CORTLAND, N.Y. - The State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) is pleased to announce the men's ice hockey Rookie of the Year, Goaltender of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, and Herb Hammond Player of the year for the 2018 season.
Herb Hammond Player of the Year- Mitch Herlihey, Oswego
Senior Mitch Herlihey will end his season as the Herb Hammond Player of the Year this season. The forward from Ottawa, Ontario had an impressive season as he hit the ice for the Lakers in 25 matchups, posting 13 goals and 17 assists. Herlihey had his season high during a matchup against Geneseo when he put up two goals against the Knights for an Oswego win. Throughout the season Herlihey has been selected as the SUNYAC Athlete of the Week three times and also made the D3Hockey.com National Team of the Week. In the conference, Herlihey is tied at number two with 20 points in conference play.
Defensive Player of the Year- Devin Campbell, Oswego
Devin Campbell proved to be a strong helping hand for the Oswego Lakers this season ad the junior from Greenly, Ontario played in all 26 matchups, 16 of those being conference games. Campbell had a season high of four shots against Morrisville, two assists against Morrisville, and five blocked shots against Geneseo. Campbell also proved himself during Head Coach Ed Gosek's 300th career when he and teammate Herlihey matched up to start the game with a goal 40 seconds after the puck dropped. When asked about Campbell, Coach Gosek stated, "He brings a high level of consistent play each and every game. Statistics do not indicate his true value to our team."
Goaltender of the Year- Ian Sylves, Buffalo State
Sylves made his last season with the Bengals count as the senior from Sloan, N.Y. ended his collegiate career with 606 saves and a save percentage of .928. He hit his season high during a mid-season matchup against Plattsburgh putting up 39 saves. Sylves has been named the SUNYAC Goalie of the Week three times this season, and also made the D3Hockey.com National Team of the Week in January.
Rookie of the Year- Rich McCartney, Plattsburgh
McCartney took his rookie season by storm this season. A Hershey, Pa native put up an astonishing 17 goals and two assists over 25 games. McCartney is ranked No. 1 on the Cardinals' statistics sheet with a total of 24 points overall, 18 in conference play. While McCartney showed his strength throughout the season, he was key in the 1-0 win over Potsdam mid-season. Early in the second period he utilized a power play to score what was ultimately the game winning goal. McCartney currently tallied 18 points in conference play for this season, and has been voted SUNYAC Rookie of the Week twice.
