Ahead of their playoff series with Arizona State, three UMD men’s hockey players were named NCHC award finalists.

Max Plante was named a Rookie of the Year finalist, despite having only played 20 NCHC games, but led all NCHC rookies with 21 points in conference play. He was the rookie of the week two times this season.

Dominic James, UMD’s captain, was named a Defensive Forward of the Year finalist. James leads the Bulldogs in total points with 28 points, tallying 12 goals. James’ 12 goals marks his new career high, passing the 10 he scored as a sophomore.

Joe Molenaar was also named as a finalist for the NCHC’s Sportsmanship Award. The Bulldogs have previously had four winners of the Sportsmanship award.