Year-End Awards Handed Out at Princeton Banquet

The Princeton women's hockey team held its annual post-season banquet last Saturday night at the Nassau Inn in Princeton. The team handed out its yearly awards and named its captain for next season.

Senior goaltender Kristen Young was given the Elizabeth English Trophy, which is presented annually to the member of the women's hockey team, voted by her teammates to be the most valuable player. It is named in honor of Elizabeth English '75, whose efforts helped to establish women's ice hockey at Princeton. Young played every game in the Tiger goal last season with an 18-11-2 record, a 1.86 goals-against average and a .924 save percentage. She graduates as Princeton’s all-time leader in both wins and shutouts.

Young also received the Patty Kazmaier Award, which is given annually to the senior member of the women's hockey team who has made the greatest contribution to the program during her career and best exemplifies the following characteristics: Loyalty and devotion to Princeton Women's Hockey and determination and perseverance under adverse conditions.

Senior goaltender Megan Murray was honored with the team’s Most Improved Player Trophy. It is awarded annually to the member of the women's hockey team that has improved the most and is voted on by her teammates. Murray joined the Tigers as a junior when the team was need of a second goalie and provided the team a solid backup and a strong presence in the locker room.

Senior Christine Foster received the Unsung Hero Award, which is awarded annually to the member of the women's hockey team voted by her teammates to be the team's unsung hero during the season. Foster set career highs for goals and assists as she tied for the team lead in scoring as a senior while serving as an assistant captain.

The Rookie of the Year Award was presented to freshman Paula Romanchuk, who led a very talented group of Princeton freshmen. The California native scored nine goals and added nine assists in her first season at Princeton.

Junior Stephanie Denino and freshman Charissa Stadnyk shared the Top Preseason Athlete Award. In its first year, the award is presented to the member of the team that tests highest in a series of preseason physical tests both on the ice and in the weight room.

Lastly, Denino was named the 2009-10 captain of the team. She served as an assistant captain this year as a junior.