HUNTERSVILLE, NC (April 16, 2018) – The Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) on Monday announced that Dave Pszenyczny of the Peoria Rivermen has been selected as the SPHL Defenseman of the Year in a vote of league coaches, general managers and media representatives.

 

Huntsville’s Stuart Stefan and Macon’s Daniel Gentzler finished tied for second in the balloting.

 

Pszenyczny led SPHL defensemen in points (50), assists (43), power play assists (13), game-winning goals (three - tied) and penalty minutes (134). His 43 assists and 50 points are both fourth-most by a defenseman in a season in SPHL history. Pszenyczny also finished second (tied) among blueliners with a +24 rating.

 

2017-18 - Dave Pszenyczny, Peoria Rivermen

2016-17 - Louis Belisle, Pensacola Ice Flyers

2015-16 - Brandon Greenside, Peoria Rivermen

2014-15 - Andrew Randazzo, Mississippi RiverKings

2013-14 - Stuart Stefan, Huntsville Havoc

2012-13 - Andrew Smale, Fayetteville FireAntz

2011-12 - Mark Van Vliet, Knoxville Ice Bears

2010-11 - Mark Van Vliet, Knoxville Ice Bears

2009-10 - Steve Weidlich, Mississippi Surge

2008-09 - Kevin Harris, Knoxville Ice Bears

2007-08 - Dan Vandermeer, Richmond Renegades

2006-07 - Brian Goudie, Richmond Renegades

2005-06 - Mike Clarke, Fayetteville FireAntz

2004-05 - Curtis Menzul, Knoxville Ice Bears

 

The SPHL will announce its Rookie of the Year on Tuesday.

 

(Photo credit: Dennis Sievers/Peoria Rivermen)