USA Names Player and Goalie of Year

Jack Connolly was named USA Hockey Junior Player of the Year, while Drew Palmisano was named Dave Peterson Goalie of the Year.

"We're very happy for Jack Connolly to have received this prestigious award from USA Hockey. What he did in this league as a first-year player was truly remarkable and he is most deserving of this," said USHL president Gino Gasparini. "He joins some very big names from the USHL who have also received the honor and we wish him all the best as he continues his hockey career at the college level and beyond."

Connolly, a native of Duluth, Minn., finished the season tied atop the USHL scoring chart with 26 goals and 72 points in 58 games for the Stampede. He will leave Sioux Falls and play Division I hockey for the University of Minnesota-Duluth beginning next season.

Omaha Lancers goaltender Drew Palmisano has been named the 2008 recipient of the Dave Peterson Goalie of the Year Award by USA Hockey. Palmisano was among the top goaltenders in the USHL during the regular season and helped Omaha to the 2008 Clark Cup Championship earlier this month.

Palmisano will receive the award at a banquet which coincides with USA Hockey's annual congress, June 3-7 in Colorado Springs.

"The USHL and its members wish to congratulate Drew Palmisano on this wonderful honor. Last season he was a big reason that Omaha turned around their season, but he took his game and his team to another level this season," said USHL president Gino Gasparini. "He has a bright future ahead of him in the game and we're happy that we had a hand in his development."