Photo Courtesy of the Wichita Thunder [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/87e95ca9-4eb7-4b11-90a6-a804a116b091.png] Photo Courtesy of the Wichita Thunder Peter Bates is having a career year, and is now getting the hardware to show for it. On Friday, the ECHL [https://thehockeynews.com/echl/]announced that the Wichita Thunder [https://wichitathunder.com/]forward has been selected as the recipient of the ECHL Sportsmanship Award for 2024-25. The award was determined in a vote of ECHL coaches, broadcasters, media relations directors and media members. Bates becomes the first-ever Thunder player to win the award. Bates becomes the first Wichita player to win the award. Brady Fleurent of the Norfolk Admirals [https://norfolkadmirals.com/]finished second, followed by Wichita’s Jay Dickman, Brandon Hawkins of Toledo [https://www.toledowalleye.com/]and Worcester’s [https://railershc.com/]Anthony Repaci. The award is presented annually to the player who is judged to have exhibited the best sportsmanship combined with a high standard of playing ability. Bates, who was named to the All-ECHL First Team [https://thehockeynews.com/echl/latest-news/all-echl-first-and-second-teams-announced]Thursday, is tied for fourth in the league with 76 points (27-49-75) in 70 games this season, while being assessed just 10 penalty minutes. He has set career-highs this season in all major offensive categories and is tied for the league lead with nine game-winning goals, is tied for fifth with 11 power-play goals and is tied for seventh in plus-minus at +31. ECHL Sportsmanship Award Winners 2024-25 Peter Bates, Wichita Thunder 2023-24 A.J. White, Idaho Steelheads 2022-23 Zach O’Brien, Newfoundland Growlers 2021-22 Zach O’Brien, Newfoundland Growlers 2020-21 Aaron Luchuk, Orlando Solar Bears 2019-20 Spencer Watson, Indy Fuel 2018-19 Zach O’Brien, Newfoundland Growlers 2017-18 Brodie Dupont, Norfolk Admirals 2016-17 Shane Berschbach, Toledo Walleye 2015-16 Shane Berschbach, Toledo Walleye 2014-15 Chad Costello, Allen Americans 2013-14 Peter Sivak, Alaska Aces 2012-13 Randy Rowe, Toledo Walleye 2011-12 Kevin Ulanski, Colorado Eagles 2010-11 Brian Swanson, Alaska Aces 2009-10 Barret Ehgoetz, Cincinnati Cyclones 2008-09 Travis Morin, South Carolina Stingrays 2007-08 Jeff Campbell, Gwinnett Gladiators 2006-07 Derek Nesbitt, Idaho Steelheads 2005-06 Steve Saviano, Florida Everblades 2004-05 Kris Goodjohn, Gwinnett Gladiators 2003-04 Mark Pederson, San Diego Gulls 2002-03 Rejean Stringer, Columbia Inferno 2001-02 Ben Stafford, Trenton Titans 2000-01 Jamie Ling, Dayton Bombers 1999-00 Jamie Ling, Dayton Bombers 1998-99 Jamie Ling, Dayton Bombers 1997-98 Cal Ingraham, Tallahassee Tiger Sharks 1996-97 Mike Ross, South Carolina Stingrays
