Princeton Announces Annual Awards

The Princeton men's hockey team held its annual post-season banquet on Friday night at the Nassau Inn in Princeton and handed out its five year-end awards. A great turnout of student-athletes, parents, alumni and staff honored the senior class and award winners, and celebrated another great season.

The first award presented on the night was the Pre-Season Top Athlete Award, given annually to the best athlete on the team based on pre-season testing in the weight room and on the ice. Senior Lee Jubinville and junior Kevin Kaiser shared the award. Jubinville was also the winner of the award a season ago. The award was first given in head coach Guy Gadowsky’s first season at Princeton and Darroll Powe was the award winner the first three seasons it was given out.

The Hobey Baker Trophy was presented to freshman defenseman Derrick Pallis. The trophy is awarded annually to the team's freshman hockey player who, among his classmates, in play, sportsmanship and influence has contributed most to the sport. Pallis appeared in 33 games as a freshman and scored three goals and added five assists for eight points. He had two game-winning goals and scored in the NCAA Tournament against Minnesota Duluth. Pallis became the second straight defenseman to win the award as Taylor Fedun won it a year ago. B.J. Mackasey ‘07 presented the award to Pallis.

Next came the presentation of the Richard E. Vaughan Cup, awarded annually to that varsity player who best exemplifies perseverance and dedication to Princeton Hockey. The winner as voted by his teammates was senior Brandan Kushniruk, who appeared in all 35 games for the Tigers and set career highs in goals, assists and points while captaining the team as a senior. Christian Read ‘07 presented the award to Kushniruk.

Senior Brett was awarded the 1941 Championship Trophy, which is presented annually to that varsity player who best reflected the winning spirit of the 1941 championship team and in so doing was an inspiration to his teammates. Wilson capped a wonderful career at Princeton as the Tigers’ 10th all-time leading scorer with 107 career points. Mark Masters ’06 presented Wilson with the award.

The final award of the night was the Blackwell Trophy, which is annually awarded to that member of the Princeton varsity hockey team who in play, sportsmanship and influence has contributed most to the sport. The award went to ECAC and Ivy League Player of the Year Zane Kalemba. The junior goaltender ranked in the top four nationally in save percentage and goals-against average and was a second-team All-America selection and a Hobey Baker Award Candidate. John Cook ’63 and Steve Cook ’66 presented the award to Kalemba.

The night concluded with words from each of the three members of Princeton's graduating class – Brett Wilson, Lee Jubinville and Brandan Kushniruk.