End Of Decade Awards
By Fetch
Sure, the decade doesn’t end until the end of the season, but everyone else is doing it, and I want to be featured in some end of decade talk. Call me a narcissist.
A week ago we took a look at the top 10 games of the decade, and today we have sort of a mish-mash of decade awards, from coach of the decade to program of the decade to best uniform of the decade. We’ll also touch on some of the forgettable moments of the past 10 years in college hockey.
For the record, I’m counting the 1999-2000 season as part of this decade. Why? Cause it’s my blog damnit.
Program of the Decade – Boston College
Boston College went to 6 Frozen Fours in the last 10 years and won 2 national championships. They also had a run of making the national championship three straight years, something no other team did this decade.
Coach of the Decade – Dave Hakstol, North Dakota
Hakstol didn’t take over the reins of the North Dakota program until the 2004-05 season, but he became just the third coach ever to start his career by reaching four consecutive Frozen Fours. The Sioux are a favorite to make it again in 2009-10.
Sweater of the decade – Maine White
Just look at this beauty. The Maine written in cursive. The navy blue and light blue. Just a gorgeous, gorgeous sweater.
Runner up: North Dakota green
Player of the decade – Ryan Duncan, North Dakota
Critics may point out that Duncan hasn’t played in the NHL yet, and his numbers went down after he wasn’t on the same line as Jonathan Toews and later TJ Oshie. But look at his career numbers: 85 goals, 87 assists, 172 points. Duncan won the Hobey his Sophomore year, and although his numbers dropped off a bit after Toews left, that would happen to anyone. Duncan served as the North Dakota captain his Senior year and let them to a WCHA title.
All-Decade Team
F – Ryan Duncan, North Dakota
F – Ryan Jones, Miami
F – Nathan Gerbe, Boston College
D – Matt Carle, Denver
D – Jordan Leopold, Minnesota
G – Jeff Lerg, Michigan State