Beca Named Clarkson's MVP

Photo by Chris Lenney

The 2009-10 Clarkson University Hockey team was recognized at the annual Knight Club Booster Awards Banquet on Saturday, April 3. Family, friends, and booster club members paid tribute to the Golden Knights and honored the three seniors in the Class of 2010.

The Golden Knights’ Class of 2010 — Matt Beca, Jeremiah Crowe and Tim Marks — helped Clarkson compile 66 victories from 2006-2010, back-to-back 20-win campaigns (2006-07, 2007-08), an ECAC Hockey Tournament Championship (2007) and a conference regular season title (2008) along with making two consecutive showings in the NCAA Tournament (2007, 2008).

Beca and Marks are currently playing in the American Hockey League

Five awards were announced at the banquet. Headlining the list of recipients was Beca, who was named the Bill Harrison Clarkson Most Valuable Player in honor of the successful Clarkson coach of the late 1940s and 1950s.

The 5-10, 181-pound, right wing led Clarkson in scoring with 38 points, including 20 goals through 37 games. Beca, a native of Mississauga, ONT, became only the second Golden Knight in the opening decade of the 2000s to score 20 goals in a season. The senior assistant captain closed out his collegiate career with 123 points on 51 goals and 72 assists through 149 games.

Sophomore defenseman Mark Borowiecki was honored with the Mike Morrison Coaches’ Award for teamwork, hustle and dedication. The award was named in honor of the former Clarkson captain who died in a work accident on July 27, 1988.

A 2008 NHL Draft choice of the Ottawa Senators, Borowiecki was the Green and Gold’s steadiest player on the blueline this season. Along with his stellar defensive play, the 6-1, 198-pound native of Kanata, ONT also emerged as an offensive force. After recording just one goal and one assist as a freshman in 2008-09, Borowiecki tallied 19 points, including eight goals this past season.

A native of Kenmore, NY, Crowe was presented with the Richmond Unsung Hero Award. Named in honor of loyal Clarkson followers Ernie and Connie Richmond, the award has been presented to a Golden Knight who displayed unselfish play and was very instrumental to the team’s success. A 5-11, 182-pound defenseman, Crowe battled through injuries throughout the season to play in 36 games, recording one goal and two assists.

Rochester, NY native Tom Pizzo received the Fran Neragin Award. Named in honor of the loyal Clarkson hockey booster who passed away in 1984, the Neragin award is presented to a player who excels in sportsmanship and academics, and who has contributed significantly to the Clarkson hockey program.

A 5-10, 180-pound junior, Pizzo played in 26 primarily as a defenseman, but also saw time on the Knights’ checking lines. A Strong student, majoring in Financial Information Analysis, Pizzo is involved with the Golden Knights’ reading program at local schools, helped out with Clarkson’s Hockey team’s efforts with fund raising for Camp Ta-Kum-Ta, and is the hockey team representative on Clarkson’s S.A.A.C.

A 5-10, 180-pound junior right wing from Whitby, Ontario, Scott Freeman was honored with the Knight Club Award, presented to a deserving player who made a significant contribution to the team, achieved academically as well as being an excellent role model for his teammates and the young people of the community.

Clarkson’s captain, Freeman was involved with the Golden Knights’ reading program at local schools and helped out with Clarkson’s Hockey team’s efforts with fund raising for Camp Ta-Kum-Ta.