The ECHL has named Peter Bates of the Wichita Thunder the 2025 recipient of the ECHL Sportsmanship of the Year Award. This is the first time the award has gone to a member of the Wichita Thunder. Per the ECHL, The award is presented annually to the Player who is judged to have exhibited the best sportsmanship combined with a high standard of playing ability. Brady Fleurent, Jay Dickman, Brandon Hawkins, and Anthony Repaci were all named finalist for the award.
In 70 games this season, the Evanston, Illinois native put up 27 goals and 49 assists for 76 points, and 10 PIMs. He was also named to the All-ECHL First Team. Bates, 28, is in his third season in the league, as he’s put up 75 goals and 96 assists for 171 points in 196 games with the Atlanta Gladiators and Wichita Thunder. Bates would be named an ECHL All-Star in 2024. He’s also played in three career Kelly Cup Playoff Games, all in his rookie season with the Gladiators.
Prior to going pro, Peter Bates played four years in the NCAA with St.Norbert College, where he had 65 goals and 92 assists for 157 points in 123 games. He would lead the team in points in each of his last two seasons of eligibility. During his time with the Green Knights, they would win back-to-back NCHA Championships in 2018 and 2019. He would win back-to-back Player of the Year Awards (NCHA) in 2020 and 2022 while also being named the DIII Player of the Year in 2022.
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