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

The Heart, Hustle, Desire is presented to one player from the American Hockey League and ECHL Eastern and Western Conferences who are considered by their peers to be the hardest working player in their respective League’s Conference, demonstrating heart, hustle, and desire each and every day, both on and off the ice.

ECHL Eastern Conference: Anthony Beauchamp, Greenville Swamp Rabbits

In 67 games with the Greenville Swamp Rabbits, the second-year pro from Thurso, Quebec recorded 10 goals and 21 assists for 31 points, including 37 penalty minutes, and a +12 rating.  Prior to joining the Swamp Rabbits in 2021, Beauchamp played Canadian University hockey split between Concordia University and the University of Toronto.

“It is an honor to receive this award,” said Beauchamp.  “I have always been regarded as an underdog, but the people around me, including my teammates, agent, coaches, family, and friends, have always encouraged and supported me in my pursuit of becoming a professional hockey player.  Since a very young age, I have understood that the only thing you can control in this world is how hard you work to achieve your goals.  For me, the commitment I made to become a professional hockey player was irrevocable, and I am grateful to my teammates and peers in the Eastern Conference for acknowledging my efforts.  It means a lot to me.”

ECHL Western Conference: Eddie Matsushima, Tulsa Oilers

The Tulsa Oilers Assistant Captain put together a career year in his second season with the club, scoring 28 goals and contributing 19 assists in 65 games.  The Verona, Wisconsin native played four seasons at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls where he was Captain in his final two seasons before starting his professional hockey career in 2019.  This past season Matsushima made his first ECHL All-Star appearance. 

“I’m honored to be chosen by my peers for this award in such a hard-working conference,” said Matsushima.  “There are a lot of other players that deserve this award.  It’s always humbling to receive an award such as this which continues to motivate me to push even harder for next season.”

AHL Eastern Conference: Cole Bardreau, Bridgeport Islanders

An undrafted free agent after spending four seasons with Cornell University, Cole Bardreau has appeared in over 400 AHL games, as well as 11 NHL games with the New York Islanders throughout his nine-year professional career.  Bridgeport’s Assistant Captain registered 15 goals and 16 assists in 67 games this season.  

“I am extremely grateful and honored to be recognized by my peers for this award,” said Bardreau.  “I have always believed that our effort is the only thing we can control.  We may not always get the bounces, but we can always decide how hard we want to compete.  Although I am holding out hope that I get more bounces next year so I can make a push for the scoring title.  All joking aside, this is an area I really take pride in, and it means a lot to have the guys you play against take notice.”

AHL Western Conference: Max McCormick, Coachella Valley Firebirds

Named the first Captain in Firebirds franchise history, Max McCormick led the team to a Calder Cup Finals in the team’s inaugural season.  Across 71 games this season, the 31-year-old tallied 28 goals and 39 assists for 67 points, a +15 rating, and 76 penalty minutes.  Drafted by the Ottawa Senators in 2011, the Wisconsin native has appeared in 453 AHL games and 93 NHL games.

“It’s an honor for me to receive this award,” said McCormick.  “It makes it that much more special knowing that it was voted on by my peers.”

-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.