Official USA Hockey Release

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.  – Cornell women's hockey junior forward Jillian Saulnier has been named one of the Top-10 finalists for the Patty Kazmaier Award as announced by USA Hockey today.  The Patty Kazmaier Award is presented annually to the top player in Division I women's ice hockey.

Selection factors for the award include outstanding individual and team skills, sportsmanship, performance in the clutch, personal character, competitiveness and a love of hockey. Academic achievement and civic involvement are also given special consideration.

A two-time All-ECAC Hockey selection and a first-team All-Ivy choice a year ago, Saulnier is the Big Red's leading scorer this season with 23 goals and 23 assists. She was ECAC Hockey's Player of the Week for February 11 and currently ranks No. 10 on Cornell's all-time list for points in a career with 141. Throughout her career at Cornell, she has amassed 55 goals and 86 assists. The 2012 Ivy League and ECAC Rookie of the Year, Saulnier was ECAC Hockey's Rookie of the Week three times (Nov. 1, Nov. 8, and Feb. 14), as well as a two-time Rookie of the Month selection (October and November, 2011).

"Jill Saulnier is a dynamic offensive threat every time she steps on the ice," said Coach Doug Derraugh.  She has one of the hardest shots in the NCAA, very quick hands, and excellent passing skills. She is also one of our strongest and fastest players.  Many players are great at a few of those traits, but not all five. That is why Jill is so special."

Since the 2008-09 season, Cornell has had six Patty Kazmaier Top-10 finalists.

The top three finalists will be announced on March 6 and the winner will be announced at the Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award Brunch, held on March 22 in Connecticut, to coincide with the NCAA Frozen Four being held at Quinnipiac University.