Players Vote for Recipients of the PHPA Built Tough Award
(Niagara Falls, ON) The Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2023-24 PHPA Built Tough Award as voted by PHPA Members at the conclusion of the 2023-24 season.
The Built Tough Award is presented to one player from the American Hockey League and ECHL Eastern and Western Conferences considered by their peers to be the toughest in their respective conference. A player who is always there for his teammates and helps make his team one of the most challenging to play against.
AHL Eastern Conference: Matt Rempe, Hartford Wolf Pack
Drafted by the New York Rangers in the sixth round of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, Matt Rempe suited up for 43 games with the Wolf Pack before joining the Rangers toward the end of the season and into the playoffs. This season with the Wolf Pack, Rempe tallied 8 goals and 4 assists while amassing 96 penalty minutes. Standing at 6’7 and weighing 241 pounds, his rare combination of size and skill made him a formidable presence in the AHL, a reputation he carried into the NHL. The forward from Calgary, Alberta has captivated the hockey world and has become a fan favorite with his physical style of play.
AHL Western Conference: Keaton Middleton, Colorado Eagles
Winning the PHPA Built Tough Award for the second consecutive season, Keaton Middleton’s blend of leadership and physical style of play makes him difficult to play against. The Eagles’ Assistant Captain finished his sixth professional season and fourth with the club, recording 6 goals and 9 assists in 71 games. Middleton ranked second on the Eagles with a + 14 rating while also accumulating 136 penalty minutes. His relentless physicality consistently wears down opponents, particularly when defending below the goal line and in front of the net.
ECHL Eastern Conference: Darian Skeoch, Adirondack Thunder
The 25-year-old defenseman from New Liskeard, Ontario had a physically dominant season for the Adirondack Thunder in his first year with the team. Skecoh produced one goal and 6 assists in 44 games while also adding 185 penalty minutes, helping the Thunder finish atop the ECHL Eastern Conference standings. The four-year ECHL veteran has quickly become a fan favorite in Adirondack for his physical style of play and his willingness to stick up for teammates.
ECHL Western Conference: Chaz Reddekopp, Kalamazoo Wings
Reddekopp is not only a great leader, but also brings an intimidating style of play which allows his teammates to be comfortable on the ice and excel in their roles. The Wings’ Captain produced 5 goals and 10 assists with a +5 rating, while leading all ECHL defenseman in penalty minutes (194). Prior to joining the Wings in 2023, Reddekopp spent time with various teams across the AHL and ECHL. To date, he has appeared in 265 professional games including 92 in the AHL and 172 in the ECHL.
-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 1,800 players across 60 teams throughout the American Hockey League and ECHL. Visit PHPA.com, follow the PHPA on Instagram (@thephpa), X (@thephpa), and tune into The PHPA Podcast.