By Justin Dade – Sports Information
MADISON, Wis. (Blugolds.com) – The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's hockey team was well represented on the 2017 All-Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) Teams, along with claiming both Player and Coach of the Year honors.
Head Coach Matt Loen wins WIAC Head Coach of the Year for the fifth time in his nine-year tenure with the Blugolds. Loen led the Blugolds to their current 18-6-3 record for the season and will coach another WIAC Championship game on Saturday against UW-Stevens Point as UW-Eau Claire pursues another NCAA title. With the latest recipients, he has now coached 20 First Team All-WIAC student athletes.
Forward Patrick Moore (Sr. – Grand Rapids, MN) wins WIAC Player of the Year honors after leading the conference in regular season points with 38 and also received First Team All-WIAC recognition. The senior was a true leader for this team serving as an alternate captain racking up 16 goals and 22 assists in 25 games. As proven by his assist numbers, Moore has been a proficient passer his whole career and a vital center in the face-off circle. He also tied for the conference lead in power-play goals with six.
Goaltender Jay Deo (Sr. – Langley, British Columbia) earns First Team All-WIAC honors in a superb season that saw him start every game in goal throughout the season – the only goalie to do so in the conference. In his 25 consecutive regular season starts, Deo finished with an overall record of 16-6-3 recording one shutout and leading the conference in saves with 550. With his .914 save percentage and his 2.14 goals allowed per game average, there's no doubt the Blugolds wouldn't have had the success they did this season without him.
Defenseman Bryan Sinz (Sr. – Anchorage, AK) earns First Team All-WIAC honors skating in 22 regular season games posting seven assists and recording a positive plus/minus number of eight. After transferring to the program late last season, the senior defenseman was a very reliable member of the Blugolds' defense this season.
Forward Garret Clemment (Sr. – Wausau, WI) received honorable mention recognition with his 19 points in just 19 games. Despite missing time due to injury halfway through the season, the senior posted 11 goals and eight assists.
Forward Adam Knochenmus (Sr. – Roseau, MN) received honorable mention recognition with his 17 points in 20 regular season games. The speedy winger produced six goals and 11 assists in his 2016-17 campaign.
In addition, Logan Von Ruden (Fr. – Northfield, MN) was named to the All-WIAC Sportsmanship Team.
