SAINT PAUL, Minn. (UND Athletics)– Sophomore Jackson Blake picked up a pair of individual conference honors, highlighted by the NCHC Player of the Year Award, as announced by the league at the annual awards banquet on Thursday night from the St. Paul Event Center.
Blake captured the league’s player and forward of the year honors after breaking the NCHC record for conference points in a season with 37 in just 24 games. The sophomore becomes the second UND player to win the NCHC’s top honor, joining Shane Pinto in 2020-21, and the 10th conference player of the year in program history.
The Eden Prairie, Minn., native was a unanimous selection to the All-NCHC First Team after pacing the league in points (37) and assists (26) during league play while his 11 goals were tied for seventh. He notched points in all but four league games this season, while recording multiple points in 10 contests.
Overall, Blake’s 57 points this season are currently second in the nation and paces the NCHC, while his 36 assists are fourth nationally and best in the conference. The sophomore has also potted 21 goals, including five game winners, to lead the team, rank 13th in the NCAA and fifth in the league.
For his career, the sophomore has 37 goals and 62 assists for 99 career points. He is looking to become only the second UND player in the last 30 years to hit the 100-point mark in just two seasons, joining Zach Parise in 2003-04.
North Dakota will battle Omaha in the semifinals of the NCHC Frozen Faceoff on Friday at 4:07 p.m. from the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. The entire tournament will air nationally on CBS Sports Network and the Home of Economy Radio Network.
For more information on North Dakota hockey, follow on social media @UNDmhockey or visit FightingHawks.com.
UND Conference Player of the Year History
Jackson Blake – 2023-24 – NCHC
Shane Pinto – 2020-21 – NCHC
Matt Frattin – 2010-11 – WCHA
Ryan Duncan – 2006-07 – WCHA
Jeff Panzer – 2000-01 – WCHA
Jason Blake – 1998-99 – WCHA
Curtis Murphy – 1997-98 – WCHA
Tony Hrkac – 1986-87 – WCHA
Phil Sykes – 1981-82 – WCHA
Gerry Kell – 1964-65 – WCHA
UND Forward of the Year History
Jackson Blake – 2023-24 – NCHC
Shane Pinto – 2020-21 – NCHC
Jordan Kawaguchi – 2019-20 – NCHC
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