UML nets Colgate standouts
LOWELL >> Two accomplished Colgate University defensemen are on their way to Umass Lowell.
Seniors Nick Anderson and Pierson Brandon will spend their graduate seasons at UML after strong four-year careers in Hamilton, N.Y.
Anderson and Brandon will bring plenty of experience to the River Hawk blue line for the 202425 season as UML looks to rebound from an 8-24-4 campaign.
Anderson, a 5-10, 170-pound native of Independence, Minn., and the 6-foot, 190-pound Brandon, who hails from Irvington, N.Y., have played in 132 and 125 games, respectively.
A strong season for UML for next winter will put Anderson in line to reach 100 career points, a rare feat for a defensemen, even over five seasons. He has compiled a 8-69-77 line with 107 penalty minutes in his first four college seasons. He scored two goals and 19 assists for 21 points in 36 games this past season for Colgate (16-16-4).
While Anderson has racked up 69 points over the past three seasons, Brandon’s forte is blocking shots, though he has scored in double figures in three of his four seasons at Colgate.
A captain, Brandon led Colgate in all four of his seasons in blocks, collecting a total of 250. He blocked 84 shots as a junior to lead all ECAC players. He has scored 13 goals and added 33 assists for 46 points.
The River Hawks handed out team awards during a banquet Wednesday afternoon.
Senior goaltender Henry Welsch (Lakeville, Minn.) was voted the team’s Most Valuable Player by his peers. He appeared in 22 games, collecting a 2.45 goals against average and .907 save percentage.
Sophomore forward Scout Truman (Lethbridge, Alberta) received the G. Harvey Chandler Award, given annually to the team’s top scorer, after he compiled seven goals and a team-high 21 points.
For the second year in a row, junior alternate captain Owen Cole (Dunnville, Ontario) won the Gus Coutu Award, which is given to the player who best exemplifies the spirit of the River Hawk hockey program. Cole had a personal-best 10 goals and a career-high 17 points.
Junior Isac Jonsson (Ängelholm, Sweden) took home Defensive Player of the Year honors. Playing in all 36 games, he blocked 39 shots and netted 12 points.
Sophomore Jack Collins (Canton, N.Y.) was honored with the Most Improved Player Award, setting career bests in games played, goals, assists and points. He earned a 3-2-5 line in 20 games.
The Billy Riley “Unsung Hero” Award was given to junior Stefan Owens (Midlothian, Va.) for his impact on and off the ice.
For the second straight year, senior captain Ben Meehan (Walpole) earned the Coaches’ Perseverance Award for his unrelenting determination and drive displayed throughout the season.
Equipment manager Brian Mundy was given the Marc Connelly Award, which is presented annually to a non-player who makes a positive significant impact on the program.