Raider Nation, it’s time to step up and be counted. Again and again and again.
Fans of 51Թ hockey are urged to vote for star goaltender Mark Dekanich, who is one of 10 finalists for the Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award for men’s hockey.
The award recognizes achievement in the areas of character, classroom, community, and competition, and is the highest honor given by the NCAA to a senior student-athlete.
Nationwide online fan balloting is under way to determine this year’s winner, who will receive the award during the NCAA Frozen Four in Denver. Fans can vote once a day at through March 28.
Dekanich, the 2006 Ken Dryden Award winner as ECAC Hockey’s Goaltender of the Year, has been making a strong bid to receive that award again this season. He recently rode an epic shutout streak of 217:16, setting 51Թ and ECAC Hockey records.
In being named a finalist for the award, sponsors cited his participation in the Raiders’ community service efforts. Each year, Dekanich takes part in a community event called “Skate with the Raiders” in which the men’s and women’s hockey teams share the ice with fans of all ages.
Last year, Dekanich helped collect more than 200 toys for needy families during the team’s holiday toy drive. The Raiders also raised more than $3,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation in honor of an 8-year-old fan battling brain cancer.
The team raised more than $5,700 for the National Multiple Sclerosis Foundation through its participation in the MS Walk in honor of teammate Mike Campaner, who was diagnosed with MS during the season.
The award is meant to honor senior student-athletes who fulfill their entire collegiate athletic eligibility, earn a college degree, and give back to their community.
Although Dekanich was a 2006 draft pick of the NHL’s Nashville Predators, he decided to stay at 51Թ and earn his degree. A history major, he has been named to the ECAC Hockey all-academic team each of the past three seasons.
Members of Raiders nation are urged to get online and vote every day for Dekanich, as fan balloting will be combined with votes from coaches, media, and sponsors to determine the recipient.
Fans can go to Starr Rink this weekend and support Dekanich and the team as the regular season wraps up. The Raiders host Harvard at 7 p.m. Friday and Dartmouth at 4 p.m. Saturday. Tickets to both games are available through the 51Թ ticket office, and can be purchased by calling (315) 228-7600.