Players Vote For Recipients of PHPA Best Defensive Defenseman Award

Joe Colasurdo, Coordinator of Communications and Business Development | June 28th, 2023

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

 

The PHPA Best Defensive Defenseman Award is presented to one defenseman from the American Hockey League and ECHL Eastern and Western Conferences whose offensive output or statistics may not necessarily reflect the significance of his consistent defensive contributions to the team.

 

ECHL Eastern Conference: Ethan Cap, Greenville Swamp Rabbits

 

After five years with the WHL’s Edmonton Oil Kings, Ethan Cap has spent the past two seasons with the Greenville Swamp Rabbits.  In 70 games during his sophomore season, Cap contributed offensively with 2 goals and 19 assists, while showcasing his admirable defensive abilities with a +20 rating.

 

“It’s an honor to be recognized by my peers in the league, especially with all the other talented players in the conference,” said Cap.  “Thanks boys!”

 

 

ECHL Western Conference: Kris Myllari, Allen Americans

 

Although he contributes to the team offensively, Kris Myllari’s defensive contributions were also a huge reason why the Allen Americans finished second in the Mountain Division.  Standing at 6’3, Myllari finished the 2022-23 season with 44 penalty minutes and led the Americans in plus-minus with a +10 rating.  The Kanata, Ontario native spent four seasons at Pen State University before turning pro in 2020.

 

“It is a tremendous honor to receive any award, especially one that is voted on by your peers,” said Myllari.  “Defensive awards are won collectively as a team, and I am very proud to have been part of such a resilient group this season.”

 

 

AHL Eastern Conference: Ty Emberson, Hartford Wolf Pack

 

The 23-year-old from Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Ty Emberson had a tremendous first season with the Hartford Wolf Pack.  His defensive abilities were on full display, finishing second on the team with a +17 rating.  He also contributed 7 goals and 20 assists in 69 games this season.  The third-round pick of Arizona Coyotes spent three years at the University of Wisconsin where he was Captain during his final season before turning pro.  He was also a member of the 2020 US National Junior Team.

 

“It’s a great honor to be recognized for this award,” said Emberson.  “I had a lot of fun playing with the Wolf Pack this year.  I was fortunate enough to play for a great coaching staff and with an exciting group of guys.”

 

 

 

AHL Western Conference: Tie – Jimmy Schuldt, Coachella Valley Firebirds & Keaton Middleton, Colorado Eagles

 

Jimmy Schuldt’s defensive efforts are a big reason why the Coachella Valley Firebirds finished second in the Pacific Division in their inaugural season.  The fourth-year pro from Minnetonka, Minnesota produced eight goals and 24 assists while ranking second on the team with a +22 rating.  He previously played college hockey for St. Cloud State before making his NHL debut with the Vegas Golden Knights on April 6th, 2019.

 

I’m grateful to be recognized by my teammates and peers,” said Schuldt.  “Defense is a big part of our collective focus as a team, and I owe a lot to my goaltenders and defensive partners for having my back.”

 

Keaton Middleton is a physical defenseman who completed his third season with the Colorado Eagles and fifth in the AHL.  He led the team in penalty minutes with 125 and owned a +9 rating.  The former Saginaw Spirit Captain contributed 3 goals and 20 assists from the blueline.  The 6’6, 240 pound defenseman is a former fourth-round draft pick of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

 

“I definitely need to give a shoutout to Colorado Eagles Defense Coach Aaron Schneekloth for all the help he has been over the last couple seasons,” said Middleton.

 

 

-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.

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

 

The PHPA Best Defensive Defenseman Award is presented to one defenseman from the American Hockey League and ECHL Eastern and Western Conferences whose offensive output or statistics may not necessarily reflect the significance of his consistent defensive contributions to the team.

 

ECHL Eastern Conference: Ethan Cap, Greenville Swamp Rabbits

 

After five years with the WHL’s Edmonton Oil Kings, Ethan Cap has spent the past two seasons with the Greenville Swamp Rabbits.  In 70 games during his sophomore season, Cap contributed offensively with 2 goals and 19 assists, while showcasing his admirable defensive abilities with a +20 rating.

 

“It’s an honor to be recognized by my peers in the league, especially with all the other talented players in the conference,” said Cap.  “Thanks boys!”

 

 

ECHL Western Conference: Kris Myllari, Allen Americans

 

Although he contributes to the team offensively, Kris Myllari’s defensive contributions were also a huge reason why the Allen Americans finished second in the Mountain Division.  Standing at 6’3, Myllari finished the 2022-23 season with 44 penalty minutes and led the Americans in plus-minus with a +10 rating.  The Kanata, Ontario native spent four seasons at Pen State University before turning pro in 2020.

 

“It is a tremendous honor to receive any award, especially one that is voted on by your peers,” said Myllari.  “Defensive awards are won collectively as a team, and I am very proud to have been part of such a resilient group this season.”

 

 

AHL Eastern Conference: Ty Emberson, Hartford Wolf Pack

 

The 23-year-old from Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Ty Emberson had a tremendous first season with the Hartford Wolf Pack.  His defensive abilities were on full display, finishing second on the team with a +17 rating.  He also contributed 7 goals and 20 assists in 69 games this season.  The third-round pick of Arizona Coyotes spent three years at the University of Wisconsin where he was Captain during his final season before turning pro.  He was also a member of the 2020 US National Junior Team.

 

“It’s a great honor to be recognized for this award,” said Emberson.  “I had a lot of fun playing with the Wolf Pack this year.  I was fortunate enough to play for a great coaching staff and with an exciting group of guys.”

 

 

 

AHL Western Conference: Tie – Jimmy Schuldt, Coachella Valley Firebirds & Keaton Middleton, Colorado Eagles

 

Jimmy Schuldt’s defensive efforts are a big reason why the Coachella Valley Firebirds finished second in the Pacific Division in their inaugural season.  The fourth-year pro from Minnetonka, Minnesota produced eight goals and 24 assists while ranking second on the team with a +22 rating.  He previously played college hockey for St. Cloud State before making his NHL debut with the Vegas Golden Knights on April 6th, 2019.

 

I’m grateful to be recognized by my teammates and peers,” said Schuldt.  “Defense is a big part of our collective focus as a team, and I owe a lot to my goaltenders and defensive partners for having my back.”

 

Keaton Middleton is a physical defenseman who completed his third season with the Colorado Eagles and fifth in the AHL.  He led the team in penalty minutes with 125 and owned a +9 rating.  The former Saginaw Spirit Captain contributed 3 goals and 20 assists from the blueline.  The 6’6, 240 pound defenseman is a former fourth-round draft pick of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

 

“I definitely need to give a shoutout to Colorado Eagles Defense Coach Aaron Schneekloth for all the help he has been over the last couple seasons,” said Middleton.

 

 

-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.