Barons Bryan Helmer Wins AHL Fred T. Hunt Award

Published on April 1, 2011 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Oklahoma City Barons News Release


Oklahoma City - Oklahoma City Barons defenseman Bryan Helmer was named the Fred T. Hunt Memorial Award winner for the 2010-2011 season. The recipient of this prestigious award is voted upon by American Hockey League coaches, players and media members for his sportsmanship, dedication and determination to the game of hockey.

Since joining the Barons January 7 the 38-year old Helmer has enjoyed a run that has seen him become the top scoring defenseman in AHL history, move past the 400-assist mark in games played in the AHL and become the seventh player in AHL history to play in more than 1,000 games.

The 6-1, 210-pounder from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario is a three-time Calder Cup champion and AHL record holder with 138 Calder Cup games played. He also owns AHL records for assists by a defenseman (411), points by a defenseman (537).

In his 18th season as a professional, he has recorded 537 points (124-411-537) in 1,020 AHL games played. As a professional, Helmer has played in 1,216 professional games, scoring 586 points (139-447-586). That includes 146 games at the National Hockey League level with the Phoenix Coyotes, St. Louis Blues, Vancouver Canucks and as recently as the 08-09 season with the Washington Capitals. Entering tonight's game against Rockford, he has recorded 24 points (6-18-24) in 38 games played with the Barons.

The Barons have already signed Helmer for the 2011-12 season.

"We are thrilled that Bryan Helmer has been awarded the Fred T. Hunt Memorial Award by the American Hockey League coaches, players and media," said Barons general manager Bill Scott. "Bryan's dedication the way he plays the game along with the enthusiasm he brings to the arena each and every day make him the perfect choice for this award. This recognition is another highlight to his continuing illustrious career."

Fred Hunt played for the Buffalo Bison and, over the years, served as General Manager and Governor for the same team, recording five Calder Cup championships with the Bison and his sixth as GM of the Cincinnati Swords.

Oklahoma City faces a crucial set of home games this weekend in their quest for the postseason. They enter the final weeks of the regular season two points out of a playoff birth with five games remaining.

Tonight, they take on the Rockford IceHogs, AHL affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks. Tomorrow night, they battle the Texas Stars, AHL affiliate of the Dallas Stars. Face-off for both games is 7:05 pm at the Cox Convention Center.

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