Since the Mark Johnson took over the Wisconsin Women's hockey program in 2002 he's done two things. Win National Championships, and produce Patty Kazmaier Award winners. Johnson wrapped up his fourth NCAA Title behind the Wisconsin bench on Sunday. The day before, Wisconsin senior captain Meghan Duggan was named the 2011 Patty Kaz winner, the third Badger to win the award under Johnson's watch.For those not familiar with the women's game, the Patty Kazmaier is awarded to the top player in women's college hockey. Similar to the Hobey Baker that is given to the men.
Duggan joins Sara Bauer (2006) and Jessie Vetter (2009) as players to win the award while playing for the Badgers. Every season that a Wisconsin player has won the award, the Badgers have gone on to win the NCAA title.
Speaking emotionally about his senior captain, head coach Mark Johnson wasn't shy in reaping praise, "Meghan is probably the best two-way player, not only in the country, but in the world," said Mark Johnson, head coach at the University of Wisconsin. "One of the reasons we're in the position we're in right now is because of her leadership and what she does on the ice, and probably more importantly, what she does off the ice."
Duggan, who led the entire country in scoring with 87 points in 41 games won the award over fellow senior nominees Kelli Stack from Boston College and Meghan Agosta of Mercyhurst.
Photograph Credit: Brent Stoutamyer
chuckschwartz(at)live.com
Follow me on Twitter
Posts
