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

The Unsung Hero Award is presented to one player from the American Hockey League and ECHL Eastern and Western Conferences who exhibits outstanding and consistent play yet does 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.

AHL Eastern Conference: Riley Sutter, Hershey Bears

Riley Sutter, a former third-round pick of the Washington Capitals in 2018, elevated his game this past season recording career highs in goals (9), assists (14), and points (23) to help the Hershey Bears secure the Macgregor Kilpatrick Trophy as the AHL’s overall regular season champions. The forward from Calgary, Alberta, finished the season with a +11 rating showcasing his strong defensive abilities and awareness.  Sutter has spent his entire 5-year career with the Bears and was an important member of the 2023 and 2024 Calder Cup Championship team.

AHL Western Conference: Mike Hardman, Rockford IceHogs

An undrafted free agent signing by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2021, Mike Hardman posted 22 goals and 15 assists in 63 games during his third season with the Rockford IceHogs. He finished fourth on the team in points this season and became a key contributor offensively. Prior to making his professional debut with the Chicago Blackhawks, Hardman played two seasons at Boston College.

ECHL Eastern Conference: Oliver Chau, Florida Everblades

Assistant Captain of the 2024 Kelly Cup Champion Florida Everblades, Oliver Chau had a career year tallying 26 goals and 34 assists in 70 regular season games while also becoming a key contributor in this year’s Kelly Cup run winning the June M. Kelly Playoffs Most Valuable Player Award. Over the past two seasons Chau has quietly been a consistent force in the ECHL, recording 97 points in 112 games. He has been a champion at every level he’s played, winning an AJHL Championship, an NCAA Championship, and 2 Kelly Cups.

ECHL Western Conference: Conlan Keenan, Toledo Walleye

Conlan Keenan had a career season for the Toledo Walleye recording a career high in goals (25) and points (40) on the ECHL’s second best regular season team.  The forward from Webster, New York recently completed his fourth professional season, marking his third with the Walleye. Before turning pro in 2020 with the Tulsa Oilers, Keenan spent four years at SUNY-Geneseo where he served as the Captain in his final two seasons.

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