Award Banquet News
Senior Hockey Captain Jon Martha Receives
Darrin Campbell Leadership Award
Kemmerer, Walker Named Co-Captains
For 2003-2004 Hockey Season
Senior Jon Martha, captain of this year's Navy ice hockey team,
was named recipient of the 2003 Darrin Campbell Leadership Award
for his inspirational play on the ice and his motivational
spirit off the ice. Martha, from Pittsburgh, Pa., received the
honor during the hockey team banquet held April 5 in the Bo
Coppedge Room at Alumni Hall.
“Jon was our team leader in every sense of the word this
season,” said Navy coach Rick Randazzo. “He played hurt for most
of the second half of the season and he never once complained or
made excuses. In the locker room, at practice, or even on the
bus, Jon always kept the team focused on our mission and what
needed to be done.
“Jon is an excellent hockey player, a strong leader, and a
great guy,” coach Randazzo added. “He is most deserving of this
prestigious honor.”
The Darrin Campbell Leadership Award is named for Chief
Darrin Campbell, who until this past season was the hockey
team's enlisted representative. Chief Campbell is currently
underway aboard the USS Saipan in support of Operation
Iraqi Freedom.
Junior J.D. Walker was named the hockey team's Most
Valuable Player (MVP) at the banquet, which was attended by more
than 100 family members, friends, supporters, and players. It
was the second consecutive year the Portland, Maine native
earned the team's MVP title. This past season, Walker recorded
32 goals and 31 assists for 63 points.
“Although a lot of guys made important contributions, when
we needed someone to come up big for us, J.D. was the guy,” said
coach Randazzo. “He anchored our power play, killed penalties,
and led the team in game-winning-goals (seven). We're looking
for even better things from him next season as a senior.”
Along those lines, Walker was elected co-captain for the
upcoming 2003-04 season, along with classmate Kacey Kemmerer, by
a team vote. Sophomore Jeff Storer was elected Assistant
Captain for next season by his teammates.
Besides Martha, two other firsties from the class of `03 picked
up honors at the banquet. Center Todd Lohstreter was named the
team's `Hardest Worker,' and defense Luke Saladyga was named
`Unsung Hero.'
“Todd was a defenseman for his first three seasons with us,
and this year he switched to center,” coach Randazzo observed.
“That is not an easy transition to make. But he worked extremely
hard and finished as the team's second leading scorer behind
J.D. At the same time, he was also a Company Commander while
excelling in the classroom.
“Sally (Saladyga) did everything we asked of him and more,”
coach Randazzo said. “He played the point on our power play,
killed penalties, and gave 110 percent every time he stepped on
the ice. I can't count how many times he took an opponent's
stick across the wrist and then was right back out there two
minutes later.”
A pair of youngsters tied for the team's `Most Improved
Player' honors: John Bogdan and Matthew Collinsworth. Bogdan
finished with four goals and 10 assists for 14 points and was a
constant thorn in the opposition's side with his hustling,
aggressive play. Collinsworth, who was named Eastern Collegiate
Hockey Association `Player of the Week' for a 43-save effort in
a 3-3 tie with Towson on November 17, registered a team-best
3.27 goals against average and .897 save percentage.
“Bogs just got better and better as the season progressed,”
coach Randazzo pointed out. “We're expecting big things from him
offensively next year, especially since we're losing Todd and
Lukin Lain to graduation. Matt came up with that huge
performance for us against Towson and had several other key wins
for us down the stretch. Even when he's not between the pipes,
he's a great guy to have on the bench and in the locker room.”
Freshman Sam Kunst received the `Outstanding Freshman
Award' for his solid play with the Mids' defensive corps. The
St. Louis, Mo. native recorded six assists and was an
intimidating presence in front of the Navy net.
Junior Mike Kessler was named Team President for the
2003-04 season at the banquet, which featured remarks by Officer
Representative Captain Mike Budney, USN, Class of `80 and a
member of the Navy hockey team for four seasons between
1976-1980.