LOWELL, Mass. -- Sophomore goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (Commerce, Mich.) was named Most Valuable Player at the UMass Lowell hockey annual team awards banquet on Monday night at the UMass Lowell Inn and Conference Center.

Hellebuyck amassed a 18-9-2 record and a 1.79 GAA and .941 save percentage with six shutouts in his second season at UMass Lowell, starting in 29 of 40 games. His GAA and save percentage ranks first nationally among Division I goaltenders, while his shutout total ranks second in the nation. Hellebuyck was a First-Team All-american, a First-Team Hockey East All-Star, was the winner of the inaugural Mike Richter Award and was the Hockey East Tournament MVP for the second consecutive season.

Junior defenseman Zack Kamrass (Atlanta, Ga.) was named team captain for the upcoming 2014-15 season by head coach Norm Bazin to conclude the night. Kamrass was also honored with the Best Defensive Player Award. Kamrass registered 20 points (4g,16a) and a +13 rating in his junior year in 35 games.

Senior forward Joseph Pendenza (Wilmington, Mass.) was tabbed the recipient of the G. Harvey Chandler Award, given annually to the team's leading point scorer. Pendenza amassed 30 points (14g,16a) in 41 games in his final season in Lowell.

Freshman forward Evan Campbell (Port Coquitlam, B.C.) was named the Most Improved Player, while defenseman Michael Kapla (Eau Claire, Wis.) earned Rookie of the Year honors. Campbell notched one goal in his first 16 games for the River Hawks and finished the season with 10 points (8g,2a) in his final 17 contests. Kapla totaled 17 points (3g,14a) with a +16 plus/minus rating in his first season, as one of six River Hawks to skate in all 41 games.

Senior goaltender Doug Carr (Hanover, Mass.) took home the Coaches Perseverance Award, while classmate Josh Holmstrom (Colorado Springs, Col.) was honored with the Unsung Hero Award and the Gus Coutu Award, given annually to the player that exemplifies the spirit of the program.

Director of Sports Performance Devan McConnell was the recipient of the Marc Connelly Award, given annually to a non-player that has made a significant impact on the program. McConnell just completed his third season with the team and has made greats strides with the program in the area of strength and conditioning.