Most Valuable Player & Rookie of the Year: Brandon Hagel
After a sample of professional action at the end of the 2018-19 season (eight games, one assist) with the IceHogs, rookie Brandon Hagel became a scoring force in the Forest City during the 2019-20 campaign, earning him the team’s Most Valuable Player and Rookie of the Year awards. This is the first time in team history that one player has received both awards in a single season. In 31 games with the IceHogs last year, the Morinville, Alberta, native netted 19 goals and 12 assists for 31 points, finishing third in team scoring and tied for 14th among AHL rookies. With his impressive speed and skill, Hagel gained the attention of the Blackhawks and made his NHL debut on Mar. 11, 2020 vs. San Jose.
