Graduate student Une Bjelland and head coach Shawn Skelly of the Adrian College NCAA women's hockey team have been named finalists for the 2023-24 NCAA Division III Women's Hockey National Awards by the American Hockey Coaches Association (AHCA). Bjelland is a finalist for the Laura Hurd Award for Division III Women's Hockey Player of the Year, while Skelly is a finalist for the CCM/AHCA Coach of the Year Award. Bjelland, from Stavanger, Norway, enters the NCAA Division III Women's Frozen Four with impressive statistics, including breaking program and conference records and leading the nation in assists and game-winning goals. Skelly, with a career record of 140-21-7, led the Bulldogs to a 28-2-0 record and conference championships. The major award winners will be announced on Thursday, March 14 at the Frozen Four Banquet.

By the Numbers
  • Bjelland has 27 goals and 32 assists this season.
  • Skelly holds the second highest career winning percentage among active NCAA Division III women's hockey head coaches.
State of Play
  • Bjelland and Skelly are finalists for prestigious national awards in women's college hockey.
  • The major award winners will be announced on Thursday, March 14 at the Frozen Four Banquet.
  • The Bulldogs will begin play in the Frozen Four in the semifinal game on Friday, March 16 against No. 1 UW-River Falls at 8:00 PM EST.
Bottom Line

Graduate student Une Bjelland and coach Shawn Skelly of the Adrian College women's hockey team have been recognized as finalists for top national awards, with the winners set to be announced at the Frozen Four Banquet. The pair's remarkable achievements have positioned them as key contenders in their respective categories, showcasing the program's high caliber in women's college hockey.