Year-End Awards Handed Out at Princeton Hockey Banquet

PRINCETON -- 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 honored its senior class.

Sophomore forward Paula Romanchuk 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. Romanchuk ranked second on the team in scoring in 2009-10 with nine goals and 17 assists for 26 points and was a third-team All-ECAC selection.

Senior defenseman Stephanie Denino 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. Denino served as a team captain during her junior and senior seasons.

Senior forward Julie Flynn 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. Flynn bounced between forward and defense in her collegiate career and developed a solid presence on the ice, while contributing four points during her senior campaign.

Senior Melanie Wallace 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. Wallace posted her second-straight 20-point season in 2009-10 and was the Tigers' third leading scorer.

The Rookie of the Year Award was presented to freshman Corey Stearns, who led a talented group of Princeton freshmen with seven goals and 12 assists for 19 points.

Additionally, the four members of Princeton's senior class-Denino, Maddie Endicott, Flynn and Wallace-were recognized for their four years wearing the Orange and Black.