Welsh, MacPherson receive AUS award recognition

A pair of Saint Mary's Huskies men's hockey players - goaltender Matt Welsh and defenceman Justin MacPherson - have been recognized in the 2021-22 AUS Award selections.

The 2021-22 recipient of the Godfrey Award for student-athlete community service and AUS nominee for the prestigious Dr. Randy Gregg Award is Matt Welsh of the Saint Mary's Huskies. Named for Dr. Bill Godfrey, this award is given annually to the player who best represents the spirit of intercollegiate hockey by his leadership both on and off the ice and by his conduct throughout the season.

A first-year goaltender from Halifax, NS, Welsh is a player-ambassador for Hockey Gives Blood, an organization that promotes the need for blood, plasma and stem cell donation in partnership with Canadian Blood Services. As part of this volunteer role, he helps to organize blood drives and raises awareness of the organization and its mission. In 2020 he was given the Dayna Brons Honorary Award for an individual in the hockey community who exhibits outstanding dedication towards patients who rely on blood and stem cell products in Canada. 

Welsh also continues to foster a strong relationship with the Children's Wish Foundation, taking time to tour young cancer survivors around his team's facilities. Saint Mary's head coach Tyler Naugler calls him "an exceptional role model for all youth he has come in contact with."

Welsh started 18 games for the Huskies this season, and led the AUS in minutes played and total saves. On days off, Welsh can be found sharing his passion and expertise with the next generation of goaltenders in Nova Scotia as a volunteer goalie coach with youth minor hockey. A commerce student aiming to pursue an MBA, he's been named to the Dean's list and is an Academic All-Canadian.

Welsh is the first Saint Mary's Huskies player to take home the Godfrey Award since Marc Rancourt in 2008-09. He now becomes the AUS nominee for the Dr. Randy Gregg Award.

The most recent players from the Atlantic conference to earn the honour were Acadia's Liam Maaskant in 2019-20 and UNB's Randy Gazzola in 2018-19.

Justin MacPherson, a first year defenceman out of Newmarket, ON, has been selected as a First Team All-Star, and All-Rookie team member.

MacPherson led all AUS defencemen in goals (5), assists (16) and points (21).

The Huskies will begin their semifinal series later this week.