A.J. WHITE RECEIVES 2023-24 ECHL SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD

A.J. WHITE RECEIVES 2023-24 ECHL SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD 

BOISE, ID – The ECHL announced today that Idaho Captain A.J. White is the recipient of the ECHL Sportsmanship Award for 2023-24 as determine in a vote of ECHL coaches, broadcasters, media relations directors and media members. White becomes the second Steelhead in ECHL history joining Derek Nesbitt who received the award in 2006-07. Former Steelhead, Cal Ingraham, collected the award in 1997-98 as a member of the Tallahassee Tiger Sharks.  

Chris Grando of the Jacksonville finished second, followed by Kansas City’s Nolan Walker, Zach O’Brien of Newfoundland and Toledo’s Brandon Hawkins. 

 White, 31, is having a breakout year in his eighth professional season scoring a single season high 26 goals while adding 37 assists for 63 points in 69 games with just eight penalty minutes. Last Saturday night the Dearborn, MI native scored his 112^th career goal as a Steelhead moving into third place all-time in franchise history including the WCHL and ECHL era. Earlier this season he played in his 500^th career professional game tallying two assists in a 5-1 win at Allen on Dec. 30.

In six seasons with Idaho, five as Captain, White is second all-time in the Steelheads ECHL era in games played (414), points (307), assists (195), and goals (112). Across his eight-year ECHL career he has accumulated 367 points (132G, 235A) in 523 career games with 109 penalty minutes and a +59 rating while appearing in 22 AHL games collecting two assists spending time with the Milwaukee Admirals and Providence Bruins. 

ECHL Sportsmanship Award Winners
2023-24           A.J. White, Idaho Steelheads
2022-23           Zach O’Brien, Newfoundland Growlers
2021-22           Zach O’Brien, Newfoundland Growlers
2020-21           Aaron Luchuk, Orlando Solar Bears
2019-20           Spencer Watson, Indy Fuel
2018-19           Zach O’Brien, Newfoundland Growlers
2017-18           Brodie Dupont, Norfolk Admirals
2016-17           Shane Berschbach, Toledo Walleye
2015-16           Shane Berschbach, Toledo Walleye
2014-15           Chad Costello, Allen Americans
2013-14           Peter Sivak, Alaska Aces
2012-13           Randy Rowe, Toledo Walleye
2011-12           Kevin Ulanski, Colorado Eagles
2010-11           Brian Swanson, Alaska Aces
2009-10           Barret Ehgoetz, Cincinnati Cyclones
2008-09           Travis Morin, South Carolina Stingrays
2007-08           Jeff Campbell, Gwinnett Gladiators
2006-07           Derek Nesbitt, Idaho Steelheads
2005-06           Steve Saviano, Florida Everblades
2004-05           Kris Goodjohn, Gwinnett Gladiators
2003-04           Mark Pederson, San Diego Gulls
2002-03           Rejean Stringer, Columbia Inferno
2001-02           Ben Stafford, Trenton Titans
2000-01           Jamie Ling, Dayton Bombers
1999-00           Jamie Ling, Dayton Bombers
1998-99           Jamie Ling, Dayton Bombers
1997-98           Cal Ingraham, Tallahassee Tiger Sharks
1996-97           Mike Ross, South Carolina Stingrays

Idaho concludes the regular season this weekend hosting the Utah Grizzlies at 7:10 p.m. from the Idaho Central Arena tonight and tomorrow. Stay up to date with all things Steelheads on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Watch all Steelheads home games on FloHockey and KTVB 24/7 (Channel 7.2) and listen on 95.3 FM and 1350 AM KTIK “The Ticket”.