CORTLAND, N.Y. – Mitch Herlihey and Devin Campbell of the nationally-ranked Oswego State men’s ice hockey team have earned individual yearly awards from the State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC). Herlihey, the Lakers’ senior captain, was named Herb Hammond Player of the Year, while Campbell – a junior – was named Defensive Player of the Year.
Herlihey’s accomplishment is the 13th time in program history that a Laker has won the Player of the Year award since the award’s inception in the 1983-84 season – the most of any SUNYAC team. During his senior year, Herlihey notched a career-high 30 points on 13 goals and 17 assists. He was tied for second in conference scoring, with 20 points in 15 games. Along with his offensive efficiency, Herlihey is seen as one of the top defensive forwards in the conference. The Ottawa, Ont. native plays significant time on the penalty kill and blocked 12 shots for Oswego, who was second during the conference slate in penalty kill percentage (.874%). The Laker captain earned many accolades during his senior year, as he played his 100th collegiate game, scored his 100th point and earned All-Conference First Team honors.
Campbell won Defensive Player of the Year in his first full season with Oswego. The junior became the second Laker to win the award, joining All-American Stephen Johnson, who won the award in its inaugural year (2016-17).
The Greely, Ont. native played in all 26 games for the Lakers this season and assisted on seven goals. Where the assistant captain stood out was in his own zone, as he helped Oswego earn the top finish in conference scoring defense (1.31) and fifth in Division III (1.73) overall. Campbell brought a physical presence to the back end and led the Lakers in blocked shots (26).
