At Cawlidge Hawkey Org, we have a collection of awards we will pass out at the end of the season. They reflect all aspects of the game, culminating with the Player of the Year Award.
Coach of the Year Candidates:
Dean Blais, Nebraska Omaha - Coach Blais has the chance to bring Nebraska-Omaha back to the NCAA Tournament after their embarrassing season last year. He was able to compile quite the recruiting class and his resume from North Dakota (five 30-win seasons) proves he can win. Nebraska-Omaha's tough schedule will be a major factor in Blais's chances to win COY this season. Playing in the WCHA is always a challenge. If UNO can win consistently and return to the Tournament, expect Blais to be a front runner for COY.
Ted Donato, Harvard - Donato started his tenure at Harvard with back-to-back 20 win seasons but has since struggled with the Crimson, winning less than 50% of their games every season. With four of their top 5 scorers returning, a strong recruiting class, and one of the best defensemen in the country in Danny Biega, Harvard could surprise opponents this year and make a run for the ECAC championship, earning them an auto-bid into the NCAA Tournament at the season's end.
Jeff Jackson, Notre Dame - Legendary head coach Jackson will no doubt turnaround the under performing Irish of last season. They had a very mediocre season, especially when compared to the amount of their recent success ('08 and '11 Frozen Fours). With the vast talent pool Jackson has accumulated at Notre Dame, expect him to right the Irish ship and see them in another NCAA Tournament this season. However, Notre Dame's assets may hinder his COY chances. It's hard not to win when your team is that loaded.
Goalie of the Year Candidates:
Doug Carr, Junior, UMass-Lowell - The majority of UMass-Lowell's success this year will be placed on the wide shoulders of Carr. He played very well last season in their surprising NCAA Tournament run with a 2.13 GAA, 22 wins, four shutouts, and a .928 save percentage. If he builds on last year's performance, expect UMass-Lowell to make another run at an NCAA Tournament berth.
Troy Grosenick, Junior, Union - After a breakout sophomore season between the pipes for Union, Grosenick looks to avoid a let down and continue his dominant ways. His five shutouts tied a Union single-season record, and it should be expected he surpasses that total this season. With a less than exemplary strength of schedule, Grosenick will have to put up far superior numbers to Milner in order to win GOY, but do not put it passed him.
Parker Milner, Senior, Boston College - During BC's incredible title run last season (19 straight wins), Milner posted a 1.09 goals-against average and .960 save percentage with five shutouts. If he plays this entire season the way he finished 2011-2012, he will be a shoo in for Goalie of the Year, and, maybe, Player of the Year while probably winning another National Championship for Boston College.
Frank Slubowski, Sophomore, Western Michigan - Being named to the CCHA All-Rookie Team and a finalist for CCHA Rookie of the year is a pretty strong start to a career. If Slubowski can dodge a sophomore slump, expect him to put up similar, if not better, GAA (2.03) and sv% (.911) numbers again this year. With 20 returning skaters from last year's Mason Cup Champions, things are looking good for Slubowski and Western Michigan this season.
Defenseman of the Year Candidates:
Danny Biega, Senior, Harvard - Biega has been one of country's top defensemen over the last two years, compiling 35 pts and a +14 rating for a less than stellar Harvard Crimson last season. He is the anchor for a young (seven freshmen and nine sophomores) team that has promise, but their inexperience could prove fatal come crunch time. However, expect Biega to put together a great senior season and lead Harvard into a battle for the ECAC Championship and NCAA Tournament berth.
Dan DeKeyser, Junior, Western Michigan - Often regarded as the top undrafted free agent in the NCAA, DeKeyser does not disappoint at the point for the Broncos. However, DeKeyser and (D-partner) Witkowski will be leaned on heavily to anchor the young, but talented, defensive core on a team that prides itself on its "defense first" mentality. Assuming he can up his point production to cover for the early departure of Matt Tennyson, DeKeyser and Western should expect to be playing late into March, and possibly even April.
Joey LaLeggia, Sophomore, Denver - From an offensive standpoint, he's as good as it gets in college hockey. He's got vision, creativity, the ability to move the puck up the ice, and run the power play. LaLeggia was Denver's leading scorer amongst defensemen and is the leader in assists for returning players... as a freshman. Losing Drew Shore and Jason Zucker to the pros gives LaLeggia the opportunity to steal the show in Denver. If he improves on last year's numbers, expect him and the Pioneers to make a big splash toward the end of the season.
Jon Merrill, Junior, Michigan - Michigan is arguably one of the best teams in the country. They have an embarrassment of riches up front and a defensive unit capable of shutting out anyone. Merrill is the highest touted player on the roster, and deservedly so. When he plays to his full potential, you would have to reach to the professional ranks to find someone that can beat him. He has the wingspan, vision, and skating ability to make big things happen at any time of the game. If his coaches and teammates can keep his off-ice behavior in check this season, Merrill will be a key to Michigan's Frozen Four appearance.
