Four players who have distinguished themselves on the ice in 2008-09 have been named finalists for the 2009 Laura Hurd Award, given annually to the best NCAA Division III women’s ice hockey player in the country. The list of finalists includes 2008 Hurd Award winner Danielle Blanchard of Plattsburgh State and Elmira College senior forward Kayla Coady, the only finalist who will be playing at the NCAA Frozen Four this weekend in Middlebury, VT. The other finalists are St. Thomas senior forward Jackie Carroll and Wisconsin-Stevens Point senior forward Nicole Grossman.

Sponsored by the American Hockey Coaches Association, the Hurd Award honors the memory of former Elmira College standout Laura Hurd. A 2005 graduate of Elmira, and a four-time All-American, Hurd died in an automobile accident shortly after graduation. She was the recipient of the AHCA Player of the Year Award in 2005.

The recipient of this year's Hurd Award will be announced this Thursday at Middlebury.

Finalists for the 2008-09 Hurd Award
AHCA Women’s Ice Hockey College Division Player of the Year

Danielle Blanchard, SR, F, Plattsburgh State*
(Newmarket, ON)
Jackie Carroll, SR, F, University of St. Thomas
(St. Paul, MN)
Kayla Coady, SR, F, Elmira College
(Charlottetown, PEI)
Nicole Grossman, SR, F, Wisconsin-Stevens Point
(Chisago Lakes, MN)
*Previous Winner