Men's Ice Hockey

MSU’s Smith named CCHA Forward of the Year

The Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) announced today that Minnesota State forward Nathan Smith has been named the CCHA’s Forward of the Year. Smith, 23, led all CCHA Forwards on the ballot, receiving five of a possible seven points, as voted on by the CCHA head coaches.
 
Despite missing four games while representing Team USA at the 2022 Winter Olympics this year, Minnesota State’s Nathan Smith finished second among all CCHA skaters in conference points-per-game (1.50), third in points (33), fifth in goals (13) and sixth in assists (20). Smith also recorded an impressive plus-20 rating on the campaign.
 
The Hudson, Fla. native was named CCHA Player of the Week twice this campaign and was the CCHA Player of the Month for the month of December.
 
Voting for the 2021-22 All-CCHA Teams and CCHA Players/Coach of the Year awards were conducted by the eight head coaches at each CCHA member institution, based on CCHA conference games only. Coaches voted for six forwards, four defensemen and two goaltenders, followed by three rookie forwards and two rookie defensemen, all in descending order, and one rookie goaltender. Lastly, the eight CCHA head coaches voted for one  player or coach from each of the respective individual categories. Coaches were not permitted to vote for their own players or self.
 
The CCHA will announce its Goalie of the Year Award today at 3 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. CT.
 
Fans can join the conversation on social media by including the use of the hashtag #CCHAawards on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter.

To stay updated with the Central Collegiate Hockey Association, visit www.ccha.com and follow the official social media accounts of the CCHA on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok & Twitter: @CCHAHockey.