HUNTERSVILLE, NC (April 16, 2019) – The Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) on Tuesday announced that Ben Blasko of the Peoria Rivermen was selected as the Rookie of the Year in a vote of league coaches, general managers and media representatives.
This season, Blasko was the overall league leader in points (68) and assists (49). The rookie also had the best plus/minus rating (+40) in the SPHL, scored 19 goals and had 15 power play assists.
One of Blasko’s biggest nights of the season was when the Rivermen took on the Pensacola Ice Flyers on Jan. 27. The game was a battle but Blasko contributed three assists and scored one crucial goal to rack up a total of four points that night. Blasko and the Rivermen went on to defeat the Ice Flyers 4-3.
Huntsville’s Max Milosek, Birmingham’s Garrett Schmitz and Fayetteville’s Brian Bowen finished tied for second in the balloting.
Past 5 SPHL Rookie of the Year Award Winners
2017-18 – Jacob Barber, Birmingham Bulls
2016-17 – Mike Moran, Mississippi RiverKings
2015-16 – John Lidgett, Huntsville Havoc
2014-15 – Bryce Williamson, Columbus Cottonmouths
2013-14 – Joe Caveney, Pensacola Ice Flyers
