Minot, ND – Minot Minotauros forward Blake Lizotte, was named the North American Hockey League (NAHL) Rookie of the Year this afternoon, the award is voted on by each of the 24 NAHL clubs head coaches. Lizotte becomes the first Tauro to win the award which adds another line to his long list of accomplishments this season.
Lizotte entered the season as the youngest player in the NAHL and finished as the only 1997 birth year player in the top 25 in scoring. With 14 goals and 38 assists Lizotte’s 52 points lead the Minotauros in scoring despite being the youngest player on the roster. Both his 52 points and +27 rating are new franchise highs for Minotauros players in a season.
Aside from being named the NAHL Rookie of the Year, Lizotte was also named to the NAHL All-Rookie First Team, All Central Division Team, and was named the NAHL Central Division Forward of the Year. During the season Lizotte was honored as the NAHL Forward of the Month for November, he was also named Central Division Star of the Week twice during November. Lizotte also represented the Minotauros at the NAHL Top Prospects Tournament where he played on the NAHL Selects Team during the league All-Star event. Aside from accolades and awards Lizotte’s strong play this season earned him an NCAA Division I commitment to play at St. Cloud State University.
Minotauros Head Coach Marty Murray praised Lizotte; Blake has been excellent for us this season. Aside from his natural ability, he brings his work ethic to the rink everyday. He is a great competitor that has a bright future ahead.” Lizotte on the other hand was deferential noting “that it is exciting and feels really good win the award” but also that “awards are secondary to team success.” Blake also took time to “thank my coaches and teammates who definitely contributed to my success.”
Lizotte’s success has been key to the Minotauros reaching the Central Division Finals for the first time. The Tauros split with the Austin Bruins last weekend in Austin and the series continues this weekend at Minot’s Maysa Arena on Friday and Saturday nights. Tickets for both games are still available by clicking the "Tickets" tab atop this page.