Manchester, N.H. (March 17) -- Saint Anselm women's ice hockey junior forward Kelsey Johnson (Byfield, Mass.) has been named as one of three finalists for the 2008 Laura Hurd Memorial Award, given to the National College Player of the Year. The award winner will be announced at the Division III NCAA Final Four Banquet on Thursday, March 20th at SUNY-Plattsburgh.

Johnson was named as the ECAC East Player of the Year after posting 37 points on 22 goals and 15 assists during the season. She had a team-leading 10 power-play goals, two shorthanded scores and four game-winning goals.

"This past season, Kelsey Johnson was our most consistent player throughout the year," said head coach David Flint. "With her speed and skill she is a very dynamic player that is fun to watch. It seemed like whenever we needed a big play she would deliver it. I feel she was a big reason for our success this year. Kelsey has a passion for hockey unmatched and arrives at the rink everyday with a smile on her face just excited to play. Not only is she a great athlete on the ice but is a model citizen off the ice, who her teammates look up to and respect."

Johnson ranked among the national top-10 in power-play goals (2nd), goals per game (5th) and points per game (8th). She also ranked second in the ECAC East in goals per game.

Johnson helped guide the Hawks to a 23-2-1 overall record, a 17-1-1 ECAC East slate and the ECAC Open title for the second straight season. The Hawks also claimed their second straight ECAC East Regular-Season crown and over the last two seasons have gone 35-2-1 in league play.