HUNTERSVILLE, NC (April 17, 2023) – The Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) on Tuesday announced that Zach Wilkie of the Peoria Rivermen has been selected as the SPHL Defenseman of the Year in a vote of league representatives.
Zach Wilkie of the Peoria Rivermen led the SPHL with a +42 rating, led all defensemen in points (43), shots on goal (171), and game-winning goals (three), and was second in goals (13), and assists (30).
This is Peoria’s fourth Defenseman of the Year award winner and the first since Nick Neville won in the 2019-20 season.
SPHL Defenseman of the Year Award Winners
2021-22 – Jason Price, Knoxville Ice Bears
2020-21 – Kenton Helgesen, Knoxville Ice Bears
2019-20 – Nick Neville, Peoria Rivermen
2018-19 – Travis Jeke, Fayetteville Marksmen
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 Goaltender of the Year on Tuesday.
