Toledo Walleye forward Brandon Hawkins and goalie John Lethemon have both landed spots on the All-ECHL first team.
Hawkins, who is in his second year with the Walleye, has produced a record-setting season. The native of Macomb, Mich., set a franchise record for goals scored in a season with 37.
The 28-year-old right winger currently leads the ECHL with 321 shots on goal, ranks third with 37 goals, and is tied for third with 36 power-play points. He also ranks seventh overall in the league in scoring with 78 points.
Hawkins also has set a Walleye record for shots on goal. His 18-game point streak from Feb. 11 to March 31 also established a franchise record.
He called the recognition a true team honor.
“It’s a 'we' award, not a 'me' award,” Hawkins said. “I’m not a big fan of personal accolades because it’s just an extension of the team's success and without my teammates, there is no personal accolade.”
Hawkins, who played two seasons at Bowling Green State University, has set career-best in goals (37), assists (41), points (78), and in plus-minus rating with a plus-19.
“It's awesome to have that recognition but I don’t get to do any of the things I’ve done this year without my teammates and everyone here in the organization,” Hawkins said.
Hawkins, who played two seasons at Bowling Green State University, has set career-best in goals (37), assists (41), points (78), and in plus-minus rating with a plus-19.
Lethemon, who is in his first season with the Walleye, leads the ECHL with a 1.99 goals-against average. The Northville, Mich., native also ranks second in the league with a .930 save percentage and is tied for second with four shutouts.
He also passed along credit to his teammates for earning the honor.
“It’s nice to be recognized. But the individual awards are a direct reflection of the team and entire organization,” Lethemon said. “The guys have played so well in front of me.”
Lethemon, a Michigan State graduate who is in his third pro season, said the locker room environment in Toledo is special.
“The even bigger part has been how amazing everyone is off the ice,” Lethemon said. “The environment that we have in that locker room has helped me play at my best. I am able to show up every day and be myself. Knowing everyone — players, coaches, equipment, and training staff — has my back is what has meant the most to me.”
The 25-year-old is currently called up to Toledo's American Hockey League affiliate in Grand Rapids. Lethemon, who is expected to return to the Walleye for the start of the Kelly Cup playoffs next week, has won 14 consecutive games — a Walleye record. The winning streak also is the third-longest streak in ECHL history.
Lethemon has posted an 18-1-3 record and has the second-best save percentage (.930) in the league. The lone loss in regulation for Lethemon came back on Nov. 27 at Wheeling.
Lethemon earned the ECHL's goalie of the month honors for February. The 6-foot-3 goalie signed a one-year contract with the Detroit Red Wings, the Walleye's NHL parent team, in March.
“I can’t wait to be back and be part of this playoff run,” he said. “I am all in on this team.”
The ECHL announced the members of the first and second teams on Thursday. The teams are determined in a vote of ECHL coaches, broadcasters, media relations directors, and media members.
Here is the full list of winners:
First Team
G – John Lethemon, Toledo Walleye (18-1-3, 1.99 GAA)
D – Owen Headrick, Idaho Steelheads (53 points.)
D – Matt Register, Idaho Steelheads (51 points.)
F – Hank Crone, Allen Americans (105 points.)
F – Brandon Hawkins, Toledo Walleye (78 points.)
F – Zach O’Brien, Newfoundland Growlers (87 points.)
Second Team
G – Adam Scheel, Idaho Steelheads (27-7-1, 1.99 GAA)
D – Michael Brodzinski, Orlando Solar Bears (50 points.)
D – Max Martin, Greenville Swamp Rabbits (50 points.)
F – Jack Combs, Allen Americans (93 points.)
F – Alex Ierullo, Greenville Swamp Rabbits (80 points.)
F – Cody Sylvester, Atlanta Gladiators (84 points.)
First Published April 13, 2023, 6:48 p.m.
