An outstanding player for Clarkson University Women’s Hockey the past four years, Loren Gabel, capped off her record-breaking collegiate career by being named the winner of the 2019 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award.
Gabel, is the 22nd winner of the prestigious honor that is presented annually to the top player in NCAA Division I women’s ice hockey.
Gabel was announced the winner today by the USA Hockey Foundation during the Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award Ceremony and Brunch that was broadcast live by the NHL Network as part of the NCAA Women’s Frozen Four weekend hosted by Quinnipiac University. The Kitchener, Ont. native was chosen for the honor from a group of three finalists that included Megan Keller from Boston College and Annie Pankowski from Wisconsin.
The senior left wing put together an incredible season as she helped guide the Golden Knights to 30-8-2 overall record and back into the Frozen Four for the fourth consecutive season. Gabel, who averaged almost two points per game, was also named a First-Team AHCA All-American for the second year in a row and was selected ECAC Hockey Player of the Year for the second consecutive season along with earning a host of other accolades in her senior campaign.
“I have had the privilege to coach some very elite and talented players during my time at Clarkson, and Loren has proven to be one of the all-time great Golden Knights,” stated Clarkson Head Coach Matt Desrosiers. “She has exceptional speed, skill, and an unmatched shot, but her desire to improve and compete every day is what sets her apart from others. Loren has proven to be one of the most prolific goal scorers and dynamic players in the country this season as she is leading the way in many statistical categories. The career that she has been able to put together amassing over 100 career goals and 200 career points, rank her with some of the best players in NCAA history. Loren exemplifies everything the Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award represents; a top performer in the country, competitiveness, performance in the clutch, and a true passion and love for the game of hockey.”
Gabel tallied 69 points, including a Division I best 40 goals through 37 games. She led the country in game-winning goals, connecting for her 10th and 11th deciding goals of the season in the victories at the ECAC Hockey Championship Tournament on March 9-10.
Gabel scored her fifth and sixth goals of this year’s playoffs within a 26-second span early in the second period of the 4-1 win over Cornell in the ECAC Tournament Championship game on March 10. She also scored the opening goal in the 2-0 semifinal win over Colgate en route to winning Tournament MOP honors.
She recorded 19 multiple-point games and led the country in hat tricks with three.
Through 160 career games, Gabel amassed 213 points on 116 goals and 97 assists as the Green and Gold’s all-time leading scorer.
Away from the rink, Gabel volunteers at Potsdam Elementary School, participates in Smart Cookies Enriched Program, is actively involved with Clarkson Women’s Hockey Lil’ Knights Club, and with Active Souls Project with Special Olympics. She has volunteered with Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto and participates annually in Skate with a Knight, as well as Potsdam Community Outreach Clean-Up. Gabel has a 2.91 GPA while majoring in Communications.
Gabel becomes the second Golden Knight to earn the Patty Kazmaier Award, joining Jamie Lee Rattray ’14 on the celebrated list of winners. She is the ninth winner from ECAC Hockey since the award was first given out in 1998.
