Division 1 First Team & Awards

The following players are recognized for exceptional seasons at the Division I level. Keep in mind these players are selected based on regular season play not post season performance. Due to number of teams and the talent spread, I've decided to select two teams of 3 Forwards, 2 Defensemen and 1 Goalie.

Matt Wikman- 2014 CTHSHockey Skater of the Year

SKATER OF THE YEAR: Matt Wikman, Sr. (Fairfield Prep)

GOALIE OF THE YEAR: Kyle Thibodeaux, Jr. (Glastonbury)

DEFENSIVE DEFENSEMAN OF THE YEAR: Brendan Killoy, Jr. (Fairfield Prep)

OFFENSIVE DEFENSEMAN OF THE YEAR: Colin O'Connor, So. (Notre Dame-West Haven)

FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR: Jeremy Routh (Hamden)

COACH OF THE YEAR: Steve Hetherman (Notre Dame-Fairfield)

RYAN BRENNAN ALL HEART AWARD: Anthony Iovene (Notre Dame-West Haven)

Iovene was dealt a devastating blow playing hockey last fall. His story has been well documented. His heart, determination and selfless attitude is what stands out the most. Never leaving his teammates sides and rallying them when they were down, Iovene is the definition of toughness. If anything stands out this year, seeing Iovene skate with his teammates prior to the semifinal vs. Prep would be it. This kid ain't done.

Ryan Brennan All Heart Award given out each year to players at all three divisions. Brennan, a Fairfield Prep Jesuit lost a two year battle with cancer in February 2011. It was suggested by Prep players last season that we honor the life of Ryan with this annual award given out to players who exhibit excellence on and off the ice.

DI FIRST TEAM

F Mike Falanga, Jr. (East Haven)

The elusive Falanga dazzled more times than most can count this year. His speedy but crafty play paired with two strong senior line mates made for a memorable year for the Yellow Jackets. It's doubtful Falanga returns for his senior year but what a great junior campaign finishing with 74 points.

F Matt Wikman, Sr. (Fairfield Prep)

Wikman is the state's best forward. He can score from anywhere on the ice and gets back to help quicker than most. He's a complete player who, playing Prep's brutal schedule, still put up impressive numbers finishing with 43 points (27 G, 16 A).

F Christian La Croix, Sr. (Notre Dame-Fairfield)

The big bodied La Croix did not disappoint in his senior season posting a 44 point (23 G, 21) showing on a team with multiple options. La Croix continued to surprise with his skill set, rarely seen out of someone with as large of a frame as he had. He will be missed in Hetherman's locker room.

D Alex Scranton, Sr. (West Haven)

One of my personal favorites. Scranton was the heart of a gritty West Haven club. His senior year was cut short with an upper body injury but his legacy of being a team first, offensive contributing D-man will not be soon forgotten. He finished with an impressive 15 points (7 G, 8 A) from the back end this year.

D Colin O'Connor, So. (Notre Dame-West Haven)

O'Connor manned NDWH's blue line with a bit of a flare. He has a deft scoring touch not often seen in a young defenseman and was able to log big minutes, especially down the stretch for the Green Knights. Quite offensively inclined, O'Connor finished with 21 points (6 G, 15 A) on the year.

G Kyle Thibodeaux, Jr. (Glastonbury)

There may have been goalies, like Colon, with seemingly better numbers but no goalie in the state was as important to their team as Thibodeaux was to the Tomahawks this year. He finished with a 1.64 goals against average and four shutouts.

DI SECOND TEAM

F Matt Dumas, Sr. (Notre Dame-West Haven)

F Ryan Lynch, Jr. (Notre Dame-West Haven)

F Tommy Watters, Sr. (Darien)

D Stephen Mettler, Sr. (New Canaan)

D Brendan Killoy, Jr. (Fairfield Prep)

G Mike Colon, Sr. (Darien)

Falanga impressing during a game versus NDWH.