Sacha Guimond Named 2012-13 ECHL Defenseman of the Year

[chilly666]

PRINCETON, N.J. – The ECHL on Wednesday announced that Sacha Guimond of the Gwinnett Gladiators is the ECHL Defenseman of the Year for 2012-13 as determined in a vote of ECHL coaches, broadcasters, media relations directors and media members.

The ECHL Defenseman of the Year award is presented annually to the defensive player who demonstrates throughout the season the greatest all-around ability in the position.

Matt Case of Idaho finished second, followed by Reading’s Adam Comrie, Nick Tuzzolino of Utah and Toledo’s Wes O'Neill.

Guimond, who was named to the ECHL All-Rookie Team and to the All-ECHL First Team last week, led all ECHL defensemen with 37 assists and 49 points, and was fourth with 12 goals. He finished first among blue-liners with nine power-play goals and 29 power-play points while his 20 power-play assists were second among defensemen. Guimond has also appeared in six American Hockey League games with Worcester and Norfolk.

Guimond is just the third rookie in ECHL history to be named Defenseman of the Year joining Dayton’s Brandon Smith (1994-95) and Erie’s Kelly Szautner (1988-89).