The Central Hockey League has today announced that following completion of balloting among Coaches, Public Relations Directors and selected media members, Austin Ice Bats defender Daniel Tetrault has been named the CHL's Most Outstanding Defenseman for the 2001-2002 season. Tetrault received 18 of 50 possible votes during the closest balloting of all CHL awards. The award is "presented annually to the Central Hockey League defenseman who has demonstrated the greatest all-round ability in the position."

Tetrault, a second year professional from La Broquerie, Manitoba, has enjoyed an exceptional season for the Southeast Division-leading Ice Bats. A finalist for the 2000-2001 WPHL Most Outstanding Defenseman honor last season, Tetrault has again displayed his outstanding all-round skills this year. He ranks among CHL scoring leaders with 10 goals and 29 assists this season, and his plus/minus total of +32 currently leads all defenseman. The versatile 22-year-old defenseman has twice been called up to Bridgeport of the American Hockey League, and has recorded an assist and a +4 rating in six games. Tetrault's defensive play has helped Austin to post the CHL's second best team goals against average, allowing 2.70 goals per game. Tetrault was a 4th round selection of the Montreal Canadiens in 1997, and was named to the Southern Conference staring line-up at the February 1st CHL All-Star Game.

Austin Coach Brent Hughes was pleased to Tetrault receive recognition for his play. "He is definitely deserving of the award," said Hughes. "He has been a standout defenseman for our hockey club, consistent night in and night out. He's a guy that came in without any AHL experience or contract, and played effectively at the next level."

Also named as finalists for the Most Outstanding Defenseman award were Hardy Sauter of the Oklahoma City Blazers, Bernie John of the Indianapolis Ice, Mark DeSantis of the San Antonio Iguanas and Scott Hillman of the Odessa Jackalopes. March 15th, the Central Hockey League will name the recipient of the Scott Brower Memorial Trophy, presented to the CHL's Most Outstanding Goaltender. Finalists for the award include Tulsa's Rod Branch, Fort Worth's Kory Cooper, Odessa's Mike Gorman, Austin's Bryan McMullen and New Mexico's Scott Myers. March 18th the Commissioner's Trophy will be handed out to the Coach of the Year, as voted upon by CHL Coaches, while the CHL's Most Valuable Player will be announced March 19th. Candidates to receive MVP honors include El Paso left winger Van Burgess, Oklahoma City right winger Joe Burton, Odessa goaltender Mike Gorman, Memphis left winger Don Parsons and Austin right winger Dan Price. The CHL Scoring Champion will be determined this weekend, following the conclusion of the regular season on Sunday, March 17th. The Central Hockey League playoffs will begin as early as Wednesday, March 20th.