With the NCAA Division I men’s hockey tournament about to begin Friday, conference awards are rolling in for BCHL graduates and some have also signed with NHL teams. Below are this season’s recognized BCHL alumni, (their NHL rights), their NCAA school and the last BCHL team played for:
Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year:
Mike Reilly (Columbus Blue Jackets) University of Minnesota Golden Gophers – Penticton Vees
ECAC Hockey Best Defensive Defenceman:
Dennis Robertson, (Carolina Hurricanes), Brown University Bears (co-winner) – Langley Chiefs
Hockey East Best Defensive Defenceman:
Josh Manson, (Anaheim Ducks), Northeastern University Huskies – Salmon Arm SilverBacks
Hockey East Rookie of the Year:
Mario Puskarich, forward, University of Vermont Catamounts – Langley Rivermen
NCHC Defenceman of the Year & Offensive Defenceman of the Year
Joey LaLeggia, (Edmonton Oilers), University of Denver Pioneers – Penticton Vees
WCHA Goaltending Champion:
Cole Huggins, Minnesota State University Mavericks – Coquitlam Express
WCHA Outstanding Student of the Year:
Chad Brears, forward, University of Alabama-Hunstville Chargers – Merritt Centennials
Hobey Baker Award, top-ten finalist:
Joel Rumpel, goaltender, University of Wisconsin Badgers – Penticton Vees
NHL signings:
Boston Bruins: Ben Sexton, Clarkson University – Penticton Vees
Anaheim Ducks: Josh Manson, Northeastern University Huskies – Salmon Arm SilverBacks
Vancouver Canucks: Mike Zalewski, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute – Vernon Vipers
Boston Bruins: (pro tryout) Mike Collins, Merrimack College – Vernon Vipers
Winnipeg Jets: (amateur tryout) Colton Beck, University of Alaska – Langley Chiefs
