It was announced Friday Afternoon that A.J. White of the Idaho Steelheads won the ECHL Sportsmanship Award. It was determined in a vote by coaches, broadcasters, media relations directors, and media members. Chris Grando of the Jacksonville Icemen finished second, Kansas City Mavericks center Nolan Walker was third, Zach O’Brien of the Newfoundland Growlers was fourth, and Brandon Hawkins of the Toledo Walleye was fifth.
This award is given to the player who is judged to have the best sportsmanship and a high playing style standard. White has had 63 points (26G,37A) in 69 games so far this season while only being assessed a total of eight penalty minutes, which is an amazing stat. White finished second last year ahead of O’Brien, who was the previous winner the last two seasons.
White, a native of Dearborn, Michigan, is in his eighth season in the ECHL, six of which have been with Utah. He’s spent five of those seasons with the Steelheads, serving as the team’s captain. He’s also played for the Atlanta Gladiators and Utah Grizzlies. In 414 games, he’s put up 112 goals and 195 assists for 307 points. The Michigan native has added 10 goals and 22 assists for 32 points in 45 career Kelly Cup Playoff Games. Prior to joining the ECHL, White spent his collegiate career at U-Mass Lowell, where he put up 28 goals and 51 assists for 79 points in 153 games with the River Hawks, where they would win back-to-back Hockey East Titles in 2013 and 2014.
