CHARLOTTE, NC (March 28, 2012) – The Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) on Wednesday announced that for the second year in a row, Mark Van Vliet of the Knoxville Ice Bears has been selected as the SBK Defenseman of the Year in a vote of league coaches and media representatives.

Augusta’s Ed Snetsinger finished second in the balloting.

The first two-time winner of the award, Van Vliet posted the third-highest single season point total (58) by a defenseman. Van Vliet led all defensemen with 44 assists and his 14 goals were second-most among blueliners. In addition, his +36 rating was tied for the league-high, while his 16 power play assists were second-best in the SPHL

SPHL Defenseman of the Year Award Winners
2011-12 – Mark Van Vliet, Knoxville Ice Bears
2010-11 – Mark Van Vliet, Knoxville Ice Bears
2009-10 – Steve Weidlich, Mississippi Surge
2008-09 – Kevin Harris, Knoxville Ice Bears
2007-08 – Dan Vandermeer, Richmond Renegades
2006-07 – Brian Goudie, Richmond Renegades
2005-06 – Mike Clarke, Fayetteville FireAntz
2004-05 – Curtis Menzul, Knoxville Ice Bears
The SPHL will announce its Rookie of the Year on Thursday.