Maris Ziedins, a senior from St. Norbert, has been chosen Player of the Year by the nation’s Division III head coaches. The native of Talsi, Latvia, scored 18 goals and 19 assists for 37 points this season. He finishes his career with a total of 74 goals and 71 assists for 145 points.
“Maris is a highly skilled and a highly motivated hockey player,” said St. Norbert coach Tim Coghlin. “Every time he steps on the ice, he is a threat to score and fun to watch. He is 100 percent dedicated to team success and is a complete two-way player. No one on our team has worked harder during the past three off-seasons and his hard work continues to pay dividends on the ice.”
Ziedins is the second St. Norbert recipient of the award. Rob Smillie won it in 1999.
“Maris … has earned the respect of all his teammates and coaches,” added Coghlin. “He is exactly what the Division III Player of the Year should represent.”
Ziedins scored his final collegiate goal in a 6-3 loss to Norwich in the NCAA Division III semifinals.
