With college hockey season starting in a couple of weeks, and rosters now fully released in Atlantic Hockey, now is the time to hand out some preseason awards. These will probably not be who ends up winning these in the conference but it’s a good time to set a mark for where we see things. We will publish some more awards closer to the season starting.

Most Outstanding Player

Blake Bennett-AIC

Blake’s story is one of growth and development from the USPHL to becoming the best player in a Division One Hockey team. He is a complete forward who could challenge for the national scoring title depending on how he handles his matchups. His shot is smooth and effective, and he has gotten better at defense each year playing for Eric Lang. As a leader, Blake will also have a bigger role this season, helping a large group of transfers and freshmen get integrated into the AIC culture on and off campus.

Rookie of the Year

Max Itagaki-Army West Point

It is rare for plebes at West Point to earn awards. Max is a rare player. The BCHL player of the year plays with a heart like Colin Bilek and has the upside to match. He will get a lot of chances to earn key minutes up front for Army West Point because of the nature of the Armys graduating class. In addition, Itagaki has the skill set and shot to get things going quickly for the Black Knights

Donate: To help us cover more games and tell more stories not found elsewhere about all of college sports, especially under represented athletes everywhere across the college sports landscape like unique untold stories across college hockey. Please click the below link and consider donating what you can. If you do, I will list you in every story we write as a supporter of crowd-funded journalism that can truly be free for all at this link. 

Donate