The Bowling Green hockey team shared plenty of memories and passed out a few awards on Saturday night at the Lenhart Grand Ballroom.
It was the last chance for the team to honor its five graduating seniors: Kevin Bieksa, Erik Eaton, Brian Escobedo, D’Arcy McConvey and Mark Wires.
“This team made a lot of accomplishments this year. A lot of that has to do with the leadership and work ethic of these seniors we had,” head coach Scott Paluch said. “We owe a lot to these five guys in how hard they work and their commitment everyday.
“They’ve been a great group and they represent what we want to be a staple in our program.”
McConvey, the team’s captain, took home three awards on the night. He was awarded the Jack Gregory Scholar Athlete award for his work off the ice in the classroom. He also received the Sam Cooper Trophy for leading the team in scoring this season. Then he received the Dr. Ron Zweirlein award for his leadership skills.
Jordan Sigalet was the other big recipient on the night, earning two awards. The junior goalie was given the Jim Ruehl award for being the best defensive player of the season. Then he received the Jim Sears award, an award for being voted as the team’s most valuable player by his teammates.
Steve Brudzewski took home the grinder of the year award that was voted on by the fans at the BG Ice Arena all season.
The Bill ‘ Helen Lloyd award went to Ryan Minnabarriet for being the most improved player. The coach’s award went to Bieksa, which was voted on by the coaching staff.
“We look at a year ago to this year and we look at a team that accomplished a lot in the second half of the year. We had the fourth best record in the CCHA [Central Collegiate Hockey Association] in the second half of the year and had a winning record at home,” Paluch said. “The program really took another step forward this year in the understanding of the everyday commitment it takes as well. Our goal is to get back to championship status and I think we are really close to accomplishing a lot of our goals.”
Next year’s captains were announced for the first time as well. Alex Rogosheske, Sigalet and Minnabarriet will all wear the captain’s letter next season.
Seven new letterwinners were also given their letterman jackets last night during the ceremony.
The Falcons will begin play next year with it’s annual brown-orange game in October.
