WHEELING, WV – For the second time in three years the ECHL’s Rookie of the Year has been awarded to member of the Wheeling Nailers. The ECHL announced on Monday that forward Ben Street has been named CCM Rookie of the Year and the recipient of the John A. Daley Memorial Trophy.
The honor comes days after Street was named to the ECHL All-Rookie team. Street was was fifth among league rookies with 51 points and eight power-play goals, tied for fifth with 24 goals and third with 184 shots despite playing in just 38 games. He was second among rookies, and tied for fifth overall in the league, with a +21 rating.
The Coquitlam, BC native was named the ECHL Player of the Month for December, and represented the Nailers at 2011 ECHL All-Star Classic, where he registered an assist. Street was recalled by the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the American Hockey League on February 3. In 33 games this season with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Street has posted 21 points (12g, 9a).
This is the second time in three years, that Wheeling has been home to the league’s top rookie. Former Nailers forward Bryan Ewing was named the ECHL Rookie of the Year for the 2008-09 season. Ewing amassed 91 points (43g, 48) in 67 appearances with the Nailers that season.
“We are excited about this honor being awarded to a member of the Wheeling Nailers for the second time in three years,” said Nailers Owner Jim Brooks. “As an organization, we are committed to the success and development of our players, and today’s announcement is another accomplishment for our team’s long standing tradition and reputation for player development.”
The award is presented annually to the player selected as the most proficient in his first year of competition in the ECHL as voted by the coaches of the ECHL teams. The trophy was named in honor of John A. Daley in 1997. Daley, who passed away in 1996, was one of the founding fathers of the ECHL, serving as general manger and minority owner of the Johnstown Chiefs from the inception of the team in 1988 until 1994.
ECHL Rookie of the Year Winners
- 2010-11 Ben Street, Wheeling Nailers
- 2009-10 Justin Donati, Elmira Jackals
- 2008-09 Bryan Ewing, Wheeling Nailers
- 2007-08 David Desharnais, Cincinnati Cyclones
- 2006-07 Colton Fretter, Gwinnett Gladiators
- 2005-06 Alex Leavitt, Alaska Aces
- 2004-05 Joe Tenute, South Carolina Stingrays
- 2003-04 Kevin Doell, Gwinnett Gladiators
- 2002-03 Jason Jaffray, Roanoke Express
- 2001-02 Frederic Cloutier, Louisiana IceGators
- 2000-01 Scott Stirling, Trenton Titans
- 1999-00 Jan Lasak, Hampton Roads Admirals
- 1998-99 Maxime Gingras, Richmond Renegades
- 1997-98 Sean Venedam, Toledo Storm
- 1996-97 Dany Bousquet, Birmingham Bulls
- 1995-96 Keli Corpse, Wheeling Thunderbirds
- 1994-95 Kevin McKinnon, Erie Panthers
- 1993-94 Dan Gravelle, Greensboro Monarchs
- 1992-93 Joe Flanagan, Birmingham Bulls
- 1991-92 Darren Colbourne, Dayton Bombers
- 1990-91 Dan Gauthier, Knoxville Cherokees}
- 1989-90 Bill McDougall, Erie Panthers
- 1988-89 Tom Sasso, Johnstown Chiefs
The Nailers open the first round of the ECHL Kelly Cup Playoffs against the South Carolina Stingrays, beginning on Tuesday at the North Charleston Coliseum. Game time is set for 7:00 p.m. Wheeling will host game three on Friday April 8 at WesBanco Arena beginning at 7:35 p.m. The following is a complete schedule of games for the first round series:
#4 Wheeling Nailers vs. #5 South Carolina Stingrays (Best of Five Series)
AWAY: Wheeling at South Carolina – Tuesday, April 5 @ 7:00 PM
AWAY: Wheeling at South Carolina – Wednesday, April 6 @ 7:00 PM
HOME: South Carolina at Wheeling – Friday, April 8 @ 7:35 PM
HOME: South Carolina at Wheeling -Saturday, April 9 @ 7:35 PM**
HOME: South Carolina at Wheeling – Monday, April 11 @ 7:05 PM**
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