HUNTERSVILLE, NC (April 24, 2024) – The SPHL on Wednesday announced that Simon Boyko of the Fayetteville Marksmen has been selected as the SPHL Rookie of the Year in a vote of league coaches, broadcasters, and staff.
Birmingham’s Nikita Kozyrev finished second in the balloting.
Boyko led all first-year players with 27 goals, eight power-play goals and 11 power-play assists. In addition, the Mississauga, ON native ranked second among rookies in points (56) and plus/minus rating (+20) while finishing tied for third in assists (29). Boyko also recorded a 20-game point streak, longest in the SPHL this season (November 17 – January 20).
This is the second consecutive year that a Marksmen player has won the award after Austin Alger took home the honor last season.
Previous SPHL Rookie of the Year Award Winners
2022-23 – Austin Alger, Fayetteville Marksmen
2021-22 – Marcel Godbout, Peoria Rivermen
2020-21 – Jake Wahlin, Pensacola Ice Flyers
2019-20 – Austin Plevy, Evansville Thunderbolts
2018-19 – Ben Blasko, Peoria Rivermen
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
2012-13 – Matt Gingera, Columbus Cottonmouths
2011-12 – Kiefer Smiley, Mississippi Surge and Jordan Chong, Pensacola Ice Flyers
2010-11 – Chris Wilson, Pensacola Ice Flyers
2009-10 – Jesse Biduke, Fayetteville FireAntz
2008-09 – Michael Richard, Twin City Cyclones
2007-08 – Taylor Hustead, Twin City Cyclones
2006-07 – Tim Velemirovich, Fayetteville FireAntz
2005-06 – Rob Sich, Florida Seals
2004-05 – Chad Collins, Fayetteville FireAntz
The SPHL will announce its Most Valuable Player on Thursday
