Raposo Named Defensive Player Of The Year As MASCAC Announces All-Conference Awards

PAXTON, MA - Earlier this month the MASCAC announced men's ice hockey All-Conference and Major Awards for the 2024-25 season. Senior defenseman Derek Raposo was named Defensive Player of the Year while also being named to the All-Conference First team while graduate forward Matthew Gilbert was named to the Second Team. 

With a whopping 31 points in 27 games played this season, Derek Raposo earned himself a spot on the MASCAC All-Conference First Team while also being name Defensive Player of the Year. Raposo was the backbone of the AMCATS team this season as he contributed 5 goals along with 26 assists, putting him sixth in the MASCAC for total points and first in assists. Raposo's performance this season would mark a career high in his four years with the AMCATS. He finished his career with 96 games played and 74 points.

"Derek's stats do not tell the whole story. Derek has been a Captain for the past three seasons and has changed our program forever through his dedication, commitment and leadership" said Head Coach David McCauley. "Derek's ability on the ice was evident this year as he made an impact in every single game, but his ability to hold players accountable is what made our team better."

Earning All-Conference Second Team honors was graduate forward Matthew Gilbert who led the AMCATS in points this season with a career high of 32 points in 27 games played. Gilbert ranked fifth in points and goals in the MASCAC this season, netting a career high of 15 goals for the AMCATS. Gilbert also ranked second in the MASCAC for +/- with a +22. Gilbert finished his career with 101 games played an 60 points.

"Mr. Consistency is the best way to sum up Matt" said McCauley. "Matt came to play every day and through his hard work and determination Matt was our leading scorer this season. Matt was a leader for us as he set the tone of how you are supposed to play every single shift."

The AMCATS competed in their first season as part of the MASCAC and with the help of Raposo and Gilbert, they found themselves ranked second in the conference after regular season play. The men's ice hockey team also finished the season with 19 wins for the most in program history while also recording a 10 game win streak for the longest streak in program history.

Both Raposo and Gilbert have signed their first professional contracts to play in the SPHL (Southern Professional Hockey League). Derek Raposo joins former teammate Cam Tobey where he will play for the Knoxville Ice Bears while Matt Gilbert will compete with the Pensacola Ice Flyers.

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