Hawks blueliner named top player for second straight year

WASILLA — Houston head coach Mike Styers will not hesitate to share his praise for Hawks senior Reed Humphreys.

“He’s the best player I’ve ever coached,” Styers said of Humphreys, who was named the Greatland Conference Player of the Year for the second straight season. “In terms of size, physical strength and ability, knowing the game of hockey, he’s a phenomenal player.”

The defenseman led Houston to the Division II state title game in each of his four years with the Hawks, and helped Houston win it all as a freshman in 2015. Humphreys led his team in goals, assists and points as a senior. The blueliner bagged 21 goals, 16 assists and 37 points. It was the third time in four years Humphreys led the Hawks in scoring. Humpheys finished his career with 65 goals, 55 assists and 120 points.

“Huge loss for us, but it’s been a great four years for us having him on the team, all of those seniors,” Styers said.

Humphreys was one of three senior defensemen to earn first-team honors for the Hawks. Hayden Chivers and Noah Gillespie were also recognized. Chivers collected four goals and 10 assists in 21 games, while Gillespie added two goals and seven assists.

Junior goalie Rylee Bolinder also earned first-team honors. In his first season with the Hawks, Bolinder finished 10-2-1 with a 1.87 goals against average and .935 saves percentage.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com.

All-Greatland Conference

Player of the Year: Reed Humphreys, Houston

Coach of the Year: Greg Biddle, Glennallen

First-team:

Forward — Thomas Warren, Delta; Ryan Michel, Monroe; Owen McDonald, Tri Valley; Defense — Reed Humphreys, Houston; Hayden Chivers, Houston; Noah Gillespie, Houston; Jesse Biddle, Glennallen; Miguel Saavedra, Glennallen; Riley Ott, Monroe; Goalie — Rylee Bolinder, Houston.