Zach O’Brien of the Newfoundland Growlers earned the June M. Kelly Playoffs Most Valuable Player Award. O’Brien led all players in the 2019 Kelly Cup Playoffs with 16 goals and 29 points. The 16 goals are tied for the second most in a single postseason in ECHL history, just one behind the league record of 17, which was set by Richmond’s Blaine Moore in 1995 and matched by Peoria’s J.F. Boutin in 2000.
The Playoffs Most Valuable Trophy was renamed earlier this year in honor of June M. Kelly, the wife of ECHL Commissioner Emeritus Patrick J. Kelly, whom the Kelly Cup is named after. Mrs. Kelly was an integral part of the ECHL behind the scenes during her husband’s tenure as Commissioner from the League’s inaugural season in 1988-89 through his retirement following the 1995-96 season.
June M. Kelly Playoff Most Valuable Player Award2019 Zach O'Brien, Newfoundland Growlers2018 Michael Joly, Colorado Eagles2017 Matt Register, Colorado Eagles2016 Chad Costello, Allen Americans2015 Greger Hanson, Allen Americans2014 Rob Madore, Cincinnati Cyclones2013 Riley Gill, Reading Royals2012 John Muse, Florida Everblades2011 Scott Howes, Alaska Aces2010 Robert Mayer and Jeremy Smith, Cincinnati Cyclones2009 James Reimer, South Carolina Stingrays2008 Cedrick Desjardins, Cincinnati Cyclones2007 Steve Silverthorn, Idaho Steelheads2006 Mike Scott, Alaska Aces2005 Leon Hayward, Trenton Titans2004 Dan Ellis, Idaho Steelheads2003 Kevin Colley, Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies2002 Simon Gamache and Tyrone Garner, Greenville Grrrowl2001 Dave Seitz, South Carolina Stingrays2000 J.F. Boutin and Jason Christie, Peoria Rivermen1999 Travis Scott, Mississippi Sea Wolves1998 Sebastien Charpentier, Hampton Roads Admirals1997 Jason Fitzsimmons, South Carolina Stingrays1996 Nick Vitucci, Charlotte Checkers1995 Blaine Moore, Richmond Renegades1994 Dave Gagnon, Toledo Storm1993 Rick Judson, Toledo Storm1992 Mark Bernard, Hampton Roads Admirals1991 Dave Flanagan and Dave Gagnon, Hampton Roads Admirals1990 Wade Flaherty, Greensboro Monarchs1989 Nick Vitucci, Carolina Thunderbirds