Junior defenseman Nate Schmidt was named the Gophers' MVP for the 2012-13 season.
Schmidt, of St. Cloud, was a second-team all-american and a first team all-WCHA pick after scoring nine goals and collecting 23 assists. His 32 points were the most of any WCHA defenseman and ranked third nationally among blue-liners.
He also has been the best quote on the team for several seasons. Reporters covering the team will miss him. Schmidt, a 6-0, 194-pound free agent, signed with the Washington Capitals shortly after the Gophers' season ended, giving up his last year of eligibility.
Goalie Adam Wilcox received three awards -- more than anyone else. He wasnamed the team's top rookie -- a no-brainer there -- the MVP of the playoffs and also got the community service award.
Wilcox, of South St. Paul, was a third team all-WCHA pick. He set a program record for the lowest single-season, goals-against average at 1.88. His 23 wins tied the rookie progream record and he was a workhorse. He played 2,331 minutes, the third most in the nation.
Captain Zach Budish, a redshirt junior, received the leadership and sportsmanship award. He had 14 goals and 36 points, both career highs.
Sophomore winger Kyle Rau was named the most determined player. He was second on the team in scoring wtih 15 goals and 25 assists for 40 points. He had seven game-winning goals, which tied him for first in the nation.
Junior forward Nate Condon was named the outstanding student-athlete. He had 12 goals and 31 points.
