Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Mattson Named USHL Defenseman of the Year

Press Release

The United States Hockey League today announced that Indiana Ice defenseman Nick Mattson has been selected as the 2010-11 USHL Defenseman of the Year as determined by a vote of League coaches and general managers.

Mattson totaled 36 points (6g, 30a) in 57 regular season games for the Indiana Ice, ranking second in scoring among USHL defensemen. His 30 assists were second among all League blueliners. He also posted a plus-33 rating which was the third highest mark in the USHL this season. The defenseman was a key piece for Indiana at both ends of the ice as they were the top scoring team in the League (3.95 goals per game) and boasted the most efficient power play unit in the USHL, converting 21.7% of their opportunities.

Mattson, who also served as one of the team's alternate captains, becomes the first player from the Indiana Ice to earn honors as the USHL Defenseman of the Year.

The 19-year-old from Chanhassen, Minnesota was selected to the midseason CCM USHL All-Star Teams. He was one of four players named a USHL All-Star for the second consecutive season.

"Congratulations to Nick not just for being the USHL's top defensemen this year – in a league known for stellar defensive play – but for his consistency, excellence, and leadership throughout a distinguished two-year USHL career," said USHL Commissioner Skip Prince. "He has helped the Indiana Ice become a perennial contender and I suspect we will be watching him frustrate forwards on defense and goalies on offense at both the NCAA and professional levels in coming years."

Mattson collected 19 points (5g, 14) in 51 games during his rookie USHL season in 2009-10. Following that season, he was selected by the Chicago Blackhawks in the sixth round (180th overall) of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. He will continue his hockey career next season at the University of North Dakota.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

No comments: