Toronto's Sophie Jaques has won the Patty Kazmaier Award as the top player in women's NCAA Division 1 hockey. Jaques is the first Ohio State player to earn the honour and just the second defender since it was established in 1998.
She helped the Buckeyes to a 33-5-2 record and a berth into Sunday's NCAA national championship game against Wisconsin. Jaques led all NCAA defenders in points (48), goals (24), power-play goals (9) and points per game (1.23) through 40 games.
Edmonton forward Danielle Serdachny from Colgate University and Swiss forward Alina Mueller at Northeastern were finalists for the award announced Saturday in Duluth, Minn., during the women's Frozen Four.
Jaques, on the Buckeyes' top defensive pairing, helped Ohio State hold opponents to 1.75 goals per game. Jaques also blocked 55 shots this season.