ALBANY, N.Y. — ECAC Hockey has announced the 2021 All-Rookie team, and six student-athletes from the four competing institutions have been honored.
All-Rookie Goaltender: Ethan Haider, Clarkson University
Haider (Maple Grove, Minn.) stepped onto campus and into a starting role with the Golden Knights in his rookie campaign. He boasted a 2.01 GAA and .920 save percentage over the course of the year, and was even better in conference play, posting marks of 1.58 and .938%. He earned MAC Goaltending Goalie of the Week honors on two separate occasions, and was named the Goalie of the Month in January.
All-Rookie Defenseman: Pierson Brandon, Colgate University
Brandon (Irvington, N.Y.) was simply outstanding in his rookie season, skating in all 21 games while anchoring the Colgate defensive unit. He led the team in both blocked shots (30), and plus-minus (+9) despite logging a ton of ice time in every facet of the game. He also helped on the offensive end, recording nine points, including six during league play.
All-Rookie Defenseman: Luc Salem, St. Lawrence University
Salem (Santa Monica, Calif.) was one of the top defensemen not only among first-year skaters, but in the entire league in 2021. During ECAC Hockey games, he tied for third among all defensemen with six points, and tied for first with three goals. His biggest goal of the year came on January 15 at Clarkson, a game-winner that elevated the Saints to a 2-1 win over their crosstown rival.
All-Rookie Forward: Ty Smilanic, Quinnipiac University
Smilanic (Denver, Colo.) was one of the best goal scorers among not only rookie skaters, but all NCAA Hockey skaters this season. He scored 14 goals and added six assists, making him the top rookie scorer in the league this season. He was a 3x Adirondack Health Rookie of the Week, and earned Rookie of the Month honors in February.
All-Rookie Forward: Alex Young, Colgate University
Young (Calgary, Alb.) instantly became one of Colgate’s top forwards this season, leading the team with 13 points on six goals and seven assists. He earned Rookie of the Week honors on January 25, was the Rookie of the Month in January, and was named to the inaugural ECAC Hockey “Three Stars” list on November 23. In his four multi-point games, the Raiders were 3-1-0.
All-Rookie Forward: Greg Lapointe, St. Lawrence University
Lapointe (Granby, Que.) stepped into his collegiate career with a bang, recording a point in each of his first three games to start the season. He finished the season with eight points in his 12 league contests, which was good for third among first-year skaters. In games that Lapointe scored, the Saints were 3-2-1, which included a 4-3 win over Colgate on January 23 when he recorded three assists.
