Toledo's J.C. Sawyer was named the ECHL defenseman of the year yesterday.

Sawyer, who is in his third professional season, led all defensemen with 21 goals and 59 points.

Sawyer, who is under contract with the NHL's Chicago Blackhawks, played in 67 regular-season games for the Walleye. Sawyer also earned All-ECHL first-team honors and was chosen as a starter for the all-star game.

“I am extremely honored and excited to have won this award,” Sawyer said. “This league is loaded with terrific defensemen and to be thought of as the best is humbling. This award also says a lot about what we have done in Toledo, a first year team. A lot of thanks go to my teammates and the great fan support.”

The 23-year-old from St. John, New Brunswick has scored seven game-winning goals.

Sawyer served as captain for the American Conference in the all-star game. He also appeared in the 2008 all-star game while with Pensacola.

The last Toledo player to selected as defenseman of the year was former Storm player Derek Booth (1992-93).

First Published April 8, 2010, 1:02 p.m.