For the second time in four years, New Hampshire has won all three of the highest individual Hockey East honors. Dick Umile was chosen Coach of the Year, Darren Haydar Player of the Year and Sean Collins Rookie of the Year. The Wildcats also led all teams with four members selected to the All-Hockey East team.
The awards were presented at the annual Hockey East Tournament Banquet held at the Sonesta Hotel in Cambridge.
The emotional highlight of the evening came during remarks by Lynne Walsh, widow of legendary Maine coach Shawn Walsh, who offered thanks for the support of the college hockey community while also encouraging players and coaches to persevere through difficulties and be their best. She was accorded a standing ovation.
This marks the fourth time Umile has won the Bob Kullen Award, matching Walsh for tops among league coaches.
Haydar and Northeastern defenseman Jim Fahey, who earlier in the day were announced as Hobey Baker Award finalists, were the only unanimous All-Hockey East First Team selections.
Boston University also received high honors as Chris Dyment was named Best Defensive Defenseman while fellow senior Mike Pandolfo was selected as Best Defensive Forward.
With 28 points in 24 Hockey East games and not a single penalty taken, Providence College’s Jon DiSalvatore became the Len Ceglarski Sportsmanship Award winner.
The full list of awards follows:
KOHO PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Darren Haydar, New Hampshire
Runner-Up: Jim Fahey, Northeastern
CCM/BOB KULLEN AWARD – COACH OF THE YEAR
Dick Umile, New Hampshire
Runners-Up: Jack Parker, Boston University; Tim Whitehead, Maine
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
Sean Collins, New Hampshire
Runner-Up: Keni Gibson, Northeastern
ALL-HOCKEY EAST FIRST TEAM
Goaltender: Mike Morrison, Sr. Maine
Defenseman: Jim Fahey, Sr., Northeastern *
Defenseman: Peter Metcalf, Sr., Maine
Forward: Darren Haydar, Sr., New Hampshire *
Forward: Colin Hemingway, Jr., New Hampshire
Forward: Tony Voce, So., Boston College
* – unanimous selection
ALL-HOCKEY EAST SECOND TEAM
Goaltender: Michael Ayers, So., New Hampshire
Defenseman: Chris Dyment, Sr., Boston University
Defenseman: Garrett Stafford, Jr., New Hampshire
Forward: Niko Dimitrakos, Sr., Maine
Forward: Ben Eaves, So., Boston College
Forward: Ed McGrane, Jr., UMass-Lowell
Honorable Mention:
Goalie: Cam McCormick (UMass-Lowell)
Defensemen: J.D. Forrest (Boston College), Mick Mounsey (New Hampshire)
Forwards: Anthony Aquino (Merrimack), Martin Kariya (Maine), Mike Pandolfo (Boston University)
ALL-ROOKIE TEAM
Goaltender: Keni Gibson, Northeastern *
Defenseman: Ryan Whitney, Boston University
Forward: Sean Collins, New Hampshire *
Forward: Brian McConnell, Boston University
Forward: Colin Shields, Maine
Forward: Dave Spina, Boston College
* – unanimous selection
ITECH “THREE STARS” AWARD
Colin Hemingway, New Hampshire
Runner-Up: Darren Haydar, New Hampshire
HOCKEY EAST SCORING CHAMPION
Darren Haydar, New Hampshire (42 points)
Runner-Up: Colin Hemingway, New Hampshire (36)
OLD TIME HOCKEY BEST DEFENSIVE DEFENSEMAN
Chris Dyment, Boston University
Runner-Up: Mick Mounsey, New Hampshire
ITECH GOALTENDING CHAMPION (Best goals against average)
Michael Ayers, New Hampshire (1.79 GAA)
Runner-Up: Matt Carney, New Hampshire (2.09 GAA)
BEST DEFENSIVE FORWARD
Mike Pandolfo, Boston University
Runners-Up: Ed McGrane, UMass-Lowell; Robert Liscak, Maine
LEN CEGLARSKI SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD
Jon DiSalvatore, Providence
Runner-Up: Martin Kariya, Maine
CHARLIE HOLT TEAM SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD (Fewest penalties)
UMass-Amherst
