Iris is everything you'd want in a D.  Cool headed and focused, her smart positioning blocks more shots than we can count and her powerful skating keeps attacks from starting. 

Iris lead our team in points again this year, averaging 1.7 points a game -- as a D!  In the DVCHC that's #1 for all D and 7th on the list for forwards. 

Her stamina is unmatched.  Roster issues meant Iris was 1 of only 3 D each game.    We've seen Iris block a shot, go end-to-end through an entire team for a point blank chance, then be the 1st on the backcheck to stop the next rush.

Finally, Iris is a motivating leader, a fantastic example of sportsmanship and was elected our youngest captain ever.   She's an outstanding D who never ceases to amaze us.

Mari’s ability to play hockey is an amazing talent.  Her role as a defensemen doesn’t just stop when the puck clears the zone, but continues into the offensive zone creating many scoring opportunities

for herself, as well as for others. 

She proves to us every game how well she knows how to play defense, but also shows us her immense knowledge of the game. 

Mari plays a huge role on our team and will continue to do so going into her senior year.

Alli also came in a rising star last season after finishing her amateur hockey with the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite program, of which sends more than half of their players to NCAA DIII and in some cases NCAA DI schools to play hockey and continue their education. We are lucky to have such a player like Alli playing with us at Cal U and in the DVCHC.

Alli earned 1st team All-American Honors this season in ACHA DII and was second in points on the team with 17 ( 7 goals and 10 assists). Alli lead the team in plus/minus with 25.

Alli is a shut down defensewoman, smart and anticipates the play well. She is also fleet of foot where she can jump in the play offensively and make big plays for us out of our zone on the rush. We are looking to Alli as well next year for a more responsible role to help continue to lead us.

Katrina, Sophomore, has all the tools to be a very good defensemen. Her supreme knowledge of the game, and defense first oriented attitude makes her a valuable asset to have on the blue line.

She not only has good defensive skills, but strong offensive ones as well. If the breakout wasn't there, she would skate around defenders and take the puck into the offensive zone and create a play. 

Katrina is one of the most teachable players I have on my roster. She always did what was asked of her and was never afraid to come to me and try to help make her a better defenseman. I am looking forward to having her on my team for two more years, not only as an outstanding defensemen, but as a leader with tremendous potential. It is my honor to nominate Katrina for Most Outstanding Defenseman for the 2011-2012 season. 

After watching any University of Maryland Women's Hockey, it is obvious that #9 defenseman, Emily Summers, is the foundation of the Terps. Emily maintains an above average level of play through her smart and skillful defensive technique and aggressive offensive pressure.

Emily is the one Maryland player that every teammate believes can both stop and score game changing goals. By maintaining perfect positioning and playing within the team's offensive and defensive systems, Emily improves the play of her fellow team mates every game she plays in.

Emily Summers deserves to be the DVCHC Defensewoman of the year because of her consistent exceptional play, ability to be a two-way game changer, and willingness to better her fellow teammates.

Brit has been a defensive juggernaut for UVa for four years.  She is the one we call on to shadow our most talented opponents and she doesn’t disappoint. 

This season, UVa has limited the most offensively potent lines in the DVCHC to fewer than 3 goals per game. During her tenure, Brit has served as Captain and Alternate Captain and has contributed significantly to the winning culture and competitive nature that UVa has enjoyed for the past four seasons. 

Her numbers this season are average by her standards (2G, 7A, +13), but are a continuation of solid numbers she has produced for four seasons.  She has been awarded the Defensewoman of the Year twice before (2009, 2010) and has been very deserving of the award every year she has been nominated.

Alli has excelled as an outstanding defender from her very first season with SRU. She has led the DVCHC defensive players in points in all four years of her college career. She is an exemplary defensewoman, with the ability to make split-second decisions and help lead her team to victory. Her knowledge and understanding of the game are unparalleled by most other players, and have made her a team leader in all four of her seasons with the Rock.

Leading the country in assists for a portion of the season, Alli is an incredible playmaker and generates offense through her passing and vision on the ice. She ranked third overall on the SRU team in points (15) and led the team in assists (14). Never afraid to sacrifice her body, Alli also led the team in shots blocked, including an empty net save in the final seconds of a play-off game. She takes pride in her ability to protect the team’s young goalie and battle against any player in front of the net and in the corners of the ice.

As a third-year Assistant Captain, and a four year DVCHC All-Star, Alli has showcased the definition of dedication and teamwork in her time at Slippery Rock. She has helped the Rock blossom from a DVCHC Division 2 team that got the last seed into playoffs, into a team that worked its way to becoming ranked #4 in the nation. She has aided in laying the groundwork for this developing squad and hopes to go on to be the defensive coach for the Rock next year.