March 19, 2010
USHL alumni Andy Taranto, Cody Reichard, and Tommy Wingels were all honored by the CCHA on Thursday. (USHL Images)
When the CCHA held their annual banquet on Thursday, four USHL alumni took home hardware for their outstanding performances during the 2009-10 collegiate hockey season.
Cody Reichard was tabbed as the conference's Player of the Year. The Miami University goaltender finished the regular season as the CCHA leader in goals-against average (1.23), save percentage (.950), and shutouts (5). He also led the nation in overall GAA (1.48) and winning percentage (.841). Reichard spent two seasons (2005-07) in the USHL with the Indiana Ice. He posted 20 victories and three shutouts in 58 career appearances in the League.
Andy Taranto became the first University of Alaska Nanook to be honored as the CCHA Rookie of the Year. He led all rookies in conference scoring with 31 points (12g, 19a) in 28 games and also finished the regular season ranked third in the nation in rookie scoring with a 39 points (16g, 23a). Taranto tied for the USHL lead with 34 goals during the 2008-09 regular season and ranked tied for second overall with a plus-33 rating on his way to being named All-USHL Second Team. He also helped guide the Fargo Force to the Clark Cup Finals during their inaugural season scoring 14 points (7g, 7a) in nine postseason contests.
Tommy Wingels earned recognition as the CCHA Best Defensive Forward. The junior captain of Miami University played a key role in his team allowing just 39 goals during league play as they posted a 21-2-5 conference mark. He ranked third on the team in scoring with 41 points (16g, 25a) and registered a plus-18 rating in 39 total games. Wingels spent one season (2006-07) in the USHL with the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders. In 47 games, he collected 28 points (10g, 18a).
Will Weber was named Best Defensive Defenseman. He was also a major part of the Miami University's regular season conference championship and record-setting defensive campaign. The 6-4, 220-pound blueliner collected 10 points (1g, 9a) and a plus-13 rating in 38 games. Weber played 48 USHL games for the Chicago Steel during the 2007-08 season and posted 18 points (8g, 10a) and a plus-12 rating.
Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the USHL celebrates its eighth season as the nation's only Tier 1 junior hockey league in 2009-10. With over 210 players already committed to NCAA Division I schools and 13 NHL Entry Draft picks currently on League rosters, the USHL is the nation's foremost producer of junior hockey talent. For more information, visit us on the web at www.USHL.com.
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