Laura Hurd, a senior forward for Elmira College and the first four-time First Team All-American at the Division III level, has been chosen by the nation’s coaches as the Women’s College Division Player of the Year. A native of Kingston, Ontario, Hurd has compiled 24 goals and 33 assists for 57 points in 26 games this year. Her career totals are 119-117-236 in 108 games.

An Economics and Marketing Major, with a 3.5 GPA, Laura currently leads the nation in points, points per game, and assists per game. She is tied for second with seven game winning goals. Her six power play goals and two shorthanded goals rank tied for sixth in both of those categories. With only the NCAA Tournament “Frozen Four” left to play, she has amassed 236 points over the past four years, four short of 2001 Middlebury graduate Michelle Labbe’s all-time record of 240. She is Elmira’ s all-time leader in games played, goals, assists, points, and every other major statistical category.

Said head coach Paul Nemetz-Carlson, “In driving our team this season, if this is possible, she has been a better hockey player and a better leader than in her first three seasons.Her attitude, her play , and her importance to our team make her selection much deserved.

“While we have many talented players, without question, Laura Hurd is the best player on the ice each game and each practice. She has tremendous hands and anticipation that allow her to win every battle for loose pucks. She finishes like few others in Division III women’s ice hockey, and understands the game in a way most hockey players could only dream of.”

Hurd will finish her career this weekend at home when Elmira hosts the NCAA Division III Women’s Ice Hockey Frozen Four.

The other finalists for this year’s award: Elizabeth Gibson, SR F, SUNY at Plattsburgh; Erin Kegley, SO F, UW-Superior; Andrea Peterson, SO D, Gustavus Adolphus College; Emily Quizon, JR F, Middlebury College; Cherie Stewart, SR F, Manhattanville.

The COLLEGE DIVISION PLAYER of the YEAR is chosen by the AMERICAN HOCKEY COACHES ASSOCIATION.