(Niagara Falls, ON) The Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA) is pleased to announce that ECHL players have voted Mike Little of the Florida Everblades as the inaugural recipient of the 2014-15 PHPA – ECHL Top Defenseman Award presented by BFL CANADA Risk and Insurance Services, Inc.

The PHPA-ECHL Top Defenseman Award presented by BFL CANADA Risk and Insurance Services, Inc. is awarded to the defenseman who during the regular season best exemplifies all-around ability.

Little, who was also named Top Defenseman by the league, finished the season tied for the league lead in plus-minus at +46.  He was second among defensemen with 54 points, tied for second with 41 assists, and tied for sixth with 13 goals.

“This is a huge compliment and means a lot to me coming from other players from around the league,” said Little.  “I just try to be consistent every game and be tough to play against at both ends of the ice.  We have a good team, and it’s easier to look good when you’re playing with great teammates.”

The PHPA-ECHL Top Defenseman Award is presented by BFL CANADA Risk and Insurance Services, Inc., the Official Broker of the Professional Hockey Players’ Association. 

“BFL CANADA congratulates Mike Little on being selected by his peers as the top defenseman in the League,” said Nellie Lindner, Vice President, Film and Entertainment at BFL CANADA.  “Our business involves taking preventative measures, not unlike an effective defenseman.  Mike’s on-ice accomplishments, including his reliability resonates with us, and we are proud to help recognize him with this award.”

“On behalf of the PHPA Membership, I offer my most sincere congratulations to Mike on an outstanding season and well deserved honor to be recognized by his peers as the top defenseman in the league,” added PHPA Executive Director, Larry Landon.

The 2014-15 season marked the first time players from the ECHL voted on a series of season ending individual awards.

2014-15 PHPA Player Voted Awards 

ECHL Top Defenseman Award Presented by BFL CANADA Risk and Insurance Services, Inc.

Mike Little

Height: 5’9” Weight: 185 lbs.

Age: 27

Hometown: Enfield, CT

Career Achievements:

ECHL All-Rookie Team, 2011-12

ECHL First All-Star Team, 2014-15

ECHL Top Defenseman, 2014-15

About BFL CANADA
Founded in 1987 by Barry F. Lorenzetti, BFL CANADA, is the largest employee-owned and operated Risk Management, Insurance Brokerage, and Employee Benefits services firm in Canada. The firm has a team of close to 500 professionals located in nine cities across the country. BFL CANADA is a founding Partner of Lockton Global LLP, a Partnership of independent insurance brokers and agents who provide Risk Management, Insurance and Benefits Consulting services in over 120 countries around the world. For more information about the company, visit bflcanada.ca.