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.
Rocco Grimaldi, Sophomore, North Dakota - Grimaldi is the reason we did not name this award "Freshman of the Year." He only played in four games last season as a freshman but still managed to score and get an assist. Despite his stature, he only stands at 5'6", he always makes his presence felt on the ice. He can skate with the best of them, and has a knack for burying the puck. Hopefully he can avoid injury and live up to his full potential this year for the Sioux.
Mark Jankowski, Freshman, Providence - When Calgary drafted Jankowski in the first round in 2012, a lot of scouts were left scratching their heads. However, once he bulks up and fills out his frame, he will have the perfect "NHL body." Nevertheless, the skill and talent are already there for Jankowski as he can generate offense on his own or for his teammates. Look for Jankowski's play making ability to spark Providence College to surprise some teams this season.
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.
Rocco Grimaldi, Sophomore, North Dakota - Grimaldi is the reason we did not name this award "Freshman of the Year." He only played in four games last season as a freshman but still managed to score and get an assist. Despite his stature, he only stands at 5'6", he always makes his presence felt on the ice. He can skate with the best of them, and has a knack for burying the puck. Hopefully he can avoid injury and live up to his full potential this year for the Sioux.
Mark Jankowski, Freshman, Providence - When Calgary drafted Jankowski in the first round in 2012, a lot of scouts were left scratching their heads. However, once he bulks up and fills out his frame, he will have the perfect "NHL body." Nevertheless, the skill and talent are already there for Jankowski as he can generate offense on his own or for his teammates. Look for Jankowski's play making ability to spark Providence College to surprise some teams this season.