May 17, 2007

Aston, Pa. - The Neumann College men's ice hockey team held its' season-ending banquet where the team's 2006-07 award winners were announced.

 

Junior forward Neil Trimm garnered the highest honor by being named the Most Valuable Player. The 2007 First-Team All-American enjoyed the best offensive season of his career, registering 18 goals and team-high 49 assists for a team-best 67 points in 27 games. The three-time All-ECAC West Hockey League selection had at least one point in 18 games, including three games with five points.

Second Team All-American Mike Gooch earned the 2007 Defensive Player of the Year award. The Mantua, New Jersey native finished the season ranked No. 4 in the nation for points per game and led the Knights' defense with a total of 30 points this season. The three-year team captain was also an All-USCHO.com Division-III selection and earned ECAC West Second Team honors for the second time in his career.  

Gooch's Second Team All-American teammate Mike Hedden was named the 2007 Offensive Player of the Year. Hedden scored 31 goals and added 21 assists to his career point total this season. His domineering present on the ice earned him ECAC West All-Conference First-Team and All-USCHO.com Division-III honors.

 

The Most Improved Player Award was presented to sophomore defensemen Brock Van Slyke. Van Slyke, who is from Ingersol, Ontario, increased his point total to 11, including three goals and six assist, after tallying just two points as a freshman. He was also the team's leader in turning the Knights' defensive reputation into one of the best in the league.

 

The team's St. Francis and Clare Award was presented to sophomore forward Peter Vaisanen. This award, which is presented to the individual who made significant contributions to the well-being of the team in terms of attitude, improvement and leadership, is one of the highest honors to be given to a Knight.

 

Rounding out the night was the presentation of the 2007 Coach's Award which was presented to the Knight's goaltender and sole senior Brett Leonhardt. This award, bestowed annually, is given to the member of the ice hockey team who best demonstrates the true spirit of Knights Ice Hockey and who is regarded as the most spirited team member. Brett Leonhardt exhibits those qualities and more. A transfer from SUNY Oswego, Leonhardt recorded a .907 save percentage as a Knight and took up communication and media arts at Neumann College. While at Neumann he became an intern in the offices of sports information and media services where he developed his skills as a producer. The Waterloo, Ontario native created and produced Neumann's first coach's show; called Sports Information Live on Line. Leonhardt's legacy can be seen and heard via the www.neumannathletics.com website.

 

Neumann ended their season 17-5-5 and 8-3-4 in the conference. The Knights made their first appearance at the ECAC West Tournament and advanced to the finals after defeating Utica College 2-1 in the semi-final.

 

• More Highlights from the 2006-2007 season