PRINCETON, N.J. – Zach O’Brien of the Newfoundland Growlers is the recipient of theSportsmanship Award for 2018-19 as determined in a vote of ECHL coaches, broadcasters, media relations directors and media members.
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.
Derek Nesbitt of Atlanta finished second, followed by Kalamazoo’s Chris Collins, Ben Duffy of Norfolk and Cincinnati’s Jesse Schultz.
O’Brien, who was named to the All-ECHL Second Team yesterday, is tied for 13th in the league with 63 points (27g-36a) in 50 games while being assessed just six penalty minutes. His seven game-winning goals are tied for third. O’Brien has 106 points (43g-63a) in 99 career ECHL games with Newfoundland, Wichita and Ontario with just 10 career penalty minutes.
ECHL Sportsmanship Award Winners
2018-19 Zach O’Brien, Newfoundland Growlers2017-18 Brodie Dupont, Norfolk Admirals2016-17 Shane Berschbach, Toledo Walleye2015-16 Shane Berschbach, Toledo Walleye2014-15 Chad Costello, Allen Americans2013-14 Peter Sivak, Alaska Aces2012-13 Randy Rowe, Toledo Walleye2011-12 Kevin Ulanski, Colorado Eagles2010-11 Brian Swanson, Alaska Aces2009-10 Barret Ehgoetz, Cincinnati Cyclones2008-09 Travis Morin, South Carolina Stingrays2007-08 Jeff Campbell, Gwinnett Gladiators2006-07 Derek Nesbitt, Idaho Steelheads2005-06 Steve Saviano, Florida Everblades2004-05 Kris Goodjohn, Gwinnett Gladiators2003-04 Mark Pederson, San Diego Gulls2002-03 Rejean Stringer, Columbia Inferno2001-02 Ben Stafford, Trenton Titans2000-01 Jamie Ling, Dayton Bombers1999-00 Jamie Ling, Dayton Bombers1998-99 Jamie Ling, Dayton Bombers1997-98 Cal Ingraham, Tallahassee Tiger Sharks1996-97 Mike Ross, South Carolina Stingrays