April 13, 2007

BABSON PARK, Mass. - The New England Hockey Writers held their annual awards banquet on Wednesday night, where Babson junior captain John Geverd (Hookset, N.H.) was presented with the prestigious J. Thom Lawler Award.

The award, which is bestowed by the Eastern Massachusetts chapter of the National Ice Hockey Officials Association, is given to the New England Division III hockey player that best exihibits a commitment to sportsmanship, coachability, high character, a team-first attitude, and integrity and respect for opponents and officials. It is the only award that is voted on and presented exclusively by the officials.

Geverd was an integral member of a Babson hockey team that stunned the league with a magnificent playoff run. Entering the ECAC East Tournament as the sixth seed, the Beavers upset #3 Skidmore, #1 Norwich, and #2 New England College to claim its first conference championship since 1992 and its first NCAA Tournament bid since 1993. Babson was finally eliminated in the National Quaterfinals, falling to Manhattanville College by a score of 5-3.

The Beavers' lone captain, Geverd had an outstanding junior season, amassing a team-high 16 goals, including four game-winners, to go along with eight assists for 24 points. The 6-foot, 205-pound forward drew just one two-minute penalty all season, despite playing in all 29 of the Beavers' contests.

Geverd is the third person in school history to win the J. Thom Lawler Award since it's inception in 1979, joining Babson greats Jim Creamer '90 and Ed Gallagher '96

"John's recognition by the EMHOA is a great testament to his character, leadership abilities and the manner in which he represents our team," said third-year head coach Jamie Rice. "To be as productive and as competitive a player as he is, and only receive one penalty all season, is remarkable."