Marc Cheverie Named DU's '08-09 MVP

Last night, Denver University gave out it's end-of-the-year awards for hockey and for goaltender Marc Cheverie, you'd have to think it was a pretty good night.

The Panthers' final draft selection from the 2006 entry draft led the Pioneers to a 23-12-5 record and second place overall in the WCHA, in the process helping guide the team in to their 20th NCAA Tournament.

While the Pioneers were eliminated in the first round by the eventual runner-up Miami Redhawks (Miami of Ohio), it was unquestionably another strong season for the university's hockey program.

Cheverie, a sophomore, became the team's starter after Peter Mannino graduated last spring and went on to sign with the Islanders. For Cheverie, the change would move him from appearing in 5 games as a freshman to starting all 40 as a sophomore this season - and he thrived on the opportunity.

Nicknamed 'Chevy' (Cheverie.. clever!), Marc finished the season with a record of 23-12-5, a 2.21 goals-against average, .921 save percentage and four shutouts in forty games.

His performance on the ice earned him the team's Bill Masterton Memorial Award (MVP) and their Star of the Year Award (for picking up the most star-of-the-game points). On a league-wide level, Cheverie received All-WCHA Second Team honors, was one of DU's 18 All-WCHA Academic honorees and was recognized as one of the school's seven WCHA Scholar-Athletes (GPA of 3.5 or better).

Back in April, New Hampshire Wildcats goalie Brian Foster was named the team's MVP (Roger A. LeClerg Trophy). He also picked up the team's "SCO Nate Hardy Ironman Award", awarded to the player whom "excels in the weight room through a 15-event competition during fall dry-land training".

Out of Ohio State, defenseman Matt Bartkowski received two awards: 'George Burke Most Valuable Freshman' and the 'Joseph W. Smith Best Defensive Player' award, as voted by his teammates. He was also voted to the CCHA All-Rookie Team.