Minnesota State Mankato recently named its award winners for men's hockey.

Senior forward Eriah Hayes, La Crescent, Minn., was named the MVP. He was the team captain and had 20 goals and 16 assists for 36 points, second most on the team. His 12 power-play goals were second in the nation. He signed a free-agent deal with San Jose after the season ended.

Junior defenseman Josh Nelson, of Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., was named the unsung hero. His stats were 5-9-14, all single-season career highs.

Freshman forward Taylor Herndon, Oklahoma City, Okla., was named the most improved player. He was 1-2-3 in 12 games.

Senior forward Tyler Elbrecht, of Edwardsville, Ill., received the best hustle award. He was 1-7-8.

Three-star of the year award went to sophomore forward Matt Leitner of Los Alamitos, Calif. He led the Mavericks in scoring, 17-30-47, for the second year in a row. He tied for ninth overall in Division I hockey in points. He was first in power-play points with 28. ... Only one sophomore in the country in 2012-13 had more points, that was Boston College forward Johnny Gaudreau, 21-30-51, and he was one of three finalists for the Hobey Baker..

Minnesota State went 24-14-3 in 2012-13 and earned a spot in the NCAA postseason tournament ubder first-year coach Mike Hastings.