NCHC Announces Awards Finalists

On Thursday, the NCHC announced the finalists for their eight conference awards this season. The winners of the eight awards will be announced at the NCHC Awards Banquet next week in Minneapolis prior to the NCHC Frozen Face-off.

Here are the finalists:

Herb Brooks Coach of the Year

Dean Blais, Omaha

Dave Hakstol, North Dakota

Scott Sandelin, Minnesota Duluth

Player of the Year

Jonny Brodzinski, St. Cloud State, Jr., F

Joey LaLeggia, Denver, Sr., D

Zane McIntyre, North Dakota, Jr., G

Rookie of the Year

Louie Belpedio, Miami, D

Danton Heinen, Denver, F

Patrick Russell, St. Cloud State, F

Goaltender of the Year

Kasimir Kaskisuo, Minnesota Duluth, Fr.

Ryan Massa, Omaha, Sr.

Zane McIntyre, North Dakota, Jr.

Forward of the Year

Jonny Brodzinski, St. Cloud State, Jr.

Austin Czarnik, Miami, Sr.

Trevor Moore, Denver, So.

Defenseman of the Year

Matthew Caito, Miami, Jr.

Joey LaLeggia, Denver, Sr. (last year’s winner)

Andy Welinski, Minnesota Duluth, Jr.

Offensive Defenseman of the Year

Ian Brady, Omaha, So.

Joey LaLeggia, Denver, Sr. (last year’s winner)

Jordan Schmaltz, North Dakota, Jr.

Jaccob Slavin, Colorado College, So.

Defensive Forward of the Year

Austin Czarnik, Miami, Sr.

Daniel Doremus, Denver, Sr.

Mark MacMillan, North Dakota, Sr.