Gaudreau, Puskarich, York win Hockey East individual awards

Boston College coach Jerry York has been named Hockey East’s coach of the year for the third time (photo: Melissa Wade).

Boston College forward Johnny Gaudreau has been named the Hockey East Warrior Player of the Year, while Eagles’ coach Jerry York has been honored as the Bob Kullen Coach of the Year, sponsored by Bauer.

Gaudreau, who won the award last season, has 32 goals and 37 assists for 69 points this season as BC, under York’s guidance, went 17-0-2 in December, January and February this season.

The only other Hockey East players to win back-to-back player of the year honors were Boston University’s Chris Drury in 1997 and 1998 and Boston University’s Greg Brown in 1989 and 1990.

The coach of the year award is York’s third as he previously won in 2004 and 2011

In addition, Vermont forward Mario Puskarich was tabbed Hockey East Pro Ambitions Rookie of the Year after a 19-goal, 16-assist season for the Catamounts.

Northeastern had the runner-up on all three major awards, with goalie Clay Witt finishing second to Gaudreau, forward Mike Szmatula finishing second for top rookie and Jim Madigan the runner-up for coach of the year.

The awards were handed out Thursday night at the Hockey East championship banquet at the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Cambridge, Mass.