I talked with a couple of players this AM and got the award winners
and some news from the banquet.
          First the awards...
 
          co-MVP's:
                   Scott Pellerin
                   Garth Snow
 
               I was pleased to see that these two shared the award-I knew
Scott was alock,but Garth definitely deserves a share because of his incredible
 season (25-4-2   2.44 GAA) and the way he stepped up when Mike Dunham was not
 able to play (Olympics+injury).
 
         Jack Semler Award (most improved player):
                   Patrice Tardif
               Pat really earned this award with his play in the second half of
 the season.  He gave everyone a taste of what was to come by scoring 4 goals
 vs. Army in the first game of the Dexter Classic,earning Tournament MVP honors
 with a 7-point performance in the two games.
 
         Outstanding Defensive Player:
                   Chris Imes
               The defense was the primary concern when the season started,but
Chris Imes led the "No-Name Defense" which capably filled the shoes of Brian
Straub and Keith Carney.  Chris had some trouble adjusting to his role of lead-
ing defenseman,but he quickly settled into the position,and became an effective
 leader.
 
          Most Inspirational Player:
                   Dan Murphy
               Murph struggled at times,but never gave up,and kept improving
his play;a fact his teammates took notice of and have rewarded him for,as you
will read.  He truly was a player I admire for facing adversity,and overcoming
it!
 
          Gary Thorne Award (Friend's of Maine Hockey's favorite player):
                     Cal Ingraham
               Cal was the obvious choice here for his tremendous play despite
the fact that his.....stature...was not exactly ...itimidating.  But seriously
Cal used the fact that other teams overlooked him to exploit their defensive
lapses,and was an explosive force in the offense.
 
          Most Honored Opponent:
                     Scott LaGrande
               I think its an unwritten rule that a BC player must win this.
(David Emma the last two seasons,and now LaGrande)
 
          Academic Acheivement:
                     Mike Barkley
               Mike has shown his skill at UMaine on the ice and in the clasroo
m,as he has been selected to the HE All-Academic Team each season and has a
3.6 GPA.  He was also team Captain for two seasons.
 
           Howard Neville Award (Outstanding Freshman)
                     Andy Silverman
               Andy won this award going away.  As one of Maine's "No-Name"
defense,Silverman quickly earned the respect of his teammates.  The future is
definitely bright for him.
 
           Stein Award (team humorist)
                     Kent Salfi
               Kent wrapped up this award back in November when he joked that
he was going to win the Hobey.  The SID  office quickly prepared a "Hype Sheet"
detailing Kent's 'awesome' stats (17th on the team in scoring-but only 4 points
 from 12th;  In the top 200 in All-time UMaine scoring  etc. )  Everone enjoyed
 it.  Kent also took over the role of Kangaroo Court Judge when His Honor Chris
 Imes went to Europe.
 
 
        UMaine Hockey News:
               Scott Pellerin scored his first pro-goal Sunday night,no doubt
inspired by the news that his #8 will be retired by the University next season.
 He is only the fifth person in UMaine history,and the first Hockey player to
merit such an honor.
               The Captain for next season is Jim Montgomery.  He will be the
first sole Captain of a Walsh-coached team.  His Assistant Captains will be Dav
e LaCouture,Chris Imes and Dan (the Inspiration) Murphy.  Captains were voted
on by the players after the season.
               There is some other news which should be coming tonight,hopefull
y on the 6:00 news.  As soon as its official I'll post it,but I can't until the
n (sorry for the tease).
 
                                                John Forsyth
                                                UMaine 1995
 
     191 days until Opening Night!!!!!!   Go Blue!