Barracuda, led the team to significant sales growth in 2025-26. He oversaw a 15% increase in season ticket sales and a 20% rise in group ticket revenue. Despite high turnover in the sales department, Wilks maintained top performance standards and drove new single-game records in gate revenue and premium seating.
Wilks joined the Barracuda in 2023 after stints with the Coachella Valley Firebirds and San Antonio Rampage. He was recruited to all three teams by Frank Torres, for whom the award is named. Torres passed away suddenly in 2024, and the league established the award in his honor.
The AHL, in its 90th season, continues to serve as the top development league for all 32 NHL teams. Over 90% of current NHL players are AHL alumni, and more than 100 Hall of Fame players have spent time in the league.
Holt and Wilks will be recognized at the league’s annual awards ceremony in the coming weeks, with their achievements setting a high bar for business excellence in the AHL.
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