WINONA, Minn. — Mike Mezzano (Woodbury, Minn.) has been a force to be reckoned with in helping guide the Saint Mary's University of Minnesota men's hockey team to one of its most successful seasons in decades.

Mezzano played a pivotal role in helping the Cardinals to their first Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Playoff appearance since 2003-04—not to mention their first berth in the conference playoff title game since 1994-95.

And the sophomore's season became even more memorable on Saturday, as Mezzano received the MIAC's prestigious Elite 22 Award for men's hockey.

The MIAC Elite 22 Award recognizes the true essence of the student-athlete by honoring the individual who has reached the pinnacle of competition at the conference championship level in his or her sport, while also achieving the highest academic standard among his or her peers. Modeled after the NCAA Elite 89 Award, the MIAC Elite 22 Award is presented to the student-athlete with the highest grade point average (GPA) in each sport, who also meets similarly high, sport-specific athletic requirements—including playing in the conference playoff's title game.

Mezzano has been a mainstay on the blue line for the Cardinals, and while his efforts in the defensive zone made life a bit easier for goalie Phil Heinle (York, Pa.) between the pipes, Mezzano was also among the conference's best when it came to offense—leading all MIAC defensemen in goals (4) and points (16) in 16 conference contests. Overall, Mezzano accumulated four goals and added 16 assists for 20 points in 26 games.

As good as the Saint Mary's sophomore was on the ice, he's also been near-perfect in the classroom, as the Accounting/Finance double-major boasts a 3.84 GPA. He is a Woodbury, Minn., native and a graduate of Woodbury High School.