For the first time in nearly 40 years a freshman -- goaltender Isaac Reichmuth -- has been named the University of Minnesota-Duluth's Most Valuable Player.

Reichmuth earned that honor for 2002-03 after helping backstop the Bulldogs to their best overall record (22-15-5) since the 1992-93 season and a third-place finish at the Western Collegiate Hockey Association Final Five. The 5-11, 165-pound native of Fruitvale, BC, posted a school-record 2.58 goals against average and turned in the second best saves percentage mark in school history (.905). An All-WCHA third team selection and a member of the WCHA All-Rookie Team, Reichmuth's 18 victories (he was 18-11-4) were the second most ever recorded by a UMD rookie, trailing only Rick Kosti (27-9-2 in 1983-84) in that department.

The last UMD rookie to land the club's MVP award was All-American center Keith \"Huffer\" Christiansen in 1963-64.

Center Tim Stapleton, who was the second freshman ever (NCAA I era) -- and first in 26 seasons -- to lead the Bulldogs in scoring, was chosen the Bulldogs' Rookie of the Year. Stapleton collected 42 points (the most by a UMD newcomer since 1984-5) on 14 goals and team-leading 28 assists. One of just four Bulldogs to suit up in all 42 games, he finished third among all first-year NCAA I players in assists this winter.

Sophomore left wing Brett Hammond received the team's Most Improved Player Award after racking up 22 points (13 goals and 9 assists) following a four-point freshman season while sophomore right wing Luke Stauffacher was chosen UMD's Most Inspirational Player (The Goldie Wolfe Award).