(Niagara Falls, ON) The Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2023-24 Heart, Hustle, Desire Award as voted by PHPA Members at the conclusion of the 2023-24 season. 

The Heart, Hustle, Desire Award is presented to one player from the American Hockey League and ECHL Eastern and Western Conferences who is 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.

AHL Eastern Conference: Patrick Brown, Providence Bruins

Patrick Brown, an undrafted free agent, spent four seasons with Boston College before embarking on a ten-year professional career where he’s appeared in over 445 AHL games, as well as 149 NHL games. Brown is a proven leader on the ice having Captained Boston College, the Charlotte Checkers, and the Henderson Silver Knights.  This past season was his first with the Bruins organization where he tallied 11 goals and 21 assists in 42 games with Providence. Additionally, the former Calder Cup Champion appeared in 11 NHL games with Boston.

AHL Western Conference: Max McCormick, Coachella Valley Firebirds

Max McCormick receives the Heart, Hustle, Desire Award for the second consecutive season. Named the first Captain in Firebirds franchise history, McCormick led the team to a Calder Cup Finals appearance in their inaugural season. This year, he followed it up by leading Coachella to another Calder Cup Finals appearance. Across 68 games this season, the 32-year-old tallied 32 goals and 28 assists for 60 points, a +20 rating and 61 penalty minutes. Furthermore, McCormick appeared in one game for the Seattle Kraken this season, bringing his career total to 94 NHL games played.

ECHL Eastern Conference: Cédric Montminy, Trois-Rivières Lions

In his third year as Captain of the Trois-Rivières Lions, Cédric Montminy put together a strong campaign in his eighth professional season. The Sherbrooke, Quebec native recorded 19 goals and 14 assists for 33 points, along with 118 penalty minutes. Before joining the Lions in 2021, Montminy played three seasons with the Rapid City Rush following two professional seasons abroad in France and Germany.

ECHL Western Conference: Jason Pineo, Wichita Thunder

Jason Pineo recently completed his rookie season, recording 13 goals and 14 assists for 27 points in 71 games with the Thunder.  After spending four years at Niagara University, he joined the Thunder late in 2023, at the conclusion of his senior season. Pineo left Niagara after a standout year, achieving career highs in goals and assist while winning 54.7% of his faceoffs.

-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.