As a means to recognize the many outstanding achievements of PHPA Members, the PHPA established several Player Voted Awards and categories.
Player Representative of the Year Award
The PHPA Player Representative of the Year Awards were developed in 2021 to recognize the outstanding efforts put forth by PHPA Player Representatives throughout the season from both the American Hockey League and ECHL. The Awards also serve as a platform to honor the significant contributions made to the PHPA by Founding Member Doug Messier and long-time PHPA Advisor, Jim Wiley.
Award recipients are selected from the collective input of all PHPA staff, Advisors, and Executive Committee and are recognized during the PHPA Annual Meeting of Player Representatives.
Doug Messier AHL Player Representative of the Year Award
2024 – Byron Froese, Henderson Silver Knights
2023 – Zac Dalpe, Charlotte Checkers
2022 – Mason Shaw, Iowa Wild
2021 – Keegan Lowe, San Diego Gulls
T. Jim Wiley ECHL Player Representative of the Year Award
2024 – Cédric Montminy, Trois-Rivières Lions
2023 – Anthony Petruzzelli, Fort Wayne Komets
2022 – Mathieu Brodeur, Trois-Rivieres Lions
2021 – Shawn Szydlowski, Fort Wayne Komets
Player Voted Awards
Following the 2014-15 season, PHPA Members began voting on a series of season-ending individual awards, separated by League and further by Conference, to determine the players judged to be the very best in several different award categories.
Heart, Hustle, Desire Award
Presented to one player from each AHL and ECHL Conference 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 night, both on and off the ice.
2024 – Patrick Brown, Providence Bruins, AHL Eastern Conference
2024 – Max McCormick, Coachella Valley Firebirds, AHL Western Conference
2024 – Cédric Montminy, Trois-Rivières Lions, ECHL Eastern Conference
2024 – Jason Pineo, Wichita Thunder, ECHL Western Conference
2023 – Cole Bardreau, Bridgeport Islanders, AHL Eastern Conference
2023 – Max McCormick, Coachella Valley Firebirds, AHL Western Conference
2023 – Anthony Beauchamp, Greenville Swamp Rabbits, ECHL Eastern Conference
2023 – Eddie Matsushima, Tulsa Oilers, ECHL Western Conference
2019 – Joe Cox, Florida Everblades, ECHL Eastern Conference
2019 – Nate Mitton, Cincinnati Cyclones, ECHL Western Conference
2018 – Tom Kostopoulos, Wilkes-Barre / Scranton Penguins, AHL Eastern Conference
2018 – Brett Sutter, Ontario Reign, AHL Western Conference
2018 – Patrick Gaul, South Carolina Stingrays, ECHL Eastern Conference
2018 – (Tie) Justin Danforth, Cincinnati Cyclones & Gabriel Desjardins, Fort Wayne Komets, ECHL Western Conference
2017 – Carter Bancks, Utica Comets, AHL Eastern Conference
2017 – John McCarthy, San Jose Barracuda, AHL Western Conference
2017 – Patrick Gaul, South Carolina Stingrays, ECHL Eastern Conference
2017 – C.J. Eick, Utah Grizzlies, ECHL Western Conference
2016 – Carter Bancks, Utica Comets, AHL Eastern Conference
2016 – Jake Dowell, Rockford Ice Hogs, AHL Western Conference
2016 – Patrick Gaul, South Carolina Stingrays, ECHL Eastern Conference
2016 – Josh Holmstrom, Missouri Mavericks, ECHL Western Conference
2015 – Bobby Farnham, Wilkes-Barre / Scranton Penguins, AHL
2015 – Gary Steffes, Allen Americans, ECHL
Game Saving Goalie Award
Presented to one goaltender from each AHL and ECHL Conference who is known to consistently make the big save at the biggest moment of the game. He can steal a win for his team, frustrate opponents, and is regarded as the hardest goaltender to play against.
