Colorado's Register named CCM/ECHL Defenseman of the Year

The ECHL on Wednesday announced that Matt Register of the Colorado Eagles is the CCM ECHL Defenseman of the Year for 2016-17 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.

David Makowski of Allen finished second, followed by Colorado’s Jake Marto, Kevin Schulze of Wheeling and Toledo’s Nolan Zajac.

The winner of the Goaltender of the Year award will be announced on Thursday.

Register also won the award in 2013-14 while with Ontario and joins four-time winner Chris Valicevic and three-time winner Tom Nemeth, both members of the ECHL Hall of Fame, as the only players to win the Defenseman of the Year award multiple times.

Named to the All-ECHL First Team last week, Register led ECHL defensemen with 64 points, seven game-winning goals and 218 shots on goal while he was second with 18 goals, tied for second with 46 assists and second with 29 power-play points (8g-21a).

ECHL Defenseman of the Year Award Winners2016-17 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 Szauter, Erie Panthers