Photos of Award Winners
LOWELL, Mass. – Players, staff and friends of the UMass Lowell ice hockey program gathered on Monday morning to celebrate the 2025-26 season and honor a group of River Hawks with team awards.
Senior alternate captain Dillan Bentley (Peoria, Ill.) was named the team's Most Valuable Player following an extremely productive season. He totaled a team-leading 14 goals and 11 assists for a career-high 25 points, while appearing in 33 games. Bentley's team-best point total also earned him the G. Harvey Chandler Award, presented annually to the team's top scorer, as well as the Gus Coutu Award, given to the player who best exemplifies the spirit of the River Hawk hockey program.
Freshman Dalyn Wakely (Port Hope, Ontario) made an immediate impact and was recognized as Rookie of the Year after leading all freshmen with seven goals and 12 assists for 19 points, good for fourth on the team. The highlight of his season came at the Adirondack Winter Invitational in Lake Placid, where he recorded his first career hat trick in a 7-3 win against St. Lawrence.
Senior alternate captain TJ Schweighardt (Manahawkin, N.J.) earned the Best Defensive Player Award following the best season of his collegiate career. He tallied four goals and 13 assists to lead all defensemen with 17 points. In addition to his offensive production, he proved to be a reliable presence against opponents' top lines and led the River Hawks with 48 blocked shots.
The Most Improved Player Award went to freshman Josh Mori (Richmond, B.C.). The defenseman recorded just three points in his first 18 games before breaking out in the second half to finish with 12 points on four goals and eight assists, while appearing in all 35 games. His 12 points tied for second among UMass Lowell defensemen on the year.
Former head coach Billy Riley was unable to attend to present the Billy Riley "Unsung Hero" Award, but assistant coach Dan Darrow stepped in to present the honor to freshman David Adaszynski (Burnaby, B.C.). The forward's six points (2g, 4a) do not fully reflect his impact, as he consistently sacrificed his body and competed with intensity, leading all River Hawk forwards with 30 blocked shots. He scored his first collegiate goal at Maine in early December, added an overtime game-winner in an exhibition against Bentley, and found the back of the net in a 4-3 win against Boston University in the regular-season finale at the Tsongas Center.
Junior Sean Kilcullen (Kensington, Md.) received the Coaches' Perseverance Award for his determination and drive throughout the season. After being a healthy scratch in the season opener, Kilcullen responded by playing in 34 consecutive games, finishing with nine points on three goals and six assists. His 34 blocked shots ranked third on the team and highlighted his commitment on the defensive end.
Rounding out the awards, Senior Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Excellence and ice hockey sport administrator Alison Quandt Westgate was honored with the Marc Connelly Award, which is presented to a non-player who makes a significant positive impact on the program. Quandt Westgate was recognized for her support of the team, including helping spearhead the planning and hosting of the Cactus Cup in Palm Springs, California, as well as her dedication to the program's student-athletes both academically and beyond the rink.
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