TROY, Mich. – (May 8, 2018) – The 2018 American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) Men's Division 1 Rookie of the Year Award goes to forward Anthony Cusanelli of the University of Arizona, as selected by the Head Coaches of ACHA Men's Division 1.

The other finalists for the Men's Division I Rookie of the Year Award were:

• Cole Gammer, Forward, Liberty University
• Jordan Oshowy, Defense, Adrian College
• Joe Nolan, Defense, University of Illinois

Cusanelli, the six-foot-one, 190-pound native from Holmdel, New Jersey, came to the Wildcats after playing two seasons with the New Jersey Titans in the North American Hockey League (NAHL). During his time with the Titans, he was a proven producer, tallying 72 points in 115 games.

Following a very successful junior career, he entered his freshman season with high expectations at University of Arizona. He didn’t disappoint after amassing 51 points (31 goals, 20 assists) in 28 games played—or 1.82 points per game.

More importantly, he was equally successful in the classroom. A pre-business major, Cusanelli finished off his first academic year with a 3.8 GPA at the prestigious Eller College of Management, one of the top ranked business schools in the entire country.

Prior to his most recent ACHA accolades, Cusanelli took home a full shelf of five conference awards in the Western Collegiate Hockey League (WCHL), including:

1.     WCHL Most Valuable Player

3.     WCHL Rookie of the Year

2.     WCHL All-League 1st Team

4.     WCHL All-Rookie Team

5.     WCHL Sportsmanship Award

Cusanelli also took home both University of Arizona Hockey team awards (elected by his peers):

1.     Rookie of the Year

2.     Most Valuable Player

In addition, Cusanelli was also a finalist for the 2017-2018 ACHA Player of the year and was the only freshman amongst the other three finalists—all of which were seniors.

Congratulations to Anthony and the other three finalists on a great season!