Phillips picks up Rockford award

The 22-year-old, from Beverley, made history when he became the first British-trained player to play in North American ice hockey's second tier when he signed last summer for Rockfrod IceHogs.

The IceHogs are the AHL affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks who, on the back of performances from stars such as Marian Hossa, Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews, are regarded as one of the favourites for this year's NHL Stanley Cup.

Phillips, who spent five seasons with Hull Stingrays before spending one year with recently crowned Elite League play-off champions Belfast Giants, picked up the Most Improved Player gong at the annual team awards ceremony at the weekend.

To read Dave Phillips's blog from North America for the Yorkshire Post go HERE

In 49 games with the IceHogs, Phillips is second on the team with a +13 rating, having recorded six assists - only fellow defenceman Richard Petiot (+18) has a better +/- rating on the IceHogs roster.

During a short spell with the IceHogs's ECHL affiliate Toledo Walleye, he also posted one goal and an assist in six games.

In terms of his +/-, Phillips is second only to fellow defenceman Richard Petiot (+18) on the whole of the IceHogs roster.

The IceHogs clinched their place in the AHL's post-season Calder Cup play-offs with a 2-1 win over Lake Erie Monsters on Friday night.

Currently lying third in the West Division of the Western Conference, the IceHogs have three regular season games remaining against Houston Aeros, Texas Stars and San Antonio Rampage.