2024 – Hunter Shepard, Hershey Bears, AHL Eastern Conference
2024 – (Tie) Chris Driedger, Coachella Valley Firebirds & Dustin Wolf, Calgary Wranglers, AHL Western Conference
2024 – Cam Johnson, Florida Everblades, ECHL Eastern Conference
2024 – Cale Morris, Kansas City Mavericks, ECHL Western Conference
2023 – Joel Hofer, Springfield Thunderbirds, AHL Eastern Conference
2023 – Dustin Wolf, Calgary Wranglers, AHL Western Conference
2023 – Pat Nagle, Reading Royals, ECHL Eastern Conference
2023 – Adam Scheel, Idaho Steelheads, ECHL Western Conference
2019 – Sean Bonar, Atlanta Gladiators, ECHL Eastern Conference
2019 – Michael Houser, Cincinnati Cyclones, ECHL Western Conference
2018 – Garret Sparks, Toronto Marlies, AHL Eastern Conference
2018 – Michael Hutchinson, Manitoba Moose, AHL Western Conference
2018 – Mitch Gillam, Worcester Railers, ECHL Eastern Conference
2018 – Michael Houser, Fort Wayne Komets, ECHL Western Conference
2017 – Zane McIntyre, Providence Bruins, AHL Eastern Conference
2017 – Troy Grosenick, San Jose Barracuda, AHL Western Conference
2017 – J.P. Anderson, Adirondack Thunder, ECHL Eastern Conference
2017 – Riley Gill, Allen Americans, ECHL Western Conference
2015 – Matt Murray, Wilkes-Barre / Scranton Penguins, AHL
2015 – Jeff Jakaitis, South Carolina Stingrays, ECHL
Best Defensive Defenseman Award
Presented to one player from each AHL and ECHL Conference whose offensive output or statistics may not necessarily reflect the significance of his consistent defensive contributions to the team.
2024 – Dylan McIlrath, Hershey Bears, AHL Eastern Conference
2024 – Jimmy Schuldt, Coachella Valley Firebirds, AHL Western Conference
2024– Joe Leahy, Greenville Swamp Rabbits, ECHL Eastern Conference
2024 – Dominic Dockery, Wichita Thunder, ECHL Western Conference
2023 – Ty Emberson, Heartford Wolf Pack, AHL Eastern Conference
2023 – (Tie) Jimmy Schuldt, Coachella Valley Firebirds & Keaton Middleton, Colorado Eagles, AHL Western Conference
2023 – Ethan Cap, Greenville Swamp Rabbits, ECHL Eastern Conference
2023 – Kris Myllari, Allen Americans, ECHL Western Conference
2019 – Connor Doherty, Worcester Railers, ECHL Eastern Conference
2019 – Keegan Kanzig, Idaho Steelheads, ECHL Western Conference
2018 – Andrew MacWilliam, Rochester Americans, AHL Eastern Conference
2018 – Andrew Campbell, Tucson Roadrunners, AHL Western Conference
2018 – David Kolomatis, Manchester Monarchs, ECHL Eastern Conference
2018 – (Tie) Curtis Leonard, Fort Wayne Komets & Jake Marto, Colorado Eagles, ECHL Western Conference
2017 – Andrew Campbell, Toronto Marlies AHL Eastern Conference
2017 – Vincent LoVerde, Ontario Reign, AHL Western Conference
2017 – Eric Knodel, Cincinnati Cyclones, ECHL Eastern Conference
2017 – Joel Chouinard, Allen Americans, ECHL Western Conference
2016 – Andrew Campbell, Toronto Marlies, AHL Eastern Conference
2016 – Jeff Schultz, Ontario Reign, AHL Western Conference
2016 – Joey Leach, South Carolina Stingrays, ECHL Eastern Conference
2016 – Corbin Baldwin, Idaho Steelheads, ECHL Western Conference
Built Tough Award
Presented to one player from each AHL and ECHL Conference who is 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.
2024 – Matt Rempe, Heartford Wolf Pack, AHL Eastern Conference
2024 – Keaton Middleton, Colorado Eagles, AHL Western Conference
2024 – Darian Skeoch, Adirondack Thunder, ECHL Eastern Conference
2024 – Chaz Reddekopp, Kalamazoo Wings, ECHL Western Conference
2023 – Dylan McIlrath, Hershey Bears, AHL Eastern Conference
2023 – Keaton Middleton, Colorado Eagles, AHL Western Conference
2023 – James Melindy, Newfoundland Growlers, ECHL Eastern Conference
2023 – Sean Allen, Cincinnati Cyclones, ECHL Western Conference
2019 – Yanick Turcotte, Worcester Railers, ECHL Eastern Conference
2019 – Arvin Atwal, Cincinnati Cyclones, ECHL Western Conference
2018 – Tyler Randell, Belleville Senators, AHL Eastern Conference
2018 – Dylan McIlrath, Grand Rapids Griffins, AHL Western Conference
2018 - Yanick Turcotte, Worcester Railers, ECHL Eastern Conference
2018 – Travis Howe, Utah Grizzlies, ECHL Western Conference
2017 – Justin Vaive, Rochester Americans AHL Eastern Conference
2017 – Mike Liambas, Milwaukee Admirals, AHL Western Conference
2017 – Brandon McNally, Cincinnati Cyclones, ECHL Eastern Conference
2017 – Derek Mathers, Allen Americans, ECHL Western Conference
2016 – Pierre-Luc Létourneau Leblond, Albany Devils, AHL Eastern Conference
2016 – Kyle Hagel, Charlotte Checkers, AHL Western Conference
2016 – Bobby Shea, South Carolina Stingrays, ECHL Eastern Conference
2016 – Garet Hunt, Alaska Aces, ECHL Western Conference
Top Prospect Award
Presented to one player from each AHL and ECHL Conference who stands out as the best next future star to succeed and make an impact at the next level of the sport.
