LOWELL, Mass.—With the 2021-22 season in the books, the UMass Lowell hockey program recently reconvened to hand out its annual team awards, as voted on by the student-athletes.
Senior captain
Lucas Condotta (Georgetown, Ontario) was named the team's Most Valuable Player for the second consecutive year. A natural leader, Condotta was also named a back-to-back recipient of the Gus Coutu Award, given annually to the player who best exemplifies the spirit of the River Hawk hockey program.
"As voted on by his teammates, Lucas won the MVP for the second consecutive season. When your third leading point producer wins that award, you know he is special. His leadership, his selfless approach and his drive allowed him to continue improving every single year at UML," commented Head Coach
Norm Bazin. "He also won the Gus Coutu Award which is emblematic of the spirit of UMass Lowell. He earns respect from teammates and coaches alike because of his relentless pursuit to helping the team win. He has elevated the program with his presence on and off the ice. He has had a tremendous impact on our younger guys. We wish him all the best with the Montreal Canadiens organization."
Following career years, juniors
Carl Berglund (Hammaro, Sweden) and
Andre Lee (Karlstad, Sweden) earned the G. Harvey Chandler Award, which is presented annually to the team's top scorer. Berglund amassed nine goals and a team-best 19 assists to finish with a career-best 28 points. With a team-high 16 goals, Lee added 12 helpers to finish with 28 points as well.
"Carl and Andre share the award for top point producers. This is fitting since they played together most of their career and grew up in youth hockey together. Both players had tremendous seasons and are very deserving of this award," said Bazin.
Freshman
Owen Cole (Dunnville, Ontario) was tabbed the team's Most Improved Player after earning a starting role on the River Hawks' line chart. The rookie had an impressive second-half impact on the team, picking up three goals and seven assists for 10 points. Cole returned from the holiday break and picked up his first career goal against Boston College off an incredible shorthanded tally.
"Owen showed great improvement over the course of this season earning him most improved player. We look forward to
Owen Cole taking another step next season. His attitude was excellent all year long," remarked Bazin.
For the second straight year, junior
Zach Kaiser (Orangeville, Ontario) received the Billy Riley "Unsung Hero" Award for his impact on the team on and off the ice. The award is named for the former longtime coach who took the program to three Division II National Championships and raised the program to Division I and an NCAA Tournament berth.
"Kaiser continues to be one of our most versatile players and was voted Unsung Hero by his teammates. Congratulations to Zach," said Bazin.
Senior
Sam Knoblauch (Rochester, Mich.) was awarded the Coaches Perseverance Award for his unrelenting determination and drive during his final season as a River Hawk.
After establishing himself as a consistent contributor and skilled player, freshman
Matt Crasa (South Setauket, N.Y.) was named the Rookie of the Year. The newcomer posted an outstanding season to kick off his career at UMass Lowell, leading all freshmen in scoring with 21 points off 12 goals and nine assists. Crasa surpassed the ten-goal threshold to become the first River Hawk since Berglund in 2018 to achieve the feat.
"The Rookie of the Year award went to Matt, who had an excellent year. His consistency on the ice was terrific for us," said Bazin of the freshman. "He will continue to improve as he gets stronger."
Senior
Jon McDonald (Livonia, Mich.) earned Defensive Player of the Year honors for the third consecutive season. McDonald is the third ever River Hawk to be named Defensive Player of the Year three straight times and the first to do so since Chad Ruhwedel. One of two alternate captains, McDonald picked up a goal and nine assists for 10 points and led a stalwart blueline with 46 blocks.
"
Jon McDonald was a model of consistency this past year. He played through some injuries without missing a beat. He was the undisputed leader of our defensive core and is a tremendous model for our younger guys," noted Bazin. "This was the third year in a row Jon has won the Best Defensive Player Award. Congrats Jon on this special accomplishment."
Closing out the 2021-22 awards banquet, former River Hawk defenseman and current Director of Operations
Dylan Zink was awarded the Marc Connelly Award, presented annually to a non-player who makes a positive significant impact on the program.
