The Sarah Alders Memorial Trophy will be awarded to the GM who has done the best job improving their team from the previous season, and will be voted on by the GMs of the ECHL.

Donated in memory of Sarah Alders, who's life was tragically cut short after being struck by a car. Sarah was a fan of hockey and took pleasure in the ECHL, as she did in all forms of the game. An honour student and a goalie for her local hockey team, Sarah took the time to follow the ECHL and cheer on her favourite team whenever she could. The Alders Trophy rewards a GM for hard work, dedication, and a love of the game.

It was first awarded in 2007 following the 2006-2007 season.

 
 
ECHL4 Sarah Alders Memorial Trophy Winner

PAUL MARANZAN
Buffalo Sabres

One year ago, after finishing dead last in the Eastern Conference, the only thing the Buffalo Sabres had to brag about was a Calder-winning goon and a buffet of overpriced and underperforming stars. A lack of discipline and accountability had shuttered what looked to be a promising team, and it was up to GM Paul Maranzan to right the ship. But rather than blow his team apart in the off-season Maranzan systematically attacked specific needs, reinforced his stars with veterans, and trusted his rookies and sophomores to deliver. And deliver they all did, an incredible 21 more wins for a 39-point increase to land fourth in the tough Eastern Conference.

Previous Sarah Alders Memorial Trophy Winners
ECHL3 Kevin Wilde, Calgary Flames