(Niagara Falls, ON) The Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2017-18 Top Prospect Award as voted by the player Membership of the PHPA. 

The PHPA Top Prospect Award is presented to one player from the ECHL Eastern and Western Conferences and American Hockey League Eastern and Western Conferences who stands out as the best next future star to succeed and make an impact at the next level of the sport.

ECHL Eastern Conference: Grant Besse, Norfolk Admirals

Drafted by the Anaheim Ducks in 2013, the 23-year-old from Plymouth, Minnesota made the transition to professional hockey this season after spending four years with the University of Wisconsin. In 62 games with the Norfolk Admirals, Besse recorded 30 goals and 32 assists for 62 points, including 26 penalty minutes, and was named to the ECHL All-Rookie Team.  He also played 11 games with the AHL’s Cleveland Monsters where he notched 1 goal and 6 assists.

“It’s nice to be recognized amongst your peers. It’s really cool to receive an award that is voted on by players that you have played with and against,” said Besse. “I try and be a consistent player and help my team in whatever way I can.”

ECHL Western Conference: Michael Joly, Colorado Eagles

In his second season playing professional hockey, the 21-year-old from Gatineau, Quebec recorded 41 goals and 26 assists in 52 games, including 22 penalty minutes and a +30 rating. Joly also contributed 29 points in 24 playoff games with the Eagles, helping the team capture the 2018 Kelly Cup.  A graduate of the QMJHL, Joly also played 19 games in the AHL in 2017-18 with the San Antonio Rampage notching 3 goals and 4 assists.

“It’s exciting to be recognized by the players around the league,” said Joly. “I have to thank my teammates and coaches. They gave me every opportunity to be successful.”

AHL Eastern Conference: Thatcher Demko, Utica Comets

Drafted 36th overall by the Vancouver Canucks in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, Demko completed his second season with the Utica Comets.  In 46 games, the 22-year-old from San Diego, California earned 25 wins, posting an impressive 2.44 goals against average and 0.922 save percentage.  He was selected to play in the 2018 AHL All-Star Classic, and on March 31, 2018 made his NHL debut with an overtime win versus the Columbus Blue Jackets.  

“It feels great and an honor to be selected by other players from around the league,” said Demko. “A lot goes into winning an award like this. I have to thank my teammates, they make it fun to come to the rink every day and make it easy to play.”

AHL Western Conference: Sami Niku, Manitoba Moose

In his first season playing in North America, the 21-year-old defensemen from Finland played 76 games for the Manitoba Moose, recording 16 goals and 38 assists for 54 points, including a +17 rating. The seventh round draft-pick of the Winnipeg Jets scored a goal in his NHL debut this April, and was named the AHL’s top defenseman.

“For me, this award means so much,” said Niku. “Other players have played against me and know what kind of player I am, so for them to vote for me, it means a lot.”

Previous recipients of the PHPA Top Prospect Award include William Nylander, Mikko Rantanen, Pontus Aberg, Kasperi Kapanen, and Teemu Pulkkinen.