The James Norris Memorial Trophy is awarded annually to the ECHL defenceman who demonstrates the greatest ability as voted on by the ECHL GM Awards Committee. The trophy is named in honour of James Norris Sr., owner of the Detroit Red Wings franchise from 1932 until his death in 1952. It was first awarded in 1954.

There is a feeling amongst hockey fans and media about the Norris trophy being awarded only to those defencemen who are offensively skilled. There is some debate about creating a separate trophy for defencemen who are not as offensively skilled, but play good, solid defence for their respective teams. It was purchased by the ECHL prior to the 2004-2005 season.

ECHL4 James Norris Memorial Trophy Winner

CHRIS PRONGER, D
Columbus Blue Jackets

Scoring: 11G, 41A
+/-: +24
PIM: 2
Hits: 191

It didn't take Chris Pronger long to regain his dominating defensive play one year removed from a horrific injury that stole a quarter of his season. In 80 games the franchise in Columbus was rock-steady on the blueline with 191 hits, a +24, and significant special teams time while only taking a single penalty. Offensively, he added 52 points, leading his Jackets to 4th in the West.

Previous James Norris Memorial Trophy Winners
ECHL3 Sergei Gonchar, Washington
ECHL2 Sergei Gonchar, Washington
ECHL1 Niklas Lidstrom