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

The Unsung Hero Award is presented to one player from the American Hockey League and ECHL Eastern and Western Conferences who exhibit outstanding and consistent play yet do not receive the recognition typically bestowed upon other players. Their contributions often fly under the radar yet are noticed and appreciated by teammates and peers throughout the league.

ECHL Eastern Conference: Todd Skirving, Newfoundland Growlers

Assistant Captain of the Newfoundland Growlers, Todd Skirving had a career year tallying 31 goals and 27 assists in 70 games with the Growlers this season.  He was loaned to the Toronto Marlies earlier this season and made his AHL debut on April 5.  The 31-year-old from Thunder Bay, Ontario has spent the past four seasons with the Growlers and during that time has made a significant impact on the ice and in the community.

“It is an honor to receive this award with so many other talented and deserving unsung heroes in the Eastern Conference,” said Skitving.  “I am grateful for my teammates and coaches who make my job a little easier each night.  Thank you to the players who voted.  It is an absolute pleasure being able to compete against you all, night in and night out.”

ECHL Western Conference: Logan Nelson, Rapid City Rush

Drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in 2012, Logan Nelson collected 21 goals and 36 assists in 65 games during his second season with the Rapid City Rush.  Nelson has served as Assistant Captain for the Rush throughout the past two seasons and received the team’s Blaine Jarvis Heart & Soul Award in 2022.  Prior to making his professional debut, the Rogers, Minnesota native was a member of the WHL’s Victoria Royals for three seasons.

“I definitely was not expecting to get this message today.  It really means a lot to me to be recognized by other players in the league for this award,” said Nelson.  “I’ve been lucky to spend the last nine years playing alongside some of the best guys I know, and how cool to be recognized by them. Thanks to everyone who thought of me.” 

AHL Eastern Conference: Cole Cassels, Belleville Senators

Cole Cassels, a former third-round pick of the Vancouver Canucks in 2013 took his game to another level this past season recording career highs in goals (12), assists (39), and points (51) with the Belleville Senators.  Cassels led the Sens in assists and was recognized by his teammates with the Sens’ 2022-23 Players Choice Award. The former Oshawa General and Memorial Cup Champion has appeared in over 415 AHL games to date.

“I am very honored and excited to receive the Unsung Hero Award for the Eastern Conference,” said Cassels.  “I couldn’t have received this award without the help of my teammates, coaching staff, family, and friends. I’d like to thank my peers for voting and acknowledging me with such an award.”

AHL Western Conference: Rhett Gardner, Texas Stars

Drafted by the Dallas Stars in 2016, Rhett Gardner posted 10 goals and 30 assists in 71 games during his fourth season with the Texas Stars. The forward from Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan also possessed an impressive +26 rating.  Prior to making his professional debut, Gardner played four years at the University of North Dakota, where he won a National Championship in 2016.  He has also appeared in 40 NHL games with the Dallas Stars.

“It is a humbling honor to receive the Western Conference Unsung Hero Award,” said Gardner.  “Being voted on by players I play against is one of the biggest compliments I could receive. My goal every season is to bring consistency in my game and to my teammates every night. This wouldn’t have been possible without the help and preparation every day from my coaches, teammates, and staff around me.”

-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), and Twitter (@thephpa), and tune into the PHPA Podcast.