Stephen Johnson and Kenny Neil of the Oswego State men's ice hockey team have been named to the American Hockey Coaches Association (AHCA) All-America Team. Johnson was the recipient of a First-Team honor, while Neil was named to the third team.
During the Lakers 21-6-1 season, – which saw it win the State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) regular season title, place second in the conference championship and earn a berth into the NCAA Division III men's ice hockey tournament – Johnson and Neil made profound impacts on both ends of the ice.
Johnson anchored a Lakers defense that ranked fifth nationwide and yet, did not shy away from offensive action. The senior defender, notched a career-high 30 points – seven goals and 23 assists – in 27 appearances. Prior to the 2016-17 campaign, Johnson hadn't scored more than 16 points, five goals and 11 assists in any of his first three seasons.
The Mississauga, Ont. native led all defenders in the SUNYAC in total points and tied for 10th among all skaters. Nationally, Johnson was fourth in total points, third in total goals and third in power-play goals, allowing him to be one of just 12 defenders to be chosen as an All-American. Johnson also blocked 17 opposing shots, bringing his tally to 39 during his junior and senior seasons.
Overall, Johnson turned in a performance that led the conference in plus/minus with a plus-31. The next closest player in the category was Neil, who finished with a plus-29.
Neil was a pivotal part of a highly-potent Laker offense, which led the nation in goals per game at different points throughout the year and currently sits at fourth. The senior forward had a career-year, notching highs in points (45), goals (19), assists (26) and shot-percentage (.264). Neil was one of just nine All-American forwards in the East Region and one of 15 overall.
The Clarenville, New Foundland and Labrador native tallied his first-career hat trick in a 6-3 win over Elmira College on Oct. 29. He later one-upped that performance, scoring four goals in a 6-1 win versus Buffalo State on Feb. 18.
In the conference, Neil was second among all skaters in points scored and tied for third in goals scored. Among players across the country, Neil tied for fourth in points scored.
Following the completion of the Oswego State season, Neil signed with the Pensacola Ice Flyers of the Southern Professional Hockey League.
