Courtesy of Salem State Sports Information

Salem, Mass. -- Salem State junior goaltender Marcus Zelzer (Green Bay, WI) has been named one of nine finalists for the 2016 Sid Watson Award, which is presented annually to the nation's best NCAA Division III Men's Ice Hockey player.

Zelzer led Salem State to the 2015-16 Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) title and a NCAA Tournament berth. Zelzer, who co-led the nation with four shutouts, finished the regular season first in the MASCAC in both goals against average (1.76) and save percentage (.932). He finished the regular season with a 16-1 record and carried a fifteen game unbeaten streak into the conference playoffs, where he notched two more victories, including a shutout in the championship game before losing to Williams in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Zelzer would be the first MASCAC player to win the award.

"Marcus is clearly one of the best, if not the best goaltender Salem State University has seen in a number of years", states Salem State Director of Athletics and Recreation, Peggy