(Niagara Falls, ON) The Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2017-18 PHPA Built Tough Award as voted by the player Membership of the PHPA. 

The PHPA Built Tough Award is presented to one player from the American Hockey League Eastern and Western Conferences and one player from the ECHL Eastern and Western Conferences who are considered by their peers to be the toughest in their respective conference.  A player who is always there for his teammates and helps make his team one of the most challenging to play against.

ECHL Eastern Conference: Yannick Turcotte, Worcester Railers

As a rookie with the Worcester Railers, Yannick Turcotte made sure his presence was felt. In 53 games, the 6’0, 203 lbs forward accumulated 188 penalty minutes including 21 fighting majors.  Turcotte also saw action in five AHL games with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers where he amassed 34 penalty minutes. The native of Quebec City played four seasons in the QMJHL for the Quebec Ramparts before joining the Railers in 2017-18. 

“It’s nice to see the other players notice of your work and think that you’re tough to play against, especially with this being only my first year in the league,” said Turcotte. “I try to play physical, intense, and be hard to play against.  I always want to be there for my teammates and certainly take pride in my roll.”

ECHL Western Conference: Travis Howe, Utah Grizzlies

The 24-year-old defenseman from Falmouth, Massachusetts played 44 games for the Utah Grizzlies in 2017-18 recording 195 penalty minutes while contributing 5 goals and 5 assists.  Standing 6’4 and weighing 200 lbs, Howe joined the Grizzlies in 2016-17 after playing one season in the SPHL.

“I think it’s really cool actually to be recognized by the guys I play with and against. It’s nice to know other guys have a respect for what I do,” said Howe. “I appreciate my teammates that voted for me. It’s nice they know I’m willing to do whatever it takes to keep them safe out there.”

AHL Eastern Conference: Tyler Randell, Belleville Senators

Playing in his seventh season at the pro level, the Scarborough, Ontario native amassed 94 penalty minutes in 57 games during the 2017-18 season with the Belleville Senators.  Drafted by the Boston Bruins in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, the 26-year-old played the previous six seasons with the Providence Bruins as well as 27 games at the NHL level where he scored 6 goals and accumulated 47 penalty minutes.   

“It’s a great feeling. It’s great to see physical play is still noticed with the game changing as much as it is,” said Randell. “I just try and be hard to play against and be that physical presence that deters the other team from playing their game.”

AHL Western Conference: Dylan McIlrath, Grand Rapids Griffins  

Drafted 10^th overall by the New York Rangers in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, the 6’5, 236 lbs defenseman from Winnipeg, Manitoba played 76 games for the Grand Rapids Griffins this past season amassing 119 penalty minutes while adding 7 goals and 10 assists.  Throughout his six-year professional career, McIlrath has played 43 games in the NHL gathering 94 penalty minutes.

“It’s pretty cool to have your peers vote you as one of the toughest to play against. It means a lot,” said McIlrath. “My teammates know I have their back. I try and play a hard, honest game and if other guys are noticing that I think it means I’m doing my job well.”