MADISON, Wis. (blugolds.com) – The Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) office announced the 2016 All-WIAC women's hockey awards on Friday, with first-year Head Coach Erik Strand earning Coach of the Year Honors.
In his first season at the helm, Strand led the Blugolds to a 9-13-5 record, their best finish since the 2012-13 season and a four-victory improvement from a year ago. This year was Strand's first ever as a head coach after being an assistant for the men's program for the previous eight seasons. A 2002 men's hockey alum, Strand had four Blugolds earn WIAC recognition this season.
Paige Turner (Sr.- Iron River, WI/Duluth East) earned first team honors for the second straight season and was honorable mention in 2013-14. The senior goaltender lead the WIAC in saves (293) and shutouts (1) and was third in goals against average (2.18).
Mariah Czech (Jr.- Andover, MN) was named honorable mention All-WIAC after tying for ninth in goals and led the team in points (13), goals (9), power-play goals (4) and game-winning goals (2).
Lauren Norgren (So. – Fergus Falls, MN) and Holly Turnbull (Fr.-Hayward, WI) also earned honorable mentions honors. Norgren was third on the team in assists (5) and seventh in points (8) while Turnbull tied for most shots (60) and tied for fourth in assists (4).
In addition, Danielle Lucker (Fr. – Little Canada, MN/Roseville) was also named to the All-Sportsmanship Team.
