Rapuzzi named CCM ECHL Rookie of the Year

Boise, ID (4/14/14) – The Idaho Steelheads, in conjunction with the ECHL, announced Monday that forward William Rapuzzi has been selected as the CCM ECHL Rookie of the Year and recipient of the John A. Daley Memorial Trophy.

Rapuzzi is the first Steelheads player to ever be selected as the league’s Rookie of the Year.  Last week, the Colorado College product was named to the league’s All-Rookie team.  Bakersfield goaltender Laurent Brossoit finished second in the voting for Rookie of the Year.

The award is presented annually to the player selected as the most proficient in his first year of competition in the ECHL as determined in a vote of ECHL coaches, broadcasters, media relations directors and media members.. 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 manager and minority owner of the Johnstown Chiefs from the inception of the team in 1988 until 1994.

Rapuzzi finished the season tied for second among all ECHL rookies in scoring (58 points) but led first-year players in assists (42), power-play points (21) and power-play assists (15).  He also led the entire ECHL with seven shootout goals in ten attempts.  His 58 points were tops on the Steelheads team as well.

Rapuzzi and the rest of the Steelheads will open the ECHL Kelly Cup playoffs, presented by KeyBank, on Friday at CenturyLink Arena against the Colorado Eagles.  Tickets are available by calling the arena box office at 208-331-8497.

Can’t get enough playoff hockey?  Try the Steelheads’ “Pay as We Play” option, where fans can secure the same great seats for all of the team’s home contests in the postseason.  Contact the Steelheads front office at 208.383.0080 or log on to www.idahosteelheads.com for more information.