Idaho’s Headrick named ECHL Defenseman of the Year

The ECHL on Wednesday announced that Owen Headrick of the Idaho Steelheads is the ECHL Defenseman of the Year for 2022-23 as determined in a vote of ECHL coaches, broadcasters, media relations directors and media members. The ECHL Defenseman of the Year award is presented annually to the defensive player who demonstrates throughout the season the greatest all-around ability in the position. Matt Register of Idaho finished second, followed by Greenville’s Max Martin, Michael Brodzinski of Orlando and Wichita’s Cole MacDonald. The winner of the Nick Vitucci Goaltender of the Year award will be announced on Thursday. Named to the ECHL All-Rookie Team and the All-ECHL First Team last week, Headrick led all ECHL defensemen with 15 goals and four game-winning goals, was tied for first with 54 points, was tied for third with six power-play goals, ranked fifth with 24 power-play points and third with a +35 rating. Headrick joins Sacha Guimond (2012-13), Brandon Smith (1994-95) and Kelly Szautner (1988-89) as the only rookies to be named Defenseman of the Year in ECHL history. ECHL Defenseman of the Year Award Winners2022-23           Owen Headrick, Idaho Steelheads2021-22           Charle-Edouard D’Astous, Utah Grizzlies2020-21           Les Lancaster, Allen Americans2019-20           Alex Breton, Allen Americans2018-19           Eric Knodel, Cincinnati Cyclones2017-18           Matt Register, Colorado Eagles2016-17           Matt Register, Colorado Eagles2015-16           Mathew Maione, Wheeling Nailers2014-15           Mike Little, Florida Everblades2013-14           Matt Register, Ontario Reign2012-13           Sacha Guimond, Gwinnett Gladiators2011-12           Aaron Schneekloth, Colorado Eagles2010-11           Eric Regan, Elmira Jackals2009-10           J.C. Sawyer, Toledo Walleye2008-09           Dylan Yeo, Victoria Salmon Kings2007-08           Peter Metcalf, Alaska Aces2006-07           Jon Awe, Gwinnett Gladiators2005-06           Ryan Gaucher, Alaska Aces2004-05           Ray DiLauro, Wheeling Nailers2003-04           Corey Neilson, Pensacola Ice Pilots2002-03           Jim Baxter, Mississippi Sea Wolves2001-02           Duncan Dalmao, Roanoke Express2000-01           Tom Nemeth, Dayton Bombers1999-00           Tom Nemeth, Dayton Bombers1998-99           Chris Valicevic, Louisiana IceGators1997-98           Chris Valicevic, Louisiana IceGators1996-97           Chris Valicevic, Louisiana IceGators1995-96           Chris Valicevic, Louisiana IceGators1994-95           Brandon Smith, Dayton Bombers1993-94           Tom Nemeth, Dayton Bombers1992-93           Derek Booth, Toledo Storm1991-92           Scott White, Greensboro Monarchs1990-91           Brett MacDonald, Nashville Knights1989-90           Bill Whitfield, Virginia Lancers1988-89           Kelly Szautner, Erie Panthers