The Atlantic University Sport announced their league all-star teams and major award winners for the 2018-19 season.
5th year forward Lauren Henman (Cow Bay, NS) and 3rd year defender Alex Woods (Courtice, ON) were named 1st Team AUS All-Stars.
Henman finished second in the AUS in goal scoring, with 18 goals in 24 games. She also had 12 assists to give her 30 points on the year, good for third in the AUS. Woods led all AUS defenders in goals with 7 (tied for second in all U Sports) and had 19 points for the Tommies on the back end this year.
Captain Emily Oleksuk (Thunder Bay, ON) and goalie Abby Clarke (Springdale, NL) were named to the 2nd Team AUS All-Stars.
Oleksuk led the AUS and U Sports in assists, with 23. She had 7 game winning goals to help the Tommies get the top seed. Clarke led the AUS in wins, and finished second in goals against average and save percentage.
“Lauren and Emily both had remarkable seasons and are key pieces to a very dominant line,” said head coach Peter Murphy. “Lauren has the ability to score on her own when necessary and Emily shows such a high hockey IQ on the ice, she makes everyone who plays with her better. Alex has had a great year as well. Not as offensive as last year, but she has been working to develop into a very well-rounded player and she is making great strides while still carrying the offense on the backend. Abby had a career year and would definitely have been considered for MVP. She gave us a chance to win in every game she played. Her focus and compete level this year was second to none. I am extremely proud of all of their achievements this year.”
Murphy himself was acknowledged by his peers as the AUS Coach of the Year. This marks the first time Murphy, or any St. Thomas women’s hockey coach, has won the award. Murphy is in his 17th season with the program.
"I am so pleased Peter has been recognized by his peers for the tremendous job he has done,” said Director of Athletics Michael Eagles. “Peter has consistently built competitive teams and this year things have come together exceptionally well. We are all hopeful that they can continue that success into the playoffs."
Oleksuk was also awarded the AUS Top Defensive Player. Oleksuk finished the season +16 and was one of the better centers in the faceoff circle.
“Emily is being officially recognized for something most of the coaches in the league have known - she is as strong defensively as she is offensively,” said Murphy about his captain. “She ensures her line is on offense by her ability to support low and help in the breakout and we consider her one of the best faceoff centers in the league.”
The Tommies will open their semi-final matchup with the UNB Reds Saturday, February 23rd at the Grant-Harvey Centre.