Norwich senior forward Colin Mulvey has been named the winner of the 13th Joe Concannon Award, presented annually to the best American-born college hockey player in New England playing at the Division II/III level.
Mulvey, a Worcester, Mass., native, led all Division III hockey players in America with nine game-winning tallies and has also been recognized as First-Team ECAC East, ECAC East player of the year and a First-Team All-American.
“In my coaching career, there are certain players who stand out for their exceptional work ethic, their determination and their perseverance [and] Colin Mulvey is one of those players,” said Norwich coach Mike McShane in a statement. “Colin’s approach to the game is, the harder he works, the better chance there is of improving. He is one of the most improved players I have ever coached. His physical conditioning is second to none. When he arrived at Norwich, he was small and thin. I projected him to be a fourth-line player for most of his career. He proved me wrong with his relentless work ethic.
“The statistic that best exemplifies Colin’s perseverance and determination to win are the D-III leading nine game-winning goals he scored. All of those goals came late in games and they came in the most pressured of situations. Off the ice, Colin is an exemplary student. He maintains a 3.7 GPA in civil engineering. I have no doubt that his perseverance and determination will be the earmarks of all his future success.”
The other Concannon Award finalists were Shaun Jameson (Wentworth), Keith Buehler (Wesleyan), Daniel Weiniger (Bowdoin), Joseph Caveney (Fitchburg State) and Travis Daniel (Massachusetts-Boston).
“This year’s level of intensity and competitiveness in all conferences set a new standard for excitement in hockey at the D-II/III levels in New England,” Gridiron Club of Greater Boston hockey awards committee chairman Tim Costello added. “Every nominee had an outstanding season. Our six finalists all truly showcased themselves and their schools throughout the New England area. They are great examples of the college and amateur athletes that Joe Concannon was dedicated to covering and recognizing during his career at the Globe.
“Colin Mulvey, with his superior hockey skills in one of the nation’s best conferences, his leadership and his sportsmanship, has most definitely earned a place among the outstanding group of distinguished past winners of the Concannon Award.”
Mulvey will be formally presented the award at the New England Hockey Writers’ Dinner on Tuesday, April 16 in Saugus, Mass.
