Duluth, Minn. - The University of Minnesota Duluth men's hockey team announced their 2022-23 team award winners on Tuesday afternoon. Wyatt Kaiser, Luke Loheit, Ben Steeves, Tanner Laderoute, and Darian Gotz all received individual honors for their performances this last season. 


Keith Christiansen Award:
Former blueliner Wyatt Kaiser was named the Keith Christiansen Award winner as the Bulldog's most valuable player. Before departing UMD for his career with the Blackhawks, Kaiser was a major in the defensive zone. In the 35 games the defenseman played this last season he potted five goals and tallied 18 assists for a total of 23 points. With a +5 rating at the end of the 2022-23 campaign, Kaiser was tied with fellow linemate Darian Gotz to lead the team's plus minus rating.  Kaiser earned NCHC Defenseman of the Week twice and was named to the All-NCHC Second Team Honors after his stellar performance this last season. 



Pat Francisco Award
Along with his dedication at the rink, Darian Gotz was honored with the Pat Francisco Community Service Award. The Hermantown native garnered the award for his countless acts of service. Gotz is heavily involved with Duluth Wild Special Hockey team and the Little Wild learn to play program. The defenseman also spends his free time visiting local schools and volunteering with multiple other activities. 



Goldie Wolfe Award
Fifth year captain, Tanner Laderoute, has been named the Goldie Wolfe Award winner as UMD's most inspirational player in the 2022-23 season. Laderoute was honored with this award for his hard work and dedication in all aspects of the school's hockey program. At the rink, Laderoute continually shows his skills on the ice and pushes his fellow teammates to be better everyday. When he's off the ice, the captain has put in countless hours in the weight room showing his dedication to get better every single day. He was named the 2023 National Strength and Conditioning Association All-American Athlete for his training efforts off the ice. During his freshman year, Laderoute was a part of the National Championship team and made an effort to show the new Bulldogs the work it takes to get back to a national title. Outside of the rink, Laderoute continues his hard work in the classroom. In his fifth year, he completed his MBA degree and was given the 2023 Circle of Excellence for being the top MBA student in the Labovitz School of Business and Economics at UMD. In the community, Laderoute has spent his time volunteering with the Courage Kenny rehabilitation Institute, Little Wild Hockey and various other organizations. Laderoute has shown his success in all the classroom, community, and competition and has been an inspiration to the young players on what it takes to be a part of Bulldog Hockey. 



Jerry Chumola Award
After his historic first season, freshman Ben Steeves was honored with the Jerry Chumola Award as UMD's Rookie of the Year. Also playing in 32 games this season, freshman Steeves was a goal-scoring machine, potting 17 tallies in 24 NCHC games to tie for the lead among all players in conference play. The 17 goals are the second-most ever by a rookie in NCHC play. He also dished out five assists for 22 points in NCHC games. Overall, Steeves has 20 goals in 32 games this season, tops among NCHC freshmen, second among NCAA freshmen and tied for third among all NCHC players. His 12 power play goals ranked him first on the team and second in the nation. The four-time NCHC Rookie of the Week has a team-best 26 points overall this season. The rookie also scored two natural hat tricks, making him one of just four in program history. 



Mike Sertich Award
Alternate captain Luke Loheit has received the Mike Sertich Award for the Minnesota Duluth's Most Improved Player during his senior year. Coming into the 2022-23 season, Loheit has 17 career points off 10 goals and seven assists. In the last year Loheit has scored more points (19) than his last three years combined. On the year, he had a career high eight goals, and 11 assists. After not having a single power play goal in his career, Loheit scored three goals with the man-advantage and was the second leading power play goal scorer on the team. 



Up Next
The Bulldogs will open their season with a home game against the Michigan Tech Huskies on October 7, 2023 in Duluth.