By By Jared Shafran, News Staff

Junior forward Tyler McNeely was named captain of the men’s hockey team for next year at NU’s end-of-season banquet in April.
McNeely, who was an assistant captain last season, had 23 points in his freshman season and added 20 points this season despite being injured down the stretch.
Veterans Greg Costa, Chris Donovan, and Jim Driscoll, all seniors, will be the assistants under McNeely.
‘It’s definitely an honor,’ McNeely said. ‘We have a lot of leaders and a lot of guys that could step in there. I’m honored to lead the guys and looking forward to the season.’
As for the fact he is only a junior with older players on the team, McNeely said graduation years don’t really matter in the end.
‘We all get along really well and we’re a very mature group,’ said McNeely. ‘We are all able to take advice and criticism from anyone on the team. Every guy knows where we left off last season and my job is reminding all the guys to keep their focus.’
Goalie Brad Thiessen was named the team’s most valuable player. Thiessen, who is currently with the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins, played every minute of every game for the Huskies and won 25 of them.
This follows Thiessen’s other accolades which include being named a Hobey Baker Hat Trick Finalist as one of the top three players in the country.’ Thiessen also added a different type of trophy to his collection by being honored with the DogHouse Fan Favorite Award.
Freshman forward Steve Quailer was named Rookie of the Year after a season in which he scored 10 goals and 15 assists. He was also named to the Hockey East All-Rookie Team.
Three defensemen received awards on the night. Junior blue liner Jim Driscoll was presented with the Northeastern University Hockey Veterans’ Unsung Hero Award for the second year in a row. Driscoll played 39 games and ended the season with a plus-14 and contributed offensively with a goal and five assists.
Mike Hewkin was chosen for the Manager’s Award as the team’s most improved player. As a defenseman, Hewkin scored seven points on a goal and six assists in his sophomore season. Hewkin was a key member of an improved Huskies defense which allowed a stingy 2.2 goals per game.
Denis Chisholm was given the Don McKenny Coach’s Award. Chisholm, who served as an assistant captain, played in 36 games and contributed offensively by tallying five points with a goal and four assists.
Sophomore forward Wade MacLeod was recognized as the team’s leading scorer, finishing the season with 35 points on 14 goals and 21 assists. MacLeod was also given the Huskies Radio Award as the team’s most exciting player to watch.
Last but certainly not least, the Justin Herriman ‘Super Fan’ Award for the Huskies’ top fan went to doghouse leader Tim Fouche, a junior.