PRINCETON, N.J. - The ECHL announced on Thursday that Darrin Flinchem of the Indy Fuel is the 2017-18 recipient of the ECHL Equipment Manager of the Year Award, presented by CCM.
The winner is determined in a vote of the league's equipment managers and athletic trainers.
"I'd like to issue a special congratulations to Darrin on being named the league's Equipment Manager of the Year. I've worked with for a long time both as a player and a coach, and this honor is well deserved," said Fuel Head Coach and VP of Hockey Operations Bernie John. "Darrin is the best equipment manager I have ever encountered in my career, and we are lucky to have him in our organization."
A long-time mainstay in the Indianapolis hockey scene, Flinchem's involvement with hockey in the Circle City dates back to 1995 when he served as the equipment manager for the International Hockey League's Indianapolis Ice. Other previous stops for Flinchem include the ECHL's Jacksonville Lizard Kings and the United States Hockey League's Indiana Ice. During his time with the Ice, Flinchem was also called upon to represent the the United States at the World Junior “A” Challenge, winning five gold medals with the USA Hockey Select squad.
ECHL Equipment Manager of the Year
2017-18 Darren Flinchem, Indy Fuel
2016-17 Andrew Dvorak, Missouri Mavericks
2015-16 Drew Kitts, Quad City Mallards
2014-15 Dakota King, Gwinnett Gladiators
2013-14 Billy Higgins, Wheeling Nailers
2012-13 Adam Dexter, Orlando Solar Bears
2011-12 Ryan Martin, Greenville Road Warriors
2010-11 Mike Burkhead, Alaska Aces
2009-10 Ben Laing, Stockton Thunder
2008-09 Pat Noecker, Reading Royals
2007-08 Pat Noecker, Reading Royals
2005-06 Chris Burke, Fresno Falcons
2004-05 John Jennings, Florida Everblades
Russ Holden, Reading Royals
2003-04 John Krouse, Pensacola Ice Pilots
2002-03 Tom Severance, Charlotte Checkers
Adirondack Thunder
Allen Americans
Atlanta Gladiators
Bloomington Bison
Cincinnati Cyclones
Florida Everblades
Fort Wayne Komets
Greensboro Gargoyles
Greenville Swamp Rabbits
Idaho Steelheads
Indy Fuel
Iowa Heartlanders
Jacksonville Icemen
Kalamazoo Wings
Kansas City Mavericks
Maine Mariners
Norfolk Admirals
Orlando Solar Bears
Rapid City Rush
Reading Royals
Savannah Ghost Pirates
South Carolina Stingrays
Tahoe Knight Monsters
Toledo Walleye
Trois-Rivières Lions
Tulsa Oilers
Utah Grizzlies
Wheeling Nailers
Wichita Thunder
Worcester Railers