Players Vote For Recipients of PHPA Veteran Presence Award

Joe Colasurdo, Coordinator of Communications and Business Development | June 27th, 2023

(Niagara Falls, ON) The Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2022-23 Veteran Presence Award as voted by PHPA Members at the conclusion of the 2022-23 season.   

 

The Veteran Presence Award is presented to one player from the American Hockey League and ECHL Eastern and Western Conferences who qualifies as a league veteran and continuously demonstrates the ability to motivate and lead their fellow teammates.  They use their experience to provide leadership for their teammates, both on and off the ice.

 

 

ECHL Eastern Conference: James Melindy, Newfoundland Growlers 

 

The only Captain in Newfoundland Growlers history, James Melindy understands the importance of being a great leader.  In 47 games during the 2022-23 season, Melindy recorded 2 goals and 13 assists while contributing 162 penalty minutes.  Drafted by the Phoenix Coyotes in 2012, the 6’3 defenseman has played in 481 professional games split between the AHL and ECHL across eight seasons.  He led his hometown Growlers to an ECHL Kelly Cup Championship in 2019.

 

“It’s an honor to be recognized by your peers for what you bring to your hockey team,” said Melindy.  “For me, I was brought in from day one to help our team grow and become comfortable.  I’ve been lucky to be surrounded by some great people and players along my career that taught me so many valuable lessons.  If you come to the rink every day and be a good person, in return you will get the best out of people.”

 

 

ECHL Western Conference: Colton Hargrove, Allen Americans

 

The 30-year-old from Dallas, Texas, Colton Hargrove returned home this past season to play for the Allen Americans after having not played in North America since 2019.  Hargrove was an Assistant Captain and important leader for the Americans this past season helping the team finish second in the Mountain Division.  He finished the year with an impressive 39 goals and 46 assists for 85 points in 64 games.  The former Boston Bruins draft pick has played in 415 professional games.

 

“I’m very honored to receive the ECHL Western Conference Veteran Presence Award,” said Hargrove.  “I’m thankful for my coaches who gave me every opportunity to be a leader.  I couldn’t have won this award without an incredible group of men that I had the privilege to play with this year and the belief they had in not only myself but all our veteran leadership.  Thank you to my peers as well for voting for me.  There are many other players who could’ve won this award and hopefully will in the future.”

 

 

AHL Eastern Conference: Logan Shaw, Toronto Marlies

 

Logan Shaw has amassed 630 games played split mainly between the AHL and NHL over his 10-year professional career.  In his first season with the Toronto Marlies, the Glace Bay, Nova Scotia native was named team Captain, having demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities.  The 30-year-old had the best statistical year of his career, recording 21 goals and 48 assists for 69 points.  He also led the Marlies to a first-place finish in the North Division.

 

“Obviously I am very honored to receive this award,” said Shaw.  “It’s cool to learn as you go and pass that knowledge on to others.”

 

 

AHL Western Conference: Brett Sutter, Calgary Wranglers

 

In his ninth season as a Captain in the AHL and first with the Calgary Wranglers, Sutter is a highly respected leader around the league.  He returned to Calgary this season, rejoining the Flames organization who drafted him in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.  Sutter helped the Wranglers capture the Macgregor Kilpatrick Trophy, awarded to the AHL team who finishes the Regular Season with the most points.  On December 21st, 2022, the Viking, Alberta native skated in his 1000th regular-season AHL game becoming only the eighth player to do so.  Sutter has also been an elected member of the PHPA Executive Committee since 2018.

 

“I’m honored to be presented with an award voted on by my peers,” said Sutter.  “I’m proud to be a veteran in this league and thankful for the opportunity to be in consideration with the many leaders I got to play with and against this season.”

 

-www.PHPA.com-

 

About the PHPA

Since its inception in 1967, the Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA) has continued to serve as an advocate of player interests.  Currently, the PHPA is the certified, U.S. National Labor Relations Board collective bargaining representative for over 1,600 players across 60 teams throughout the American Hockey League and ECHL.  Visit PHPA.com, follow the PHPA on Instagram (@thephpa), Twitter (@thephpa), and tune into the PHPA Podcast.