Steelheads Announce 2018-19 Team Award Winners

BOISE, Idaho – On Friday night, the Idaho Steelheads revealed their annual end-of-year team award winners prior to the final home game of the 2018-19 regular season against the Utah Grizzlies.

Selected by Steelheads Head Coach Neil Graham and Assistant Everett Sheen with consultation from the Steelheads Front Office, the 2018-19 Steelheads Award Winners are listed in the order in which they were revealed on Friday.

Cal Ingraham Leading Scorer Award – Steve McParland, ForwardSteve McParland had another banner year in his second season with the Steelheads and third in the ECHL, finishing the season atop the team’s scoring list, posting 26 goals and 31 assists for 57 points with six power play goals, 10 power play assists and two shorthanded goals through 66 games. The Schreiber, Ont., native tied a career-high in points while setting a new mark in assists in two fewer games than last season. He’s one of two players to reach the 50-point plateau and finishes in the top-two in scoring for the second-straight year.

Steelheads Defenseman of the Year – Keegan KanzigSince his entry into the organization this off-season, Keegan Kanzig has been a leader both on and off the ice, playing in all 72 games this season while posting four goals and 14 assists for 18 points with a plus-30 rating, all career-highs. The Athabasca, Alb. native led the Steelheads in plus/minus rating as well as shorthanded assists (three) and helped to set an ECHL season-high single-game rating (plus-6) on Dec. 28, 2018. Kanzig was named one of three alternate captains this season.

Steelheads Hustle Award – A.J. White, ForwardCaptain A.J. White has been the case study of the “lead by example” adage, not only being a leader off the ice but also leading in work ethic and production. The Dearborn, Mich. product was one of two players to compete in all 72 regular season games this year and elevated his game with preparation and execution in the process, posting a career-high 16 goals and 35 assists for 51 points, leading the team in assists and sitting second in scoring. The second-year Steelheads forward only recorded eight penalty minutes, also displaying sportsmanship while showcasing a strong work ethic.

Steelheads Unsung Hero – Alexander Dahl, ForwardIn his second professional season, Alexander Dahl has been an impactful member of the team’s forward depth when called upon to fill his role. The Eau Claire, Wisc. native took a step forward in production, setting a new career-high with 12 goals and 13 assists for 25 points through 49 games, but his impact has come away from the ice. From in the locker room to being a strong role player throughout the season, Dahl has embodied the team’s culture while taking each opportunity in stride, from forecheck pressure to playing both forward and defense throughout the season.

CenturyLink 3 Star Award – Steve McParland, ForwardEvery season, the player that earned the most CenturyLink 3 Star recognition is also showcased at the end of the season, and the production and dazzling plays that Steve McParland produced playing at CenturyLink Arena this season led him to eight appearances on the CenturyLink 3 Stars as well as top star in four of those games. He accrued the most combined points not only at home but also on the road to edge out impactful talent. McParland also led the Steelheads in scoring (57 points) at the end of the regular season.

Steelheads Rookie of the Year – Brad McClure, ForwardWhile he was not present in the home regular season finale, Brad McClure was an immediate impact in his rookie season while, at times, being a game-changing force when called upon. The Stratford, Ont. native finished the regular season with 19 goals and 20 assists for 39 points with 15 power play points (including five goals) and led the team with five game-winning goals through 42 games. He averaged nearly one point per game and entered the weekend leading all Steelheads rookies in scoring while also finishing tied for third on the team in goals scored.

Bill Campbell Community Service Award – Mitch Moroz, ForwardEvery year, the Steelheads staff selects one player that embodies the spirit of Bill Campbell, who exemplified the spirit of the organization and worked to make the Treasure Valley a better place. Mitch Moroz has been an outstanding ambassador to the Steelheads since joining the team last season, and this season he led all players in community appearances while also being a voice of wisdom when it comes to life decisions. He’s active with fans and community members alike, being one to stop and speak with others share his story and experiences.

Most Valuable Player – Tomas Sholl, GoaltenderIn a year of strong campaigns, Tomas Sholl led the pack with national recognition and consistency that helped lead the Steelheads to another great season. The Hermosa Beach, Calif. native closed the regular season with a 26-12-1 record with a 2.25 goals-against average and a .928 save percentage with three shutouts through 39 games, finishing atop the ECHL in save percentage and sitting third in goals-against average. Last week, he was named to the ECHL All-Rookie Team and All-ECHL Second Team honors for his efforts this season, being the first Steelheads player to be named to both awards since 2009-10. Sholl was also the team’s representative to the 2019 ECHL All-Star Classic.

The Steelheads open the 2019 U.S. Bank Kelly Cup Playoffs with Game 1 against the Utah Grizzlies on Friday, Apr. 12 at 7:10 p.m. from CenturyLink Arena. Tickets for Games 1 & 2 are on sale now! The Mountain Division Semifinals begin Friday, Apr. 12, so act now by contact the Idaho Steelheads at 208-383-0080 for more information or log on to idahosteelheads.com.

Follow along as the Steelheads hunt for their third Kelly Cup Championship at IdahoSteelheads.com and follow the Steelheads on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.