The Curt Hammer Award has been presented annually since the 1988-89 season in honor of the late Curt Hammer, and recognizes the USHL player who distinguishes himself both on and off the ice by demonstrating outstanding performance skills, pride, and determination. The award is given in memory of the late Curt Hammer, who served as president of the Des Moines Buccaneers for three seasons (1984-87) and also held the role of secretary for the USHL. Hammer, a dedicated volunteer and supporter of hockey in the Des Moines community until succumbing to cancer in 1987, was one of the founders Hart-Hammer, Inc., a commercial heating and air conditioning ventilation equipment sales firm. The company still operates today providing extensive sales and engineering support in Iowa, Nebraska, and western Illinois. The award was established to honor his commitment to the League and the perseverance he displayed in continuing his work through hockey while battling the illness.
| YEAR |
NAME |
TEAM |
| 2023-24 |
Ryan Botterill |
Youngstown Phantoms |
| 2022-23 |
Cole Knuble |
Fargo Force |
| 2021-22 |
Stephen Halliday |
Dubuque Fighting Saints |
|
Michael Cameron |
Omaha Lancers |
| 2020-21 |
Will Dineen |
Sioux Falls Stampede |
| 2019-20 |
Aidan Fulp |
Dubuque Fighting Saints |
| 2018-19 |
Liam Walsh |
Cedar Rapids RoughRiders |
| 2017-18 |
Marc McLaughlin |
Cedar Rapids RoughRiders |
| 2016-17 |
Logan Halladay |
Bloomington Thunder |
|
Riese Zmolek |
Cedar Rapids RoughRiders |
| 2015-16 |
Tory Dello |
Tri-City Storm |
| 2014-15 |
Matt Mendelson |
Bloomington Thunder |
| 2013-14 |
Garrett Gamez |
Tri-City Storm |
| 2012-13 |
Ryan Siiro |
Sioux Falls Stampede |
| 2011-12 |
Mike Ambrosia |
Youngstown Phantoms |
| 2010-11 |
Tommy Olczyk |
Sioux City Musketeers |
| 2009-10 |
Derek Arnold |
Waterloo Black Hawks |
| 2008-09 |
Mike Walsh |
Chicago Steel |
| 2007-08 |
Joey Miller |
Sioux City Musketeers |
| 2006-07 |
Zach Redmond |
Sioux Falls Stampede |
| 2005-06 |
Trevor Lewis |
Des Moines Buccaneers |
| 2004-05 |
Christian Hanson |
Tri-City Storm |
| 2003-04 |
Topher Scott |
Chicago Steel |
| 2002-03 |
Jake Taylor |
Green Bay Gamblers |
| 2001-02 |
Nick Anderson |
Chicago Steel |
| 2000-01 |
Corey McLean |
Chicago Steel |
| 1999-00 |
Aaron Gill |
Rochester Mustangs |
| 1998-99 |
Noah Clarke |
Des Moines Buccaneers |
| 1997-98 |
Shaun Winkler |
North Iowa Huskies |
| 1996-97 |
Mark Eaton |
Waterloo Black Hawks |
| 1995-96 |
Jeremy Bautch |
Rochester Mustangs |
| 1994-95 |
Brad Frattaroli |
Des Moines Buccaneers |
| 1993-94 |
Nick Krueger |
Des Moines Buccaneers |
| 1992-93 |
Eric Rud |
Des Moines Buccaneers |
| 1991-92 |
Mike Figliomeni |
Thunder Bay Flyers |
| 1990-91 |
Brent Cary |
Omaha Lancers |
|
Beau Bilek |
Des Moines Buccaneers |
| 1989-90 |
Sean Marson |
Sioux City Musketeers |
| 1988-89 |
Jay Ness |
Rochester Mustangs |