DENVER (Apr. 16) -- The University of Denver hockey team announced its 2000 award winners at the 44th annual end-of-year banquet, held at the Marriott City Center in downtown Denver on Sunday. The Pioneers finished the 1999-2000 campaign with a 16-23-2 record and pushed eventual NCAA champion North Dakota to the brink of elimination in the first round of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association playoffs.

The team's most valuable player, honored with the Bill Masterton Memorial Award, was senior wing Joe Ritson (Thunder Bay, Ontario). Ritson, who played defense for his two-plus seasons at Denver, led the Pioneers with 20 goals and ranked tied for third on the team in scoring with 34 points. He also paced Denver with two hat tricks and his six power-play tallies were good for second on the team.

Below is a complete list of award winners.

Barry Sharp Memorial Award (Freshman of the Year)

Aaron MacKenzie, Defense

Murray Armstrong Award (Most Improved Player)

Joe Casey, Wing

Dr. Ralph Verploeg Award (Most Inspirational Player)

Joe Casey, Wing

Dr. Ken Bredesen Award (Sportsmanship)

Bjorn Engstrom, Center and Bryan Vines, Defense

Dr. Art Mason Award (Top Scholar-Athlete)

Bjorn Engstrom, Center

Keith Magnuson Award (Best Defensive Player)

Judd Stauss, Defense

Bob Martin Award (Community Service)

Bryce Wallnutt, Wing

Leading Scorer Award (Best Offensive Player)

Kelly Popadynetz, Center

Bill Masterton Memorial Award (Most Valuable Player)

Joe Ritson, Wing