Little Named ECHL Defenseman of the Year

ESTERO, FL – The Florida Everblades and the ECHL announced Wednesday that Mike Little is the CCM Hockey ECHL Defenseman of the Year for 2014-15 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.

Matt Register of Ontario finished second, followed by Florida’s Cameron Burt, Aaron Gens of Allen and Colorado’s Collin Bowman.

Little posted career highs this season in points (54), goals (13), assists (41). Last week he was named to the All-ECHL First Team, and was tied for the league lead in plus-minus at +46. In addition, Little was the recipient of the team’s Brandon Coalter Unsung Hero Award for the second straight season.

Burt who finished third in the voting, also set career highs this season in points (47), goals (6), and assists (41).

ECHL Defenseman of the Year Award Winners

2014-15         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-------------The Everblades and the Orlando Solar Bears will meet in the first round of the 2015 Kelly Cup Playoffs beginning on Friday April 17 at Germain Arena.  Game two will take place on Saturday, April 18 at Germain Arena as well. Tickets are currently on sale online at Ticketmaster or at the Century Link Box Office located at Germain Arena.  

2015 Kelly Cup Playoffs - Division Semifinals,  Florida Everblades vs. Orlando Solar Bears(Best-of-7 Playoff Series)Game 1 : Friday, April 17, Orlando at Florida, Germain Arena, 7:30 p.m.Game 2:  Saturday, April 18, Orlando at Florida, Germain Arena, 7:00 p.m.Game 3:  Tuesday, April 21, Florida at Orlando, Amway Center, 7:00 p.m.Game 4:  Thursday, April 23, Florida at Orlando, Amway Center, 7:00 p.m.Game 5:  Saturday, April 25, Florida at Orlando, Amway Center, 7:00 p.m. **Game 6:  Monday, April 27, Orlando at Florida, Germain Arena, 7:30 p.m. **Game 7:  Wednesday, April 29, Orlando at Florida, Germain Arena, 7:30 p.m. **** If Necessary 

Ticket Information

Game Tickets: Everblades tickets may be purchased at the Century Link Prism Box Office located at Germain Arena, or at any Ticketmaster outlet, or online atwww.ticketmaster.com

Discounted Group Tickets: Bring your group of 10 or more to a game at a discounted price, and also receive an Everblades souvenir! Group tickets are available for all home games. For more information on group tickets, call 239-948-7825.

For more information call  239-948-7825, or stop by the Everblades Main Office located at Germain Arena, Monday—Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.