Nate Schmidt, Junior, Minnesota - After a breakout sophomore season, Schmidt will look to improve his already impressive numbers. He lead all defenseman in the country by over 10 assists. He possesses all the necessary skills to be a big player for the Gophers, and coach Don Lucia is expecting nothing less from Schmidt. Minnesota did not lose any defensemen or top forwards after last year's Frozen Four run, and has every reason to set their sights on a national title this season.
Rookie of the Year Candidates:
Jon Gillies, Freshman, Providence - Gillies comes to Providence after previously retracting his commitment to Northeastern when Chris Rawlings announced he was returning for his senior year. At Providence, he should have the starting job and make an impact immediately. Coach Nate Leaman has made quite the stir with this year's incoming class of Friars with Gillies and first-round draft pick Mark Jankowski at the forefront.
Kevin Roy, Freshman, Northeastern - Roy chose not to honor his verbal commitment to Brown University in July, shortly after being named the USHL's Player of the Year. He scored a record-breaking 104 points this season for the Lincoln Stars. After the league-leading performance, he swiftly committed to Northeastern. Due to his small frame, Roy may not be as prolific a scorer in the tough Hockey East, but has shown the potential to do so. Being a Roy, it only seems fitting he wins the Rookie of the Year (ROY) title. But it will be an uphill battle.
Jacob Trouba, Freshman, Michigan - After being drafted 9th overall in the NHL's 2012 entry draft, there was speculation Trouba would be yet another Wolverine recruit to flee to the OHL. But to the pleasure of coach Berenson, and every Michigan fan, he chose to honor his commitment and don the maize and blue this upcoming season. He will undoubtedly skate with Jon Merrill, and give Michigan one of the most dynamic defensive pairings in the country. He has all the skills needed to become a star caliber player this season in the NCAA.
Player of the Year Candidates:
Nick Bjugstad, Junior, Minnesota - keep Pim down, scoring upward trend, big body with great speed and shot, goals=hobey
Johnny Gaudreau, Sophomore, Boston College - second on BC in scoring as Fresh. highlight reel capabilities, 1PtPG as fresh, was second only to Kreider, 20+ G, 40+ pts as fresh is HUGE
Brett Gensler, Junior, Bentley - no reason cant continue 50 pt trend maybe even more, return top 7 scorers/goalie,
Erik Haula, Junior, Minnesota - skating with bjugstad, pts will come in bunches, could go to either MN skater
Danny Kristo, Senior, North Dakota - 2nd Gs and Pts, continue great play, ND is notorious for performing SRs, endless talent
Coach of the Year Candidates:
Dean Blais, Nebraska Omaha - Coach Blais has the chance to bring Nebraska-Omaha back to the NCAA Tournament after their embarrassing season last year. He was able to compile quite the recruiting class and his resume from North Dakota (five 30-win seasons) proves he can win. Nebraska-Omaha's tough schedule will be a major factor in Blais's chances to win COY this season. Playing in the WCHA is always a challenge. If UNO can win consistently and return to the Tournament, expect Blais to be a front runner for COY.
Ted Donato, Harvard - Donato started his tenure at Harvard with back-to-back 20 win seasons but has since struggled with the Crimson, winning less than 50% of their games every season. With four of their top 5 scorers returning, a strong recruiting class, and one of the best defensemen in the country in Danny Biega, Harvard could surprise opponents this year and make a run for the ECAC championship, earning them an auto-bid into the NCAA Tournament at the season's end.
Jeff Jackson, Notre Dame - Legendary head coach Jackson will no doubt turnaround the under performing Irish of last season. They had a very mediocre season, especially when compared to the amount of their recent success ('08 and '11 Frozen Fours). With the vast talent pool Jackson has accumulated at Notre Dame, expect him to right the Irish ship and see them in another NCAA Tournament this season. However, Notre Dame's assets may hinder his COY chances. It's hard not to win when your team is that loaded.
Goalie of the Year Candidates:
Doug Carr, Junior, UMass-Lowell - The majority of UMass-Lowell's success this year will be placed on the wide shoulders of Carr. He played very well last season in their surprising NCAA Tournament run with a 2.13 GAA, 22 wins, four shutouts, and a .928 save percentage. If he builds on last year's performance, expect UMass-Lowell to make another run at an NCAA Tournament berth.
Troy Grosenick, Junior, Union - After a breakout sophomore season between the pipes for Union, Grosenick looks to avoid a let down and continue his dominant ways. His five shutouts tied a Union single-season record, and it should be expected he surpasses that total this season. With a less than exemplary strength of schedule, Grosenick will have to put up far superior numbers to Milner in order to win GOY, but do not put it passed him.
Parker Milner, Senior, Boston College - During BC's incredible title run last season (19 straight wins), Milner posted a 1.09 goals-against average and .960 save percentage with five shutouts. If he plays this entire season the way he finished 2011-2012, he will be a shoo in for Goalie of the Year, and, maybe, Player of the Year while probably winning another National Championship for Boston College.
Frank Slubowski, Sophomore, Western Michigan - Being named to the CCHA All-Rookie Team and a finalist for CCHA Rookie of the year is a pretty strong start to a career. If Slubowski can dodge a sophomore slump, expect him to put up similar, if not better, GAA (2.03) and sv% (.911) numbers again this year. With 20 returning skaters from last year's Mason Cup Champions, things are looking good for Slubowski and Western Michigan this season.
Defenseman of the Year Candidates:
Danny Biega, Senior, Harvard - Biega has been one of country's top defensemen over the last two years, compiling 35 pts and a +14 rating for a less than stellar Harvard Crimson last season. He is the anchor for a young (seven freshmen and nine sophomores) team that has promise, but their inexperience could prove fatal come crunch time. However, expect Biega to put together a great senior season and lead Harvard into a battle for the ECAC Championship and NCAA Tournament berth.
Dan DeKeyser, Junior, Western Michigan - Often regarded as the top undrafted free agent in the NCAA, DeKeyser does not disappoint at the point for the Broncos. However, DeKeyser and (D-partner) Witkowski will be leaned on heavily to anchor the young, but talented, defensive core on a team that prides itself on its "defense first" mentality. Assuming he can up his point production to cover for the early departure of Matt Tennyson, DeKeyser and Western should expect to be playing late into March, and possibly even April.
Joey LaLeggia, Sophomore, Denver - From an offensive standpoint, he's as good as it gets in college hockey. He's got vision, creativity, the ability to move the puck up the ice, and run the power play. LaLeggia was Denver's leading scorer amongst defensemen and is the leader in assists for returning players... as a freshman. Losing Drew Shore and Jason Zucker to the pros gives LaLeggia the opportunity to steal the show in Denver. If he improves on last year's numbers, expect him and the Pioneers to make a big splash toward the end of the season.
Jon Merrill, Junior, Michigan - Michigan is arguably one of the best teams in the country. They have an embarrassment of riches up front and a defensive unit capable of shutting out anyone. Merrill is the highest touted player on the roster, and deservedly so. When he plays to his full potential, you would have to reach to the professional ranks to find someone that can beat him. He has the wingspan, vision, and skating ability to make big things happen at any time of the game. If his coaches and teammates can keep his off-ice behavior in check this season, Merrill will be a key to Michigan's Frozen Four appearance.
Nate Schmidt, Junior, Minnesota - After a breakout sophomore season, Schmidt will look to improve his already impressive numbers. He lead all defenseman in the country by over 10 assists. He possesses all the necessary skills to be a big player for the Gophers, and coach Don Lucia is expecting nothing less from Schmidt. Minnesota did not lose any defensemen or top forwards after last year's Frozen Four run, and has every reason to set their sights on a national title this season.
Rookie of the Year Candidates:
Jon Gillies, Freshman, Providence - Gillies comes to Providence after previously retracting his commitment to Northeastern when Chris Rawlings announced he was returning for his senior year. At Providence, he should have the starting job and make an impact immediately. Coach Nate Leaman has made quite the stir with this year's incoming class of Friars with Gillies and first-round draft pick Mark Jankowski at the forefront.
Kevin Roy, Freshman, Northeastern - Roy chose not to honor his verbal commitment to Brown University in July, shortly after being named the USHL's Player of the Year. He scored a record-breaking 104 points this season for the Lincoln Stars. After the league-leading performance, he swiftly committed to Northeastern. Due to his small frame, Roy may not be as prolific a scorer in the tough Hockey East, but has shown the potential to do so. Being a Roy, it only seems fitting he wins the Rookie of the Year (ROY) title. But it will be an uphill battle.
Jacob Trouba, Freshman, Michigan - After being drafted 9th overall in the NHL's 2012 entry draft, there was speculation Trouba would be yet another Wolverine recruit to flee to the OHL. But to the pleasure of coach Berenson, and every Michigan fan, he chose to honor his commitment and don the maize and blue this upcoming season. He will undoubtedly skate with Jon Merrill, and give Michigan one of the most dynamic defensive pairings in the country. He has all the skills needed to become a star caliber player this season in the NCAA.
Player of the Year Candidates:
Nick Bjugstad, Junior, Minnesota - keep Pim down, scoring upward trend, big body with great speed and shot, goals=hobey
Johnny Gaudreau, Sophomore, Boston College - second on BC in scoring as Fresh. highlight reel capabilities, 1PtPG as fresh, was second only to Kreider, 20+ G, 40+ pts as fresh is HUGE
Brett Gensler, Junior, Bentley - no reason cant continue 50 pt trend maybe even more, return top 7 scorers/goalie,
Erik Haula, Junior, Minnesota - skating with bjugstad, pts will come in bunches, could go to either MN skater
Danny Kristo, Senior, North Dakota - 2nd Gs and Pts, continue great play, ND is notorious for performing SRs, endless talent