INSIDE HOCKEY

Sacred Heart’s men’s hockey team has set a national record with their 12-game unbeaten streak.  But, now they’re being recognized nationally for even more.  The team’s freshman goalie, Steven Legatto, has been named National College Hockey Rookie of the Month, while teammate Nick Johnson has been named as the National College Hockey Player of the Month.

Throughout the month of January, the Pioneers remained undefeated, with senior forward Johnson leading the way. The Windsor, Conn. native tallied 11 goals and nine assists for 20 points during the month, earning a +12 rating.  His postings this season have elevated him to a nationally-ranking level, as he leads in goals, with 21, and goals per game with 0.81, as well as being tied for sixth with 36 points. 

Johnson has proven his talent all season, despite a lacking early half of the season for the team in fall of 2009.  However, he’s really stepped up the efforts this month posting three power play goals, two game-winners, and seven multiple-point games.  He’s even scored at least one goal in each of the team’s last seven games. 

Leading his team and setting a school record with most goals in a single season (21), Johnson had been named the Player of the Week in Atlantic Hockey for the last week of January.  All of the recognition has been well earned and well deserved.

Legatto has also received a lot of recognition as of late.  The young goalie out of Kelowna, BC, lays claim to the longest unbeaten streak for a goaltender in school history, with 11 games, improving his overall mark to 12-6-3.  With a .643 winning percentage, he ranks 11th nationally and first in the AHA. 

Legatto finished the month with a .934 save percentage and a 2.06 GAA.  The AHA recognized him as Goaltender of the week, this past week and Rookie of the Week for the first two weeks of the year.  He made 30+ saves on six occasions, even claiming his first career shutout on January 9 against Army (5-0).  He stopped 323 of 346 shots throughout the month.  His 651 saves this season rank him at fifth within the AHA.

The two players, selected by the Hockey Commisioners’ Association, are the National Division I Player and Rookie of the Month for January.  Both Legatto and Johnson proudly represent the Pioneers and Atlantic Hockey with their excellence on the ice.

Honorable Mention Player of the Month

Colby Cohen, D, Boston University, HEA
Zac Dalpe, F, Ohio State, CCHA
Ian Lowe, F, Bemidji State, CHA
Garrett Roe, F, St. Cloud State, WCHA
Kain Tisi, G, St. Lawrence, ECAC

Honorable Mention Rookie of the Month

Zach Budish, F, Minnesota, WCHA
Stephane Da Costa, F, Merrimack, HEA
Jordan George, F, Bemidji State, CHA
Louis Leblanc, F, Harvard, ECAC
Torey Krug, D, Michigan State, CCHA