Michael Kapla named to Hockey East All-Rookie Team

Kapla was one of two defensemen named to All-Rookie squad

LOWELL, Mass. – Freshman defenseman Michael Kapla (Eau Claire, Wis.) of the No. 7 ranked UMass Lowell hockey team was named to the Hockey East/Pro Ambitions All-Rookie Team, as voted on by the league's 11 head coaches, which was announced on Wednesday afternoon by the conference office.

Kapla, who was one of two defensemen named to the All-Rookie team, has skated in all 37 games for the River Hawks this season. He has posted 16 points (2g,14a) with a +12 plus/minus rating, 46 shots on goal and 43 blocked shots. In league play, Kapla recorded 10 points (2g,8a) with a +9 in 20 conference games. Kapla has registered at least one point in 14 games this season and has two multi-point efforts to his credit. He posted an even or plus rating in 30 of 37 contests for the River Hawks.

Kapla is joined on the All-Rookie Team by Boston College goaltender Thatcher Demko and Eagles' defenseman Steve Santini, along with forwards Vince Hinostroza (Notre Dame), Mario Puskarich (Vermont), Mike Szmatula (Northeastern) and Robbie Baillargeon (Boston University).

The No. 2 seed River Hawks will return to action for the Hockey East semifinals on Friday, March 21st vs. the No. 8 seed University of Notre Dame. Game time is 5pm from the TD Garden in Boston, Mass. The game will be televised live nationally on NBCSN and regionally on NESN.

Print Friendly Version