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 one of 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.
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 one of 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.