Allen’s Crone is Warrior Hockey/ECHL Most Valuable Player

The ECHL on Friday announced that Hank Crone of the Allen Americans has been selected as the Warrior Hockey ECHL Most Valuable Player for 2022-23. The Warrior Hockey Most Valuable Player award is 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.  Zach O’Brien of Newfoundland finished second, followed by Toledo’s Brandon Hawkins, John Lethemon of Toledo and Idaho’s Matt Register.  Named to the ECHL All-Rookie Team and All-ECHL First Team last week and ECHL Rookie of the Year on Monday, Crone joins Ryan Zapolski (2012-13), David Desharnais (2007-08), Frederic Cloutier (2001-02), Bill MacDougall (1989-90) and Darryl Harpe (1988-89) as the only rookies to be named League MVP. Crone led the ECHL in the regular season with 49 goals and 105 points, becoming the first rookie to lead the league in scoring since Elmira’s Dustin Gazley in 2011-12. Crone led the league with 39 power-play points, while his 16 power-play goals were tops among first-year players and tied for second overall, while 23 power-play assists were tied for sixth overall. Warrior Hockey ECHL Most Valuable Player Award Winners2022-23           Hank Crone, Allen Americans2021-22           Will Graber, Fort Wayne Komets2020-21           Anthony Beauregard, Wichita Thunder2019-20           Josh Kestner, Toledo Walleye2018-19           Jesse Schultz, Cincinnati Cyclones2017-18           Shawn Szydlowski, Fort Wayne Komets2016-17           Chad Costello, Allen Americans2015-16           Chad Costello, Allen Americans2014-15           Jeff Jakaitis, South Carolina Stingrays2013-14           Mickey Lang, Orlando Solar Bears2012-13           Ryan Zapolski, South Carolina Stingrays2011-12           Chad Costello, Colorado Eagles2010-11           Wes Goldie, Alaska Aces2009-10           Tyler Donati, Elmira Jackals2008-09           Kevin Baker, Florida Everblades2007-08           David Desharnais, Cincinnati Cyclones2006-07           Brad Schell, Gwinnett Gladiators2005-06           Jeff Campbell, Gwinnett Gladiators2004-05           Scott Gomez, Alaska Aces2003-04           Scott Stirling, Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies2002-03           Buddy Smith, Arkansas RiverBlades2001-02           Frederic Cloutier, Louisiana IceGators2000-01           Scott King, Charlotte Checkers1999-00           Andrew Williamson, Toledo Storm1998-99           Chris Valicevic, Louisiana IceGators1997-98           Jamey Hicks, Birmingham Bulls1996-97           Mike Ross, South Carolina Stingrays1995-96           Hugo Belanger, Nashville Knights1994-95           Vadim Slivchenko, Wheeling Thunderbirds1993-94           Joe Flanagan, Birmingham Bulls1992-93           Trevor Jobe, Nashville Knights1991-92           Phil Berger, Greensboro Monarchs1990-91           Stan Drulia, Knoxville Cherokees1989-90           Bill McDougall, Erie Panthers1988-89           Daryl Harpe, Erie Panthers