Freeman to Don 'C' for Clarkson in 2009-10

Photo by Jason Hunter/Watertown Daily Times

Scott Freeman, the Golden Knights’ leading scorer this past season as a sophomore, has been named the captain of the Clarkson University Hockey team for the 2009-10 campaign. Joining Freeman in leaderships roles for the Green and Gold next season are senior Matt Beca and junior Brandon DeFazio, who were both chosen as assistant captains.

"Scott will be an outstanding captain for us,” stated Clarkson head coach George Roll. “He has developed into one of our most reliable players through his first two years, and we look forward to his leadership this coming season. He is solid in all facets of the game as a talented forward, has a great work ethic, brings a strong presence to the locker room, and is a dedicated student-athlete. Scott will be one of the few junior captains in Clarkson’s history, but we feel confident that he is the right person to lead our turnaround after a tough 2008-09 season. Matt and Brandon are also exceptional team players, who possess the qualities we are looking for in our team leaders. All three will play prominent roles in Clarkson Hockey’s return to elite status in ECAC Hockey and the NCAA.”

A 5-10, 180-pound right wing from Whitby, ONT, Freeman tallied a Clarkson-best 29Matt Beca points and was the Green and Gold’s top playmaker with 23 assists. He was one of only three Golden Knights to skate in all 36 games. Freeman’s final goal of the year, a power-play marker, in the second game of the quarterfinal series at Union (3/7) was the program’s 10,000 all-time goal. Freeman was honored with Clarkson’s Richmond Unsung Hero Award this spring, presented to a player who displayed unselfish play and was very instrumental to the team’s success.

Among Clarkson’s leading scorers through each of his first three seasons, Beca is the next Golden Knight in line to break Brandon DeFaziothe century mark in scoring. Through 112 career games, the 5-10, 181-pound right wing from Mississauga, ONT has accumulated 85 points on 31 goals and 54 assists. This past season, Beca was Clarkson’s fourth leading scorer with 24 points (11-13).

DeFazio, a 6-1, 200-pound left wing from Oakville, ONT, enjoyed a productive sophomore campaign more than doubling his rookie point total. He posted 18 points on seven goals and 11 assists through 33 games.