(Niagara Falls, ON) The Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2017-18 PHPA Heart, Hustle, Desire Award as voted by the player Membership of the PHPA. 

The Heart, Hustle, Desire Award is presented to one player from the ECHL Eastern and Western Conferences and American Hockey League Eastern and Western Conferences who are considered by their peers to be the hardest working player in their respective League’s Conference, demonstrating heart, hustle, and desire each and every night, both on and off the ice.

ECHL Eastern Conference: Patrick Gaul, South Carolina Stingrays

The South Carolina Stingray assistant captain is now a three-time recipient of this award after registering 11 goals and 18 assists in 64 games this season. The 5’8, 185 lbs forward from Pittsburg, Pennsylvania has spent his entire six-year professional career playing for the Stingrays organization and during that time has made a significant impact on the ice and in the community.

“It’s one thing when the fans or coaches appreciate how you play, but when the other guys around the league vote for you for an award like this, it’s pretty subjective,” said Gaul. “I try and play every shift like it’s my last. I take pride in the little things like playing hard in the d-zone, blocking shots, winning faceoffs and try to do whatever I can to help my team win.  I truly appreciate being recognized by my peers.”  

ECHL Western Conference: Tie –  Justin Danforth, Cincinnati Cyclones & Gabriel Desjardins, Fort Wayne Komets

In 44 games with the Cincinnati Cyclones, the rookie from Oshawa, Ontario recorded 28 goals and 31 assists for 59 points, including 40 penalty minutes and a +26 rating. The 5’9, 180lbs forward received the John A. Daley ECHL Rookie of the Year award and was named to the ECHL All-Rookie Team.  Danforth also played 15 games in the AHL this season with the Rochester Americans. Prior to joining the Cyclones, he played four seasons at Sacred Heart University where he had 124 points in 147 career games.

“Work ethic has always been my top priority.  It feels awesome to get recognized by the other players around the league,” said Danforth.  “Playing with good players has also helped my game a lot.  It makes it much easier for me to play out there.”

Gabriel Desjardins played 58 games this season for the Fort Wayne Komets where he notched 33 goals and 34 assists for 67 points, including an impressive +35 rating.  He also appeared in 2 AHL games with the Laval Rocket.  Prior to turning pro in 2013-14, the 25-year-old from Montreal, Quebec played five seasons in the QMJHL where he spent time with the Halifax Mooseheads, Quebec Remparts and Rouyn-Noranda Huskies.

“It’s an awesome feeling,” said Desjardins. “As a player in the ECHL you are trying to prove so much, and it means a lot when you see that other guys around the league recognize what you do. I work to not take a shift off and try to contribute both offensively and defensively when I’m on the ice.”

AHL Eastern Conference: Tom Kostopoulos, Wilkes-Barre / Scranton Penguins

As Captain of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins for the past five seasons, Tom Kostopoulos has been a consummate professional both on and off the ice throughout his professional career.  Drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft, the 39-year-old has played 630 games in the NHL where he recorded 157 points, while amassing over 650 AHL games.  This past season, Kostopoulos put up 19 points in 31 games for the Penguins.  His heart, hustle and desire for the game has been evident through his storied career, including being named the recipient of the Fred T. Hunt Memorial Award in 2015-16 as the AHL player best exemplifying sportsmanship, determination, and dedication to hockey.

“It’s an honor to be voted for an award like this by your peers and truly means a lot to me,” said Kostopoulos. “The young players in the league are so skilled and fast now. Being an older guy in the league, I work really hard to keep up with them and compete against them and just lead by example.”

AHL Western Conference: Brett Sutter, Ontario Reign

Drafted by the Calgary Flames in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, Brett Sutter played 68 games in 2017-18 for the Ontario Reign where he recorded 15 goals and 19 assists as well as 64 penalty minutes. The 30-year-old from Viking, Alberta has consistently demonstrated strong leadership abilities on and off the ice and has served as either a team captain or assistant captain during five of his eight seasons throughout his professional career.

“Respect from your peers is so huge. Those are the guys you battle against all season, so to have their vote definitely means a lot,” said Sutter. “I am pretty fortunate to wake up every morning and go to work and play the game that I love, so I think there is really no excuse to not go to the office every day and put in the extra work.  It’s great to see other players, especially the younger guys, notice the work that goes in to playing at this level.”