GLOUCESTER, Mass. – The American Hockey Coaches Association (AHCA) announced the NCAA Division III Player of the Year finalists for men's hockey on Friday afternoon. The Sid Watson Award is presented annually to the Player of the Year in NCAA Division III men's hockey and the Cardinals have someone special in the running.

Saint Mary's is represented by sophomore Joona Juntunen (Hyvinkää, Finland / Rice Memorial) as he was named a finalist for the Sid Watson Award.

The Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletics Conference (MIAC) Offensive Player of the Week, who at one point led the nation in both goals and points per game, is in the running to make history as the first Cardinal in program history to receive this honor. 

He is the youngest player on the finalist list.

The postseason honor was his second postseason recognition after being named honorable mention last season. Juntunen played in all 26 games, scoring 21 goals and adding 25 assists for 46 points. His 1.77 points per game ranked second in all of NCAA Division III.

Juntunen also recorded 11 power-play goals and three game-winners during his standout season. His 21 goals led the conference by a wide margin—four more than any other player. He also tied for first in the conference in assists with 25, sharing the top spot with his own teammate.

The winner of this award will be announced next week at the NCAA Division III Frozen Four banquets.