Ice's Mattson Named USHL Defenseman of Year
April 27, 2011 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Indiana Ice News Release
INDIANAPOLIS-The Indiana Ice is proud to announce that Nick Mattson has been named the USHL Defenseman of the Year as determined by a vote of league coaches and general managers. With the selection, Mattson becomes the first Ice player in franchise history to be selected for the award.
Mattson, who served as one of the team's alternate captains, led all league defensemen in plus/minus rating (+33) while placing second in assists (30) and points (36). He also recorded nine multiple point games during the season and was named to the midseason USHL All-Star Team.
"It was a well-deserved award for Nick, "said Ice head coach Charlie Skjodt. "He has been a steady and calming influence back on defense for the last two seasons and we will miss his leadership in the lockerroom. We wish him all the best at college and in the future."
In two seasons in an Indiana sweater, Mattson played in 108 games and registered 11 goals and 44 assists.
His two-year span in Indy also included two November appearances as a member of the 2009 and 2010 United States Junior Select Teams that captured gold both years at the World Junior A Challenge. Last summer, he was selected by the Chicago Blackhawks in the sixth round of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.
The Chanhassen, MN native departs Indianapolis to begin his collegiate career this fall at the University of North Dakota.
United States Hockey League Stories from April 27, 2011
- Blake Coleman Named USHL Player and Forward of the Year - USHL
- Muskegon Lumberjacks' first USHL season closes with Clark Cup Playoff run - Muskegon Lumberjacks
- Fighting Saints Prepare for Western Finals - Dubuque Fighting Saints
- Gamblers Live at the Smokehouse - Green Bay Gamblers
- Ice's Mattson Named USHL Defenseman of Year - Indiana Ice
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