GRAND FORKS, N.D. - Sophomore forward Brock Nelson, who led the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) in goals, was named the recipient of the Jeff Anderson Hockey Scholarship today as North Dakota's Most Valuable Player.
Nelson led the league and ranked third nationally with 28 goals, while also leading the team in points (47), power-play goals (10) and game-winning goals (6). The Warroad, Minn., native was the only WCHA player to score 20 goals during league play, registering 20 in 28 games, and earned All-WCHA Third Team and All-College Hockey News Second Team honors. Nelson signed with the National Hockey League's New York Islanders following the season.
Nelson also received the team's plus/minus award after recording a team-leading and career-high +17.
UND's other team award winners included:
Cliff "Fido" Purpur Award: Mario Lamoureux, Senior, Forward
- Award is given to the player who exemplifies hard work, determination and being a creator of excitement on the ice
- Team captain appeared in 39 games and registered four goals and seven assists
- Named to WCHA Final Five All-Tournament Team and All-WCHA Academic Team
Archie Krum Memorial Athletic Scholarship: Corban Knight, Junior, Forward
- Award is given to the player who demonstrates leadership qualities, high academic standards, athletic excellence
- Appeared in 39 games and enjoyed his second consecutive 40-point season, including career-high 16 goals
- Led the team in faceoff percentage (.587) and tied for second in game-winning goals (3)
Tom Hoghaug Memorial Scholarship: Nick Mattson, Freshman, Defense
- Award is given to the freshman who demonstrates initiative, character and a sense of responsibility
- Appeared in all 42 games and scored 19 points, leading UND defensemen with six goals
Rookie of the Year:
Michael Parks, Freshman, Forward
- Appeared in all 42 games and led Sioux rookies with 12 goals
- Finished second on team in rookie scoring with 22 points
Most Improved Player:
Carter Rowney, Junior, Forward
- Appeared in all 42 games and reached career highs in points (33), goals (18) and assists (15)
- Had entered the year with four goals and 13 points in 67 career games
- Ranked second on the team in power-play goals (9) and game-winning goals (3)
Coaches' Unsung Hero Award: Ben Blood, Senior, Defense
- Appeared in every game for the third straight year and led Sioux defensemen with career highs in points (21), assists (18)
- Assistant captain was named to NCAA West Region All-Tournament Team, All-WCHA Third Team, All-WCHA Academic Team
Virg Foss 3-Star Award: Danny Kristo, Junior, Forward
- Award is given to the player who receives the most 3-star voting points from the print media following home games
- Received 20 voting points after being named first star four times, second star twice and third star four times
- Appeared in all 42 games and reached career highs in points (45), goals (19), assists (26) and plus/minus (+16)
- Named to NCAA West Region All-Tournament team
The Fighting Sioux (26-13-3, 16-11-1 WCHA) won their league-record third straight Broadmoor Trophy as WCHA Final Five champions and earned the No. 1 seed for the NCAA West Region Tournament, where UND advanced to its sixth regional championship game in eight years under head coach Dave Hakstol.
