BOSTON - Walter Zhao was named Faceoff Specialist of the Year, and five Catamounts earned all-conference honors as the America East announced its postseason awards Wednesday afternoon.

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America East Release

Zhao claimed Faceoff Specialist of the Year after finishing the regular season atop the America East and ranking third nationally in faceoff percentage (68.5%) and ground balls per game (8.73). He recorded a career-high 17 ground balls against UAlbany on April 11, 2026, and was also selected to the All-Conference First Team.

Jack Combs earned All-Conference First Team honors after a strong regular season in which he ranked second in the conference in caused turnovers per game (2.08) and fifth in ground balls per game (4.42). He also ranked 15th nationally in caused turnovers per game. The selection marks Combs' third consecutive All-Conference First Team honor.

Zack Toll earned All-Conference Second Team and All-Rookie Team honors after leading the team with 35 points on 13 goals and 22 assists during the regular season. His 22 assists ranked third in the America East, while his 35 points placed sixth. He recorded a career-high eight points — three goals and five assists — against Quinnipiac on Feb. 28, 2026.

Aneel Ward was also named to the All-Rookie Team after totaling 19 ground balls and eight caused turnovers during the regular season. He recorded a career-high five ground balls against Dartmouth on Feb. 20, 2026.

And Max Frattaroli rounded out the All-Conference honor by being on the All-Academic Team. Frattaroli led the team with 26 goals on the season. He finished the regular season ranked fifth in America East in goals per game (2.36), eighth in points per game (2.64), and ninth in shots per game (5.73). 

Vermont will face No. 2 seed Bryant in the America East semifinals Thursday at 4 p.m. ET at Bob Ford Field at Tom & Mary Casey Stadium in Albany, N.Y.