Jack Connolly spent only one year in the junior hockey ranks, but oh what a year it was.

The incoming University of Minnesota Duluth freshmen forward was recently named the recipient of the 2007-08 USA Hockey Junior Player of the Year Award and will be formally honored at that organization's \"Night of Tribute\" in Colorado Springs, Colo. this Wednesday (June 4).

Connolly, a native of Duluth and 2007 graduate of Duluth's Marshall School, captured a share United States Hockey League regular scoring title this past winter by racking up 72 points on 26 goals and 46 assists in 58 games with the Sioux Falls Stampede. For his efforts, he was named the USHL Rookie of the Year in addition to earning a spot on both the All-USHL First Team and USHL All-Rookie Team.