Swanson, Slukynsky and Gruba Take Home USHL Awards

THREE FORCE PLAYERS TAKE HOME USHL AWARDS.

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR)–Ahead of the Clark Cup Finals this weekend, three major awards were announced this week in the United State Hockey League.

Mac Swanson was named the USHL Forward of the year. The North Dakota hockey commit led the league in assists with 51 and ranked third in Points with 77.

In net, Hampton Slukynsky was named goaltender of the year. The Northern Michigan hockey commit, and Warroad Minnesota native, led the league in both goals against average and save percentage while putting up a record of 28-3 on the season.

On Defense, Leo Gruba took home the USHL defenseman of the year award. The Gopher hockey commit led the league in points amongst blueliners while also leading the position in goals and ranking second in assists.

Swanson credits his teammates for winning Forward of the Year.

“It is a really cool accomplishment,” said Swanson. “There are some special players that have been player of the year. I could not really do it without the coaching staff or the players I have played with this year. They have made it easy for me to try and do my best on the ice and it is just a reflection of our season thus far.”

Swanson continued by giving high praise to his goaltender who took home the goaltender of the year award.

“I see it in practice every day how good he is,” said Swanson. “He is obviously drafted for a reason. He is a really good goalie and a really good guy too. So, you kind of root for him. Hopefully we can help him this series and I know he will keep it going.”

In addition to the yearly awards, Swanson, Slukynsky and Gruba were all named to the All-USHL First Team. Forward Zam Plante was named to the All-USHL Second Team. Defenseman Brasen Boser was named to the All-USHL Third Team.

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The Force take on the Dubuque Fighting Saints Friday and Saturday, May 10-11, for games 1 and 2 of the Clark Cup Finals.