EDINA, Minn. - For the second consecutive season, Colton Parayko has been named the Western Collegiate Hockey Association Defensive Player of the Year, announced the league office on Thursday. Parayko and Tyler Morley were also named the the All-WCHA First Team while Marcus Basara was named to the Third Team and 19 Nanooks were named WCHA All-Acaemic.
Parayko was also named to the WCHA First Team, as voted on by the league's coaches, for his efforts on the blue line. The junior defenseman was the team's top point-generating point man as he had 23 points on six goals and 17 assists. His 23 points was the fourth highest amongst defensemen in the league while his 17 assists was tied for seventh overall, and was the second highest tally from defensemen. Parayko also led the team in blocked shots and ice time per game and was tied for the team lead with five power play goals.
"It's a great honor to be recognized by the league in such a manner," said head coach Dallas Ferguson. "Winning this award in back to back seasons speaks to the type of season Colton had and the type of player he is. He's a dominant player on both sides of the puck; he's physical without it and made a lot happen with it. Colton is a great defender who had a tremendous season, and this honor is well deserved."
Joining Parayko on the All-WCHA First Team is junior center, Tyler Morley. Morley led the team in all three major offensive categories, with 37 points on 15 goals and 22 assists. The alternate captain finished the season with the second highest points-per game ratio in the league and was third overall in the WCHA in points. He was also among the league leaders in goals (t-3rd), assists (5th) and power play points (18/2nd). Morley was also a two-time WCHA Offensive Player of the Week and was tied with Parayko with five power play goals.
"Tyler was a dominant player throughout the season, which was incredible especially since he was battling back from a knee injury all season long," commented Ferguson. "Every week he seemed to get stronger and by the end of the year I think he was playing some of the best hockey he ever has here. There were a lot of great forwards in this league, so to be recognized in that group is a huge achievement."
Sophomore Marcus Basara was named to the All-WCHA Third Team, after his season where he produced 24 points on 12 goals and 12 assists. His point and goal tally was second on the team and in the top-15 among WCHA leaders (11th and 9th, respectively). Last season, Basara was named to the WCHA All-Rookie Team.
Said Ferguson, "Marcus was an All-Rookie team selection last season, so coming into his second season you have to be wary of the 'sophomore slump.' But Marcus was strong throughout this year and his game grew as the season went on. He had a productive year with the puck and he's a guy we will rely upon in the future."
Despite all the on-ice accolades received by the Nanooks this year, it was their work in the classroom that was most impressive. Alaska had 19 selections to the WCHA All-Academic Team, the highest mark of any team in the league. To make the team, individuals must have completed at least one year of residency at his present institution prior to the current academic year, have a grade point average of at least 3.00 (4.00 scale) for the previous two semesters or three quarters, or may qualify if overall GPA is at least 3.00 for all terms at the present institution.
Those individuals receiving the award are Josh Atkinson, Marcus Basara, Sean Cahill, Trevor Campbell, Josh Erickson, Matthew Friese, Alec Hajdukovich, Shawn Hochhausen, Nolan Huysmans, Nolan Kaiser, John Keeney, Jared Larson, Brandon Morley, Tyler Morley, Colton Parayko, Garrick Perry, J.D. Peterson, Justin Tateson and Nolan Youngmun.
"It's a tremendous recognition for our student athletes that are committed to their academic goals," said Ferguson. "It is also a credit to our faculty and staff who help these guys throughout the course of their careers at the University of Alaska."
