Toledo Walleye forward Brandon Hawkins has received recognition as the Warrior Hockey ECHL Most Valuable Player for the 2024-25 season. The league announced the award Friday.
Hawkins now enters rare company in league history. He and Chad Costello share the distinction of being the only two players awarded ECHL MVP in back-to-back seasons across the league's 37-year existence.
League coaches, broadcasters, media relations staff, and media members cast votes determining the Warrior Hockey MVP winner each year. The award honors the player most valuable to his specific team.
Voting this year placed Cam Johnson of Florida second. Kansas City’s Cade Borchardt finished third. Peter Bates of Wichita and Bloomington’s Eddie Matsushima also received votes.
Hawkins earned selection to the All-ECHL First Team for the third straight season. He led the ECHL in scoring for the second consecutive year, totaling 89 points. His 37 goals placed him second in the league, while his 53 assists tied for second. He registered a league-high 336 shots on goal and tied for second with 12 power-play goals. He also tied for sixth place with seven game-winning goals.
Consistency marked Hawkins' season performance. He recorded at least one point in 48 of 71 games played, including 28 instances of earning multiple points in a single game. His strong play earned him ECHL Player of the Month honors for January. He also participated in the ECHL Midseason All-Star Team game.
Hawkins' repeat MVP honor highlights his exceptional contribution to the Toledo Walleye. The recognition reflects his dominance across multiple statistical categories and his offensive impact on the team's success throughout the season.
This marks the third time a Toledo Walleye player has won the award since the team adopted the Walleye name, following Josh Kestner in 2019-20. The Toledo Storm, the city's previous ECHL franchise, saw Andrew Williamson win in 1999-00.
