(Niagara Falls, ON) The Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA) is pleased to announce that Mason Shaw of the Iowa Wild (AHL) and Mathieu Brodeur of the Trois-Rivieres Lions (ECHL) have been named recipients of the PHPA Player Representative of the Year Awards for the 2021-22 season as voted by the Executive Committee, staff, and Advisors of the PHPA. 

The PHPA Player Representative of the Year Awards was developed to recognize the outstanding efforts put forth by PHPA Player Representatives throughout the season from both the American Hockey League and ECHL.  The Awards also serve as a platform to honor the significant contributions made to the PHPA by Founding Member Doug Messier and long-time PHPA Advisor, Jim Wiley who passed away in December, 2021.

Shaw, who was selected as the recipient of the Doug Messier AHL Player Representative of the Year Award, recently completed his fourth season with the Iowa Wild and second as the team’s Player Representative.  Born in Lloydminster, Alberta, Shaw was named Assistant Captain of the Wild in 2020 and continued to lead in that same role this season.  He also served as an Assistant Captain for the Medicine Hat Tigers during the 2016-17 season and was named Captain ahead of the 2017-18 season.  

“It is an honour to be recognized by my peers and by the PHPA,” said Shaw.  “The PHPA does a lot for us players and we certainly appreciate their efforts.  I’m happy to be part of the team and help contribute wherever I can on behalf of my teammates and players throughout the league.”

The recipient of the T. Jim Wiley ECHL Player Representative of the Year Award, Mathieu Brodeur served as Player Representative for the Trois-Rivières Lions in their inaugural season where he was also named an Assistant Captain.  From Saint-Eustache, Quebec, Brodeur has served as a PHPA Player Representative multiple times throughout his 12-year professional career.  In 2021, Brodeur helped lead the Fort Wayne Komets to a Kelly Cup Championship.

“It is truly an honour to be recognized with this Award,” said Brodeur.  “Communication between players and the team and league is so important and I have always tried to educate my teammates and help them out as best I can.”

“During another season of navigating and reacting to ever changing protocols due to the pandemic it was crucial to have the assistance and support of an exceptional group of Player Representatives,” said PHPA Executive Director, Larry Landon.  “Mason Shaw and Mathieu Brodeur exhibited outstanding leadership and responsiveness throughout the season, as was evidenced by their selection for this recognition.  I am truly grateful for the dedication, commitment, and leadership that they and each of our Player Reps put forth into this important role.”

Both players were selected with the collective input from PHPA staff, Advisors, and Executive Committee members and will be recognized by Landon during the 2022 PHPA Annual Meeting of Player Representatives.