March 8, 2007

Aston, Pa. - The ECAC West Hockey League announced that Matt Ward of the Neumann Knights is the 2006-07 ECAC West Rookie of the Year.

 

Ward, the first ECAC West Rookie of the Year for the Knights, scored 14 goals in 24 games to lead all rookies this season and established a new Neumann College scoring record for freshmen.  Matt also added 27 assists for a total of 42 points, which placed him first among NCAA Division II and Division III rookies.

 

"Matt is a great player and he had a great year," stated Head Coach Dennis Williams. "He was a great addition to our team and I expect Matt to only get better. He is well deserving of this award."

 

Ward, a three-time ECAC West Rookie of the Week, earned his first conference honor on November 28, 2006 after the leading the Knights to the MSOE Tournament title. Matt scored the game tying goal against No. 10 Wisconsin Stout in the opening game of the tournament and added a goal and an assist against Milwaukee School of Engineering in the Championship.

 

The native of Kemptville, Ontario earned his first collegiate point in the Knights' season opener against SUNY Potsdam on October 21, 2006 and enjoyed 11 multiple-point games, including a career high 6-point game against Lebanon Valley College on January 9, 2007.

 

Ward leads the nation in freshman scoring (14-21-41) and is ranked No. 7 overall in assists and No. 12 in total points nationally. He was also voted the Turfer Athletic ECAC Fan's Choice of the Year and was named to the ECAC Men's West All Conference First Team on March 2, 2007.

 

The Knights finished their season with the best record in program history (17-5-5). They earned the programs first berth to the ECAC West Championship Tournament, as the No. 2 seed and advance to the finals after defeating Utica College 2-1 in the semi-final. Neumann's season came to an end at the on March 3, 2007 in an overtime loss to Manhattanville in Purchase, New York.

 

To view the full release from the conference office click GO KNIGHTS!