Utah's D'Astous named ECHL Defenseman of the Year

The ECHL on Wednesday announced that Charle-Edouard D’Astous of the Utah Grizzlies is the ECHL Defenseman of the Year for 2021-22 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. Ben Finkelstein of Newfoundland finished second, followed by Wheeling’s Josh Maniscaclo, Randy Gazzola of Toledo and Kansas City’s Marcus Crawford. The winner of the Nick Vitucci Goaltender of the Year award will be announced on Thursday. Named to the All-ECHL First Team last week, D’Astous led all ECHL defensemen with 26 goals, nine power-play goals and seven game-winning goals, ranked second with 57 points and 190 shots on goal, was tied for third with 23 power-play points and was tied for ninth in plus-minus at +21. D’Astous' 26 goals are tied for the third most by a defenseman in a single-season in ECHL history. ECHL Defenseman of the Year Award Winners2021-22           Charle-Edouard D’Astous, Utah Grizzlies2020-21           Les Lancaster, Allen Americans2019-20           Alex Breton, Allen Americans2018-19           Eric Knodel, Cincinnati Cyclones2017-18           Matt Register, Colorado Eagles2016-17           Matt Register, Colorado Eagles2015-16           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