BOSTON, Mass. – February 27, 2024 – College Hockey America is proud to recognize the 23 student-athletes and head coaches who are finalists for the CHA’s 2023-24 Individual Awards.
 
The award winners will be announced on Feb. 29.

Along with revealing this year’s finalists, the CHA is proud to announce that five of its awards will now bear the names of some the greatest players in conference history.
 
Meghan Agosta Player of the Year Award
Named in honor of one of the greatest scorers in CHA and college hockey history. Meghan Agosta, who played at Mercyhurst from 2006-09 and 2010-11, holds 17 CHA and five NCAA career scoring records and is the only four-time Player of the Year in CHA history. The award honors top overall player in College Hockey America each season.
 
2023-24 Finalists
Ena Nystrøm, Gr., G, Mercyhurst
Sydney Pedersen, Jr., D, Mercyhurst
Tessa Janecke, So., F, Penn State
 
Vicki Bendus Forward of the Year Award
This new award is named in honor of College Hockey America’s only Patty Kazmaier Memorial Trophy winner, Mercyhurst’s Vicki Bendus. The Laker star was a two-time Patty Kaz Top-Three Finalist and earned All-America and CHA Player of the Year honors in her 2009-10 Patty Kaz-winning season. This award honors the top forward in College Hockey America each season.
 
2023-24 Finalists
Morgan Neitzke, Jr., F, Lindenwood
Sara Boucher, Sr., F, Mercyhurst
Tessa Janecke, So., F, Penn State
 
Molly Byrne Best Defenseman Award
Named in honor of former Mercyhurst blueliner Molly Byrne, the only three-time CHA Best Defenseman Award winner. She holds the CHA career defenseman records for assists, points and power-play goals along with six other CHA defenseman career and season records. This award honors the top defenseman in College Hockey America each season.
 
2023-24 Finalists
Sydney Pedersen, Jr., D, Mercyhurst
Maggie MacEachern, Gr., D, Penn State
Rachel Teslak, Gr., D, Syracuse
 
Brianne McLaughlin Goaltender of the Year Award
Named in honor of former Robert Morris goaltender Brianne McLaughlin. The Colonial netminder was a three-time All-CHA honoree during her career and was college hockey’s all-time saves leader at the end of her RMU career. This award honors the top goaltender in College Hockey America each season.
 
2023-24 Finalists
Ena Nystrøm, Sr., G, Mercyhurst
Sophia Bellina, So., G, RIT
Maggie Hatch, Fr., G, Robert Morris

Nicole Hensley Rookie of the Year Award
Named in honor of former Lindenwood goaltender Nicole Hensley. The first netminder to earn CHA Rookie of the Year honors, Hensley is the CHA career, season, game and postseason game saves record-holder. This award honors the top freshman in College Hockey America each season.
 
2023-24 Finalists
Sofia Nuutinen, Fr., F, Mercyhurst
Addie Alvarez, Fr., F, RIT
Alaina Giampietro, Fr., F, Robert Morris
 
Best Defensive Forward Award
Honors the College Hockey America forward who performs as the best two-way forward each season.
 
2023-24 Finalists
Kylee Mahoney, Jr., F, Mercyhurst
Jordyn Bear, Jr., F, RIT
Tatum White, Sr., F, Syracuse
 
Scholar-Athlete of the Year Award
A new award this year, the Scholar-Athlete of the Year Award recognizes the College Hockey America player who excels in the classroom, community and on the ice each season.
 
2023-24 Finalists
Julie Gough, Gr., F, Penn State
Kylie Aquaro, Jr., F, RIT
Tatum White, Sr., F, Syracuse
 
Individual Sportsmanship Award
Honors the College Hockey America player who exhibits the highest level of sportsmanship and conduct on the ice each season.
 
2023-24 Finalists
Molly Henderson, So., F, Lindenwood
Vanessa Upson, Jr., F, Mercyhurst
Alexandria Weiss, Gr., D, Syracuse
 
Coach of the Year Award
Honors the top head coach in College Hockey America each season.
 
2023-24 Finalists
Mike Sisti, Mercyhurst
Jeff Kampersal, Penn State
Logan Bittle, Robert Morris
 
About College Hockey America 
College Hockey America is marking its 22^nd season of competition in 2023-24. The six-team NCAA Division I conference consists of Lindenwood University (Lions), Mercyhurst University (Lakers), Pennsylvania State University (Nittany Lions), Rochester Institute of Technology (Tigers), Robert Morris University (Colonials) and Syracuse University (Orange). For more information, visit chawomenshockey.com.