Norwich forward Keith Aucoin has been selected as U.S. College Hockey Online’s Division III Player of the Year for the 1998-99 season.
The sophomore from Chelmsford, Mass., scored 33 goals and 39 assists to lead the Cadets, a total which included an amazing seven shorthanded goals, tops in college hockey.
The runner-up for the award in a very close vote was Aucoin’s teammate, junior Marc Bellemare. The pair led the Cadets to the ECAC East title and a third-place finish at the NCAA Division III championships. Norwich finished the season 27-2-2.
“I’m elated that Keith and Marc finished one-two in the voting”, said Norwich coach Mike McShane. “It’s great to know that the voters — the coaches and writers — have such a high opinion of our players.”
Aucoin scored 33 points in 1997-98 to lead all freshmen at Norwich, but came into his own this season, more than doubling his point totals.
“Keith made great strides to improve his conditioning and strength this season,” said McShane. “He was our most consistant player in terms of point production, and was key to our special-teams play.
“He’s a game-breaker — a very exciting player.”
