The Eastern Massachusetts Hockey Officials Association (EMHOA) has selected Salve Regina University forward John McLean (North Andover, Mass.) as the recipient of the 2022 J.Thom Lawler Award.
The Award is presented annually at the New England Hockey Writers dinner. EMHOA looks for a player that may or may not be the "star", leading scorer or top defenseman/goalie, but a player that every coach needs in their program. A player who leads the team by example on and off the ice, a hard worker with heart who is willing to make sacrifices for the good of their team, program and communities.
Initially beginning his career as a defenseman John McLean's scoring touch led him to playing forward his freshman year on the team that was the NCAA National runners up and went on to appear in 92 games for Salve Regina totaling 69 points with 31 goals and 38 assists. His +32 rating is sixth all-time in Seahawks history while his career 12 game-winning goals are a program record. Throughout his five years at Salve Regina John maintained a 3.232 GPA.
"John is one of the most competitive players that we have had the pleasure to coach here at Salve Regina," said head coach Zech Klann. "He has been a leader since his freshman year both on and off the ice with his work ethic and his competitiveness has been infectious inside dressing room for the last five years. He will be greatly missed."
