NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y.— Niagara hockey head coach Dave Burkholder announced the team awards for the 2012-13 season which saw the Purple Eagles capture the Atlantic Hockey regular season title and earn the program’s fourth trip to the NCAA Tournament.

For the first time in program history, one individual pocketed three honors as goaltender Carsen Chubak was named Niagara’s Most Valuable Player and Most Improved Player, and also earned the Dr. Jon Marshall Award, which goes to the most dedicated NU player.  The 2013 Top-10 Hobey Baker finalist was named the AHA Player of the Year, and was a First Team All-AHA selection.  Chubak led the league in wins (23), goals-against average (1.91) and save percentage (.930), while finishing third with 2042:38 minutes played.  His six shutouts also led the conference, and were tied for first in the nation.  

“This is the first time in the history of the program a player has won all three of these awards,” Burkholder said.  “His teammates have spoken, and I think our entire staff concurs with the voting.  He earned most improved based on where he was a year ago, the Dr. Jon Marshall Award was based on his daily dedication to the team and he was named the most valuable player because of what he did on the ice for the squad.  It was an amazing season for Carsen.”
 
Co-captain Dan Weiss and Kevin Albers were the recipients of the CLAW Award, given annually to the player who earns the most “claws” during the season, by blocking shots and other selfless acts.  Weiss, co-captain and a Second Team All-AHA honoree, and Albers logged extensive ice-time as the duo started in 31 of 38 contests, including 28 conference games.  Both defensemen had career seasons with Weiss earning a career-high 11 points off three goals and nine assists, and Albers netting his first pair of scores as a Purple Eagle and added five helpers for seven points.

“Winning the Claw Award is our version of the Unsung Hero, and it is not an easy job to achieve,” Burkholder said. “It is measured in a variety of ways including blocking shots and hits. This season Kevin and Dan epitomized what we want from our players.  This team’s first mentality is to come with a fist full of passion in one hand, and a fist full of courage in the other. Congratulations to both players for their sacrifice!”
 
Marc Zanette was named this year’s recipient of the Coaches’ Spirit Award.  The Nobleton, Ont. native was named the AHA Defensive Forward of the Year after contributing a career-high 15 assists, and added eight goals for a career-best 28 points.  Zanette contributed at both ends of the ice while on special teams, scoring two goals and three assists while on the power play, while seeing generous time on the penalty killing unit which was ranked third in the conference at 85.5 percent.

“Marc did everything you asked for, and more as a Purple Eagle hockey player,” said Burkholder.  “He excelled in the classroom, and in all aspects of his life while still being a huge cog for the program.  He was a very dedicated and ultra-competitive player, and has left his mark on the program.”