Senior Ben Tupker of Union College men's hockey team has been honored with the 2024 Wayne Dean Sportsmanship Award by ECAC Hockey following an outstanding senior campaign. The award, named after the late Wayne Dean, recognizes a student-athlete who demonstrates integrity, respect, and sportsmanship, both on and off the ice. Tupker is the first men's recipient of the award, previously won by Colgate's Danielle Serdachny. As a leader, Tupker displayed exceptional sportsmanship and integrity, leading by example as a two-year captain for the team. He not only excelled on the ice with a career-high 19 points this season but also advocated for mental health awareness and fostered a culture of academic excellence, with the team achieving their highest in-season GPA. Ben's exemplary character and leadership have been pivotal in transforming the team's culture, as acknowledged by head coach Josh Hauge.

By the Numbers
  • Ben Tupker registered a career-high 19 points (9-10-19) in the 2024 season.
  • The team achieved their highest in-season GPA this past fall term under Tupker's leadership.
Yes, But

No significant counterarguments or complexities found.

State of Play
  • Ben Tupker made his professional debut with the Trois-Rivieres Lions, the ECHL affiliate of the Montreal Canadiens.
  • He is the first men's recipient of the Wayne Dean Sportsmanship Award.
What's Next

Ben Tupker will continue his professional career with the Trois-Rivieres Lions.

Bottom Line

Ben Tupker's exemplary leadership, on and off the ice, has not only earned him the prestigious Wayne Dean Sportsmanship Award but has also left an indelible mark on the Union College men's hockey program.