Maione named CCM Hockey ECHL Defenseman of the Year

The ECHL on Wednesday announced that Mathew Maione of the Wheeling Nailers is the CCM Hockey ECHL Defenseman of the Year for 2015-16 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. Adrian Veideman of Colroado finished second, followed by Alaska’s William Wrenn, Adam Comrie of Reading and Colorado’s Collin Bowman. The winner of the Goaltender of the Year award will be announced on Thursday. Maione, who was named to the All-ECHL First Team last week, led all ECHL defensemen during the regular season with 43 assists, 54 points, 21 power-play assists, 24 power-play points and 227 shots on goal. The 25-year-old began the season with Brampton before being acquired in a trade on Dec. 2. Maine recorded 44 points (7g-37a) in 53 games with Wheeling. ECHL Defenseman of the Year Award Winners

2015-16 Mathew Maione, Wheeling Nailers2014-15 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