The WCCHA is excited to announce the 2023-2024 WCCHA Individual Conference Award winners, honoring the top performers in the league this season:
2023-2024 Forward of the Year – Josh Hermes, St. Thomas
Josh Hermes becomes only the second repeat winner of an individual performer award, earning the honor of the WCCHA’s Top Forward by leading all league skaters with 54 points in 27 games, good for an even 2 points per game average. Hermes scored 19 goals and had 35 assists despite St. Thomas’ difficult regular season, leading the league’s top ranked team to a repeat conference championship and second-straight season with direct qualification to ACHA Nationals.
2023-2024 Defenseman of the Year – Nicholas Johnson, Wisconsin
Making a lasting impression in his first year in the league, Wisconsin’s Nicholas Johnson earned the Defensive Player of the Year honor with a stellar individual season. Johnson reached double digits in goals (14), easily leading all league defensemen, which combined with 21 assists produced an overall output of 35 points, good for 8th Nationally amongs D-men. Johnson’s efforts were key to Wisconsin’s strong season that included a Southeast Division championship and berth into ACHA Central Regionals.
2023-2024 Goaltender of the Year – Xavier Baker, Jamestown
Xavier Baker is Jamestown’s first ever conference individual award recipient after posting league leading numbers in wins (14), Goals Against Average (1.32) and Save Percentage (0.950). Baker’s stellar play in goal was a major driver behind the Jimmies’ run to the Northwest Division title and first-ever qualification to the ACHA postseason. Baker posted four shutouts during the season and only recorded a single (overtime) loss.
2023-2024 Coach of the Year – Steve Johnson, Minnesota-Crookston
Minnesota-Crookston’s Steve Johnson claims this year’s WCCHA Coach of the Year award amongst a crowd of worthy candidates. Johnson’s Golden Eagles finished tied on points with Jamestown atop the Northwest Division (losing the division title on a tiebreaker), and led the team to a 2nd place finish at the WCCHA Tournament. UMN-Crookston also completed the season at their highest ever Regional Rankings, #5, and enter the ACHA postseason with a first-round bye and “home” advantage in the second round.
Congratulations to this season’s award winners!
