After leading Wesleyan to the best season in team history, offensive leader and co-captain Will Bennett ’07 and goaltender Mike Palladino ’09 were both selected to the First-Team All-NESCAC. Head coach Chris Potter was named the NESCAC Coach of the Year for the second time in his four-year tenure. He received the same honor in his first season (2003-2004) as the Cards’ head coach.
Bennett finished his career just one point shy of 100 and was second in the NESCAC this season with 35 points. The 2004 NESCAC rookie of the year, Bennett finished his final season at Wesleyan with career highs in assists and points to lead the Cards to the fourth seed in the NESCAC tournament.
Palladino was selected as the league’s top netminder, leading the NESCAC in both goals-against average and save percentage. Appearing in 20 of Wesleyan’s 24 games this season, “Dino” boasted a 2.12 goals-against average and a .920 save percentage. He was the backbone for a Wesleyan defense that ranked third in the league in goals allowed per game with 2.67. The highlight of Dino’s season was his 31-save, one-goal-allowed performance against Norwich on Jan. 19. The Cards defeated the Cadets for the first time in the last 14 meetings between the two squads. Dino also boasted an impressive record of 10-6-4 in only his sophomore year.
“I was happy with what our team was able to accomplish this year as far as getting home ice for the playoffs and overall having a successful season,” Palladino said. “We had great chemistry on and off the ice and our team attitude was outstanding. That being said, our early exit in the NESCAC tournament was disappointing to say the least. However, I think our returnees will use it as a learning experience in achieving our ultimate goal of winning the league next year.”
Bennett and Palladino were also both named as semi-finalists for the Joe Concannon Award, which is presented to the top New England Division II or III American-born player. They are trying to follow the path of Jim Panczykowski ’04, the former Wesleyan goalie and 2004 recipient of the prestigious award.
Despite coming up short in the race for NESCAC Rookie of the Year, freshman points leader David Layne ’10 will return next season with a great core of young players looking to build on this season’s success.
Palladino and the 2006 NESCAC rookie of the year, Dallas Bossort ’09, are the key returnees on a defense that was crucial to the Cards’ winning record this season. Overall, the future of Wesleyan men’s hockey appears bright.
“Next season looks promising,” Palladino said. “Although we are losing a great class of seniors, I am confident that our returnees and incoming freshmen will provide ample talent and depth next year in order for us to be a great team.”