Senior Kent Patterson, who started every game in goal for the Gophers, and Nick Bjugstad, a sophomore center who led the team in goals with 25, were named the team's co-MVPs. The Gophers have had co-winners for this award only once before.
Sophomore center Erik Haula was named the Playoffs MVP for the Gophers who won the MacNaughton Cup and reached the Frozen Four before losing to Boston College 6-1 in the semifinals in Tampa.
Other award winners:
Unsung hero: senior goalie Jake Kremer
Leadership and sportsmanship, most determined: senior forward Taylor Matson, team captain
Rookie of Year: Kyle Rau, freshman forward
Community service: Seth Helgeson, junior forward ... third year in a row
Outstanding student-athlete: Nate Condon ... double major in finance and accounting
LUCIA, M. REILLY SINGLED OUT
International Scouting Services picked three players to watch from all five teams in te RBC Cup starting Saturday in Humboldt, Saskatchewan. Two of the players ISS picked from the Penticton Vees have Minnesota ties. Forward Mario Lucia is the son of the Gophers coach, defenseman Mike Reilly of Chanhassen will play for the Gophers this coming season.
Here is ISS on those two:
Mario Lucia
very talented … dangerous offensively … good size … soft hands … speedy … competes at a high level … has natural ability … quick feet … good hands … unselfish … second-round pick of the Wild in 2011 NHL draft
Mike Reilly
smooth skater … offensive defenceman … excellent mobility … plays in all situations … can rush the puck up ice … makes a good breakout pass … excellent point shot … fourth-round pick of Columbus in 2011 NHL draft
SCSU HONORS ITS PLAYERS
Outstanding Senior: Travis Novak, senior forward from Lethbridge, Alberta
MVP: Ben Hanowski, junior forward from Little Falls, Minn.
Most Determined: Nic Dowd, sophomore forward from Huntsville, Alabama
Outstanding Student-Athlete: Mike Lee, junior goalie from Roseau
Most Improved: Cory Thorson, sophomore forward from Crystal
Goalie of the Year: Lee and Ryan Faragher, freshman from Fort Frances, Ontario
Outstanding first-year player: Andrew Prochno, freshman from Minnetonka
Hanowski led the Huskies this season with 23 goals, seven power play goals and 43 points.
* Kalli Funk, a 5-5 forward who played for Cretin-Derham Hall, will transfer from Niagara University, where she played for one season and had seven goals and five assists, to SCSU. Her family lives in Roseville.
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