Hamline D-man Berenguer named best D-III hockey player in land

Senor defenseman Chris Berenguer of Hamline has received the top honor in Division III hockey.

he has been named the winner of the Sid Watson Award, given to the best player in small college hockey.

Berenguer, 6-1, 205, helped the Pipers win the MIAC regular-season and tournament titles. Hamline finished 17-7-5 after losing to St. Norbert's 4-0 in the NCAA Division III quarterfinals.

Berenguer was a three-time, first team all-america player and a two-time MIAC player of the year.

He scored 37 goals and had 79 assists for 116 points in his four-year career.

"Chris Berenguer is the best player to ever put on the Hamline University sweater," Hamline coach Scott Bell said, "and he is without question one of the best to ever play in the MIAC.

"He scores big goals. None of his scoring prowess takes away from his play as a defensive defenseman. He is a rock in front of the net and lugs the puck up the ice consistently and steadily."

"Chris embodies the D-III spirit and philosophy," Bell said. "He is happily married to Nicole and has a beautiful daughter, Stella. His ability to balance hockey with academics and family has caught heart-warming conference and national press."

Berenguer signed with the Trenton Devils last week. The Devils play in the East Coast Hockey League and are affiliated with the NHL's New Jersey Devils.