DEARBORN, Mich. – Amid a postseason run, the University of Michigan-Dearborn men's ice hockey team had six individuals recognized in the 2022-23 Wolverine Hoosier Athletic Conference Postseason Awards, highlighted by Brendan West being named the conference Player of the Year.
The 2022-23 season was a career year for the Plymouth, Mich, native Brendan West. West has recorded 30 goals and 36 assists for a total of 66 points. All three sit atop the conference and are career highs for the junior forward. Those achievements led to West being named Conference Player of the Year and First Team All-Conference.
Bailey Byrd also headlined the awards after being named Newcomer of the year and First Team All-Conference. Byrd, a freshman forward from Wyandotte, Mich., struggled to find his role early in the year, recording just four points in his first 11 games. However, Byrd found his stride in the latter half of the year, producing 41 points in his final 22 games. Byrd has netted 25 goals and dished out 20 assists thus far in his rookie season.
Blue liner Max Hartwell rounded out the Wolverines on the First Team All-Conference team. Hartwell leads all defensemen in +/-, sitting at +22. The sophomore from Utica, Mich., played in 33 games and recorded career-highs in goals, assists, and points.
Joey Cullinan was named Second Team All-Conference after recording 20 goals, 25 assists, and a career-high 45 points. The forward from Allen Park, Mich., captained the Wolverines and played in all 33 games for the Maize & Blue this season.
Josh Makarchuk was also featured on the Second Team All-Conference Team after tallying four goals and 22 assists during his sophomore campaign. The blue liner from Calgary, AB, CAN., was a critical piece in the Wolverine defense playing in all 33 games, and is +7 on the season.
The final award handed out was to the Wolverines head coach Chris Haltinner as he was named Champions of Character Coach, which is voted on by his peers.
Blake Petterle, West, Kayden Pickles, Kieran O'Connell, and Tanner Beals were all recognized on the All-Academic Team.
