Defenceman Joe Duszak and forward Justin Brazeau of the Newfoundland Growlers were named to the six-team ECHL all-rookie team for 2019-20 Thursday.
A native of Franklin Square, N.Y., the 5-foot-10, 185-pound Duszak recorded nine goals and 26 assists for 35 points in 34 games along with 34 penalty minutes for the Growlers this season.
Duszak also skated in 23 games with the American Hockey League’s Toronto Marlies this year, where he registered three goals and 15 assists for 18 points.
Duszak was signed as a free agent last season following an NCAA career at Mercyhurst College. He was up for the Hobey Baker Award as U.S. college hockey’s top player last season.
Brazeau is a 6-6, 225-pound winger from New Liskeard, Ont., who was also signed as a free agent by the Toronto Maple Leafs after he was named the top overage player in the Ontario Hockey League in 2018-19.
Brazeau was second in Growlers scoring last season behind Brady Ferguson with 27 goals, 28 assists and 55 points in 57 games.
He was second overall in ECHL rookie scoring to Tyler Sheehy of the Allen Americans.
