BOSTON – Vermont senior goaltender
Madison Litchfield, junior defenseman
Taylor Willard and head coach
Jim Plumer have been honored with end of season awards, announced Friday by the New England Hockey Writers Association. Litchfield and Willard collected All-Star honors, while Plumer was named the New England Division I Women's Coach of the Year.
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NEHWA Release
"It's really an honor for the three of us recognized by the New England Hockey Writers Association," said Plumer. "I'm particularly happy for Madi and Taylor to be honored for the great seasons they had in leading us to such a thrilling finish. Ultimately, it is a testament to the hard work put in by all of our players and staff that we were able to take such a big step forward this year."
This past season, Plumer guided UVM to a share of fourth place in Hockey East as well as the team's second trip to the conference semifinals. The Catamounts finished the year ranked third in the conference in scoring defense and also put together the league's third-best penalty killing unit. In addition, UVM collected three ranked wins for the first time in program history. Plumer previously received New England Coach of the Year accolades in 2014, the same year he was named Hockey East Co-Coach of the Year.
Litchfield played in 24 games during her senior campaign, posting a 2.08 goals against average and closing her career as the all-time winningest UVM netminder. The native of Williston, Vermont also was named a Hockey East Second Team All-Star this past season. She is the second UVM goalie to be named a New England Division I All-Star;
Roxanne Douville collected All-Star laurels in both 2013 and 2014.
A tri-captain in 2016-17, Willard laced up in all 38 games for the Catamounts, providing four goals plus 12 assists throughout the year. She also contributed 43 blocked shots, a mark that finished atop the squad. She is a two-time Hockey East All-Star and becomes the second Catamount skater to be named a New England All-Star, following
Amanda Pelkey's selection in 2014.
The Windjammer and Upper Deck Pub is the presenting sponsor of the 2016-17 women's hockey season
New England Hockey Writers Division I All-Stars
Goaltenders
Victoria Hanson, Boston University
Madison Litchfield, Vermont
Defense
Megan Keller, Boston College
Heather Mottau, Northeastern
Amy Schlagel, New Hampshire
Taylor Willard, Vermont
Forwards
Andie Anastos, Boston College
Victoria Bach, Boston University
McKenna Brand, Northeastern
Jonna Curtis, New Hampshire
Denisa Krizova, Northeastern
Mary Parker, Boston University
Women's Division I MVP
Megan Keller, Boston College, Defense
Women's Division I Coach of the Year
Jim Plumer, Vermont
