SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – Freshman forward Josh Nixon has been named to the Central Collegiate Hockey Association's (CCHA) 2021-22 All-Rookie Team, as announced by conference officials on Monday, March 14.

Nixon finished tied for second among all CCHA freshmen this season with 13 points (7G, 6A) in 26 conference games played. Nixon's seven goals in CCHA play led all rookies this season and he ranked fifth among his Laker teammates in points in CCHA play. The first-year forward played in all 26 CCHA games for the Lakers this season, making Nixon the only freshman Laker to appear in every league game. The Mississauga, Ont. native recorded points in 10 of the 26 conference games this season, which included three multi-point games. Nixon scored the game winner in the Lakers 3-0 win at Ferris State on Dec. 3 as he also posted his first career multi-goal game in the road victory. Nixon finished the season receiving conference honors on a number of occasions including CCHA Rookie of the Month (October) and CCHA Rookie of the Week twice (Dec. 6 & Jan. 31). 

Nixon, who received 12 points on the ballot,  joins Ferris State's Bradley Marek (16 points) and Bowling Green's Austen Swankler (13 points) as the three forwards on the All-Rookie Team. Bowling Green's Eric Parker (12 points) and Minnesota State's Bennett Zmolek (nine points) were voted as the top two rookie defensemen in the conference. Northern Michigan's Charlie Glockner and Bemidji State's Mattias Sholl (Bemidji State) each earned four votes to tie for the goaltending accolade. 

Voting for the 2021-22 All-CCHA Teams and CCHA Players/Coach of the Year awards were conducted by the eight head coaches at each CCHA member institution. Coaches voted for six forwards, four defenseman and two goaltenders, followed by three rookie forwards and two rookie defenseman, all in descending order, and one rookie goaltender. Lastly, the eight CCHA head coaches voted for one player or coach from each of the respective individual categories. Coaches were not permitted to vote for their own players or themselves.

For more information, visit lssulakers.com.

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