Mike Hellyer Named 2012-13 CHL Rookie of the Year

[chilly666]

GLENDALE, AZ - The Central Hockey League (CHL) announced today that Quad City Mallards forward Mike Hellyer has been selected the recipient of the 2012-13 Central Hockey League Rookie of the Year award following balloting among CHL head coaches, communications departments and selected media members in CHL markets.

The Rookie of the Year award is ‘presented annually to the Central Hockey League player adjudged to be the most proficient in his first year of professional competition.’

In the closest vote in the history of the award, Hellyer won by just one vote receiving 15 of the 44 votes cast, while Allen goaltender Aaron Dell received 14 votes. The other finalists were Greger Hanson (WIC), Kenton Miller (MIZ) and Sy Nutkevitch (FTW).

The Brandon, Manitoba native leads all rookies in scoring with 60 points (23-37=60) and is tied for second among all first year players with a +13 plus/minus rating. Earlier this week, the 5-9, 170-pound rookie was named a forward on the CHL All-Rookie Team.

Hellyer, 26, finished his college career at the University of Manitoba last Spring and then went on to play three games in Idaho (ECHL) and then three regular season games in Texas before playing a dozen playoff games with the Brahmas. In his 12 post-season contests, Hellyer posted three goals with three assists.

CHL Rookie of the Year (previous winners, since 2001)
2012-13 – Mike Hellyer (Quad City)
2011-12 – Mark Guggenberger (Texas)
2010-11 – Aaron Lewicki (Rio Grande Valley)
2009-10 – Danny Battochio (Rapid City)
2008-09 – Darryl Smith (Laredo)
2007-08 – David Nimmo (Amarillo)
2006-07 – Cam Abbott (Bossier-Shreveport)
2005-06 – Jim Dahl (Tulsa)
2004-05 – Tyler Weiman (Colorado)
2003-04 – David Guerrera (Laredo)
2002-03 – Derek Hahn (Amarillo)
2001-02 – Sebastien Centomo (Memphis)