GRAND FORKS, N.D. -- The University of North Dakota hockey program announced the winner of its annual team awards on Monday. Each award was voted on by teammates and coaching staff for the 2022-23 season.
Cliff "Fido" Purpur Award - Riese Gaber, Jr., Forward
Award given to the player who demonstrates hard work, determination and being a creator of excitement on the ice
Gaber produced one of the best single-season scoring seasons in recent memory for UND, becoming the first player since Shane Gersich in 2016-17 and only the fourth in the last decade to eclipse the 20-goal mark to pace the team. The junior potted points in 25 of the 39 games, leading the team with 20 goals and finishing second with 37 points. He struck 11 times on the power play to rank tied for fourth in the nation and earn All-NCHC Second Team honors.
Tom Hoghaug Memorial Scholarship - Dylan James, Fr., Forward
Freshman hockey player who has demonstrated initiative, character and a sense of responsibility
James exploded at the end of the season to finish his rookie campaign with eight goals and eight helpers for 16 points, sitting second among freshman at UND. The Calgary, Alberta, native was crucial in the final month of the season to help UND advance to the NCHC Frozen Faceoff Semifinals by tallying five points over a five-game stretch against Omaha to begin March. James opened the month with his first-career two-goal game before assisting on the game-winning goal in Saturday's home finale in a sweep over the Mavericks. A week later, James sealed the win in Saturday's 3-1 triumph with an empty-net tally and pulled the game even with a shorthanded goal in Sunday's winner-take-all Game 3.
Jeff Anderson Hockey Scholarship - Riese Gaber, Jr., Forward
Awarded annually to a UND varsity hockey player who is voted MVP by his teammates.
Gaber finished among the top-20 in the nation and top-5 among NCHC skaters for goals scored to be named as a Hobey Baker Award nominee for the second straight year. The assistant captain also became the first UND player since Rhett Gardner on Nov. 2, 2018 to record a hat trick when he struck for a trio of goals and a career-high four points in an 8-0 win at Miami. Gaber finished NCHC play with 23 points in 24 league games and has 95 points in 102 career games entering his senior campaign.
Archie Krum Memorial Athletic Scholarship - Ethan Frisch, Sr., Defenseman
Player who has demonstrated leadership qualities, high academic standards and athletic excellence.
Frisch established himself as one of the top two-way defensemen in the league following another strong 2022-23 campaign, finishing second among blueliners on the team with 18 points in 36 games. The senior tallied seven goals, with five coming on the power play, while also finishing with 71 blocked shots. Frisch was a nominee for the NCHC's Defensive Defensman of the Year Award for the second straight year after claiming the honor in 2021-22 and was crowned the NCHC Senior Scholar-Athlete following another All-America season in the classroom. Following the season, Frisch inked a deal with the San Jose Barracuda of the American Hockey League (AHL), the top minor league affiliate of the San Jose Sharks.
Most Improved Player Award - Ryan Sidorski, Gr., Defenseman
Sidorski had a breakout season in his one year at North Dakota following a three-year career at Union College. The Williamsville, N.Y., native had his best offensive season in 2022-23, notching a career-high nine points on assists. The graduate student had his first-career multi-point game on Nov. 19 against Miami and also ended the season with points in two of his final three games, notching an assist on the game-winning goal in the decisive NCHC Quarterfinals contest at Omaha. Sidorski also signed an amateur tryout agreement (ATO) with the Milwaukee Admirals of the American Hockey League at the conclusion of the season.
Rookie of the Year - Jackson Blake, Fr., Forward
Blake put together one of the best seasons by a rookie in the history of the NCHC last season, earning the league's rookie of the year award and an unanimous spot on the All-NCHC Rookie Team and All-NCHC Second Team. The Eden Prairie, Minn., native lead the team with 42 points in 39 games, becoming only the sixth rookie at UND to eclipse 40 points in a season since 1999-00 and the first to do so since Brock Boeser in 2015-16. Blake finished top-5 in the nation among freshman in the nation for scoring and his point total was the third-most by a rookie in league history. He recorded multiple points in 13 of his 39 games, the most in the NCHC and third-most in the NCAA, to earn back-to-back NCHC Rookie of the Month honors. Blake is only the third freshman since 1980 to lead the team in points.
Plus/Minus Award: Chris Jandric, Gr., Defenseman
Presented to the player with the highest plus/minus rating
Jandric finished with a whopping plus-16 rating after a standout 2022-23 campaign by the blueliner. The Prince George, B.C., native finished with 33 points in 39 games to become the first defenseman to cross the 30-point plateau at NoDak since Christian Wolanin in 2017-18 and finished the regular season among the top-5 for scoring by a defenseman in the country.
Virg Foss 3-Stars of the Game Award: Chris Jandric, Gr., Defenseman
Given to the player with the most three-star selections at home games during the season
Jandric was selected as the game's first star two times and earned the second star honors two other times during the home regular season following his breakout offensive season. The graduate student was dominant in league play, leading all NCHC defensemen with 21 points in 24 games, while his 18 assists tied for first among blueliners and tied for third among all skaters to earn All-NCHC First Team honors. Jandric, who began his career at Alaska, finishes with 13 goals and 72 assists for 85 points in 139 games played over four seasons.
For more information on North Dakota hockey, follow on social media @UNDmhockey or visit FightingHawks.com.
