BEVERLY, Mass. — Earlier this evening, the Endicott College Athletics & Recreation Department hosted the NCAA Division III Men's Ice Hockey National Championship Reception at the Cleary Lecture Hall.

All four programs were recognized for their respective achievements this season, while Endicott College and the NCAA Division III Men's Ice Hockey Committee were acknowledged for their collaborative efforts in planning this weekend's tournament.

The banquet also featured an awards ceremony to honor the following individuals:

Elite 90 Award

Cooper Swift, Hobart

AWARD DESCRIPTION: The Elite 90, an award founded by the NCAA, recognizes the true essence of the student-athlete by honoring the individual who has reached the pinnacle of competition at the national championship level in his or her sport, while also achieving the highest academic standard among his or her peers. 

The award is presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average (GPA) participating at the finals site for each of the NCAA's 90 championships.

American Hockey Coaches Association All-Americans

Sam Ruffin, Adrian, F, West Second Team
Chase Spencer, Adrian, D, West First Team
Matus Spodniak, Adrian, F, West First Team
Jonah Alexander, Hobart, F, East Second Team
Andrew Kurapov (Corvallis, Ore.), Endicott, F, East First Team
Luke Aquaro, Hobart, East First Team

Coach of the Year — Edward Jeremiah Award

Mark Taylor, Hobart

Player of the Year — Sid Watson Award

Matus Spodniak (pictured)

TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

Semifinals — Friday, March 24
3 PM — No. 3 Adrian (24-4-2) vs No. 10 University of New England (21-6-2)
7 PM — No. 4 Endicott (23-2-2) vs No. 2 Hobart (27-2-0)

Championship — Sunday, March 26
7 PM — Winner of Game 1 vs Winner of Game 2

All games will be played at Raymond J. Bourque Arena on the campus of Endicott College.

Tickets for the national championship game will go on sale this Saturday (March 25) at 10 AM (PURCHASE TICKETS)

Please direct all ticket questions to Amy Wilichoski at 978-232-2489 or Mark Lepage '21 M'23 at mlepage@endicott.edu

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(Photo Credit - David Le '10)