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ECHL TROPHIES

Kelly Cup

Presented annually to the playoff champion of the ECHL. Named in recognition of Patrick J. Kelly, one of the founding fathers of the ECHL. Kelly served as the ECHL's Commissioner for the League's first eight seasons before being named Commissioner Emeritus, a position he still holds, upon his retirement in 1996. (Note: Prior to 1997, the ECHL champion was awarded the Riley Cup.)

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Riley Cup (Retired in 1996)

Presented to the playoff champion of the ECHL from 1989 through 1996. Named in recognition of Jack Riley, who was a player, coach, general manager and scout, and one of the most respected names in hockey. Riley was President of the American Hockey League from 1964-67 and was then a scout for the Pittsburgh Penguins until being named Commissioner of the Southern Hockey League in 1975.

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June M. Kelly Award - Playoffs MVP

Awarded annually to the most valuable player for his team in the playoffs. Winner selected by the ECHL staff at the conclusion of the final game of the Kelly Cup Finals. In 2019, the trophy was named in honor of June M. Kelly, the wife of Patrick J. Kelly, the ECHL's first Commissioner.

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Brabham Cup

Trophy is awarded annually to the regular-season point champion of the ECHL. Named in recognition of Henry Brabham, a founding member of the ECHL who worked tirelessly to establish the fledgling league.

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E.A. "Bud" Gingher Trophy

Trophy is presented to the club that advances to the Kelly Cup Finals from the Eastern Conference. The trophy is named in recognition of E.A. “Bud” Gingher, who was Chairman of the ECHL Board of Governors from 1992-95. Gingher, who passed away in 2002, co-founded the Dayton Bombers in 1991 and owned the team for seven seasons, serving as President and Governor until selling the team in 1998. Gingher was inducted into the ECHL Hall of Fame in 2010. (NOTE: Prior to 2004, the trophy was presented to the winner of the Northern Conference.)

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Bruce Taylor Trophy

Trophy is presented to the club that advances to the Kelly Cup Finals from the Western Conference. Named in recognition of Bruce Taylor, who was the founding father of the West Coast Hockey League. (NOTE: Prior to 2004, the trophy was presented to the winner of the Southern Conference.)

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Most Valuable Player

Presented annually to the player selected to be the most valuable to his team as determined in a vote of ECHL coaches, broadcasters, media relations directors and media members.

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John Brophy Award - Coach of the Year

Awarded annually to the ECHL coach adjudged to have contributed the most to his team's success as determined in a vote of ECHL coaches, broadcasters, media relations directors and media members. The award is named in honor of legendary ECHL coach John Brophy prior to the 2003-04 season. Brophy coached 13 seasons in the ECHL (11 with Hampton Roads and two with Wheeling), winning three championships and being inducted into the ECHL Hall of Fame in 2009.

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Nick Vitucci Goalie of the Year

Presented annually to the goalkeeper adjudged to be the most valuable to his team as determined in a vote of ECHL coaches, broadcasters, media relations directors and media members. In 2022, the award was named in honor of 2008 ECHL Hall of Fame inductee Nick Vitucci.

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John A. Daley Memorial Trophy - Rookie Of The Year

The award is presented annually to the player selected as the most proficient in his first year of competition in the ECHL as determined in a vote of ECHL coaches, broadcasters, media relations directors and media members. The trophy was named in honor of John A. Daley in 1997. Daley, who passed away in 1996, was one of the founding fathers of the ECHL, serving as general manger and minority owner of the Johnstown Chiefs from the inception of the team in 1988 until 1994.

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Defensemen Of The Year

Awarded annually to the defenseman who demonstrates throughout the season the greatest ability at the position as determined in a vote of ECHL coaches, broadcasters, media relations directors and media members.

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