HUNTERSVILLE, NC (April 22, 2026) – The SPHL on Wednesday announced that Matt O’Dea of the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs has been selected as the SPHL Defenseman of the Year in a vote of team coaches and staff.
Peoria’s Cory Dennis finished second in the balloting.
Now in his sixth season with Roanoke, O’Dea led SPHL defensemen in goals (nine – tied), points (37), power-play assists (18), and power-play points (19), while ranking second among blueliners with 28 assists and a +18 rating.
A native of Mokena, IL, O’Dea becomes the second Rail Yard Dawg to win the award, joining Brendan Pepe (2023-24).
Previous SPHL Defenseman of the Year Award Winners
2024-25 – Zach Wilkie, Peoria Rivermen
2023-24 – Brendan Pepe, Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs
2022-23 – Zach Wilkie, Peoria Rivermen
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 Thursday.
