(Niagara Falls, ON) The Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2023-24 Best Defensive Defenseman Award as voted by PHPA Members at the conclusion of the 2023-24 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.
AHL Eastern Conference: Dylan McIlrath, Hershey Bears
The 12-year pro from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Dylan McIlrath had an exceptional defensive season for the Hershey Bears, the AHL’s top team during the regular season. The former NHL first-round draft pick’s elite defensive abilities have allowed him to play big minutes against the opposing team’s top players. The Bears Captain finished the regular season with 3 goals and 6 assists with a +6 rating and 100 penalty minutes. McIlrath recently lead the Hershey Bears to back-to-back Calder Cup Championships, which brought his career total to three.
AHL Western Conference: Jimmy Schuldt, Coachella Valley Firebirds
Jimmy Schuldt captures the Best Defensive Defenseman Award for a second consecutive season, helping the Firebirds finish atop the Western Conference in the regular season and playoffs. The fifth-year pro from Minnetonka, Minnesota produced 5 goals and 19 assists and finished the regular season 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 as an undrafted free agent signing.
ECHL Eastern Conference: Joe Leahy, Greenville Swamp Rabbits
For a second consecutive season, a Greenville Swamp Rabbits defenseman has won the Best Defensive Defenseman Award. Joe Leahy had an outstanding rookie season, contributing 9 goals and 18 assists for a total of 27 points in 69 games. He also led the team in plus minus with a +18 rating establishing himself as an anchor on the back end. Prior to turning pro in 2023, Leahy played three seasons at Cornell University followed by two more at the University of Vermont.
ECHL Western Conference: Dominic Dockery, Wichita Thunder
Dominic Dockery recently completed his second season with the Wichita Thunder, appearing in 65 games and contributing 9 assists. The 6’2 defenseman from Lockport, NY averaged over 18 minutes a night and finished the season with an impressive 111 blocked shots. Prior to turning pro, Dockery spent four seasons at Merrimack College before joining the University of Maine for an additional year.
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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.
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