The Gridiron Club of Greater Boston announced Thursday that Bentley sophomore forward Brett Gensler has been named the winner of the 60th Walter Brown Award, presented annually to the best American-born college hockey player in New England.
Gensler finished first in the final balloting ahead of runner-up Barry Almeida of Boston College and third-place finisher Brian Flynn of Maine.
Gensler, the first player from the Atlantic Hockey Association to win the award, led the conference in scoring this past season with 18 goals and 23 assists in 34 regular-season games. Overall, he scored 23 goals and had 27 assists for 50 points in 40 games. He is one of just eight players in the nation to reach the 50-point mark and he currently ranks seventh nationally in both points and goals.
“It is an honor for the Bentley University hockey program that the Gridiron Club recognized Brett Gensler with the prestigious Walter Brown Award,” said Bentley coach Ryan Soderquist in a news release. “When you look at the distinguished list of previous winners over the years, we take a great deal of pride in having one of our players recognized.
“Brett emerged as one of the top offensive threats in college hockey this season. His dedication on and off the ice to develop his game and improve our team has been tremendous. We look forward to having him back for the next two seasons.”
The award will be presented at the New England College Hockey Writers’ Dinner on April 10 in Saugus, Mass.