2019 – John Edwardh, Adirondack Thunder, ECHL Eastern Conference
2019 – Pascal Aquin, Cincinnati Cyclones, ECHL Western Conference
2018 – Thatcher Demko, Utica Comets, AHL Eastern Conference
2018 – Sami Niku, Manitoba Moose, AHL Western Conference
2018 – Grant Besse, Norfolk Admirals, ECHL Eastern Conference
2018 – Michael Joly, Colorado Eagles, ECHL Western Conference
2017 – Kasperi Kapanen, Toronto Marlies, AHL Eastern Conference
2017 – Pontus Aberg, Milwaukee Admirals, AHL Western Conference
2017 – Brendan O’Donnell, Florida Everblades, ECHL Eastern Conference
2017 – Jake Paterson, Toledo Walleye, ECHL Western Conference
2016 – William Nylander, Toronto Marlies, AHL Eastern Conference
2016 – Mikko Rantanen, Milwaukee Admirals, AHL Western Conference
2015 – Teemu Pulkkinen, Grand Rapids Griffins
Veteran Presence Award
Presented to one player from each ECHL Conference who qualifies as a league veteran and has continuously demonstrated the ability to motivate and lead their fellow teammates. This player uses their experience to provide leadership for their teammates, both on and off the ice.
2024 – Dylan McIlrath, Hershey Bears, AHL Eastern Conference
2024 – Brett Sutter, Calgary Wranglers, AHL Western Conference
2024 – Shane Harper, Adirondack Thunder, ECHL Eastern Conference
2024 – A.J. White, Idaho Steelheads, ECHL Western Conference
2023 – Logan Shaw, Toronto Marlies, AHL Eastern Conference
2023 – Brett Sutter, Calgary Wranglers, AHL Western Conference
2023 – James Melindy, Newfoundland Growlers, ECHL Eastern Conference
2023 – Colton Hargrove, Allen Americans, ECHL Western Conference
2019 – James Henry, Adirondack Thunder, ECHL Eastern Conference
2019 – (Tie) Steven Kaunisto, Tulsa Oilers & Jamie Schaafsma, Fort Wayne Komets, ECHL Western Conference
Clutch Performer Award
Presented to one player from each ECHL Conference who can be relied upon by their team to provide late-game heroics, an overtime winner, a game-winning save, or any reason for the team’s success when the game is on the line.
2019 – David Vallorani, Brampton Beast, ECHL Eastern Conference
2019 – Caleb Herbert, Utah Grizzlies, ECHL Western Conference
Unsung Hero Award
Presented to one player from each AHL and ECHL Conference who exhibits outstanding and consistent play yet often does not receive the recognition typically bestowed upon other players. His contributions often fly under the radar yet are noticed and appreciated by his teammates and peers throughout the league.
2024 – Riley Sutter, Hershey Bears, AHL Eastern Conference
2024 – Mike Hardman, Rockford IceHogs, AHL Western Conference
2024 – Oliver Chau, Florida Everblades, ECHL Eastern Conference
2024 – Conlan Keenan, Toledo Walleye, ECHL Western Conference
2023 – Cole Cassels, Belleville Senators, AHL Eastern Conference
2023 – Rhett Gardner, Texas Stars, AHL Western Conference
2023 – Todd Skirving, Newfoundland Growlers, ECHL Eastern Conference
2023 – Logan Nelson, Rapid City Rush, ECHL Western Conference
2016 – Rod Pelley, Albany Devils, AHL Eastern Conference
2016 – Brennan Evans, Texas Stars, AHL Western Conference
2016 – Mike Bergin, Adirondack Thunder, ECHL Eastern Conference
2016 – Rocco Carzo, Missouri Mavericks, ECHL Western Conference
Top Defenseman Award
Awarded to one defenseman from the AHL and ECHL who during the regular season exemplifies best all-around ability.
2015 – Chris Wideman, Binghamton Senators, AHL
2015 – Mike Little, Florida Everblades, ECHL
Most Valuable Player Award
Presented to one player from the AHL and ECHL voted by his peers as the top performer in the league.
2015 – Brian O’Neill, Manchester Monarchs, AHL
2015 – Chad Costello, Allen Americans, ECHL