Monday, June 25, 2012

Four Ice Lions Receive ACHA Honors

Clockwise from top left: Chirs Lewis, Jim
Recupero, Tom Badali, Mac Winchester
Ice Lions forward Chris Lewis was named a second-team All-American by the ACHA's Division 2 coaches. Joining him in postseason honors were All-Southeast Region team members Jim Recupero (second team), Tom Badali (second team) and Mac Winchester (third team). Lewis, as one might expect given his national honor, was on the region's first team as well.

Please accept my sincerest apologies if this is all old news. I just learned of it today, and only because it was tweeted by Arizona State's account. Thanks as always for the timely and effective distribution of information, ACHA.

Lewis, the former Boston Bulldog, stepped in as a freshman and led PSU in numerous categories, including goals (35), points (59), power play goals (9), shorthanded goals (2) and penalty minutes (50). Recupero, Lewis' linemate and the senior captain, was second on the team in scoring, a count that included a dramatic overtime winner against DePaul at the ACHA Showcase. He also had a fantastic run with the ACHA D2 Selects in Europe in late December and early January. Badali, a senior goalie, won his first 20 decisions of the season and didn't lose until PSU's season ended in a loss to Grand Valley State at nationals. He put up unreal numbers in other areas as well, including a 0.943 save percentage and a 1.45 goals against average. Winchester, a former Icer, was a standout defenseman who also chipped in five goals.

Collectively, of course, the Ice Lions had a ridiculous season. The team finished 31-3-0, including a 25-game winning streak that lasted from October 21st until March 17th. Penn State was both the regular season and playoff MACHA champions, and of course appeared at the ACHA National Tournament in March.

The quartet of Ice Lions join eight Icers previously receiving D1 postseason honors, including Tommy Olczyk who was the ACHA D1 rookie of the year, and three Lady Icers who were Academic All-Americans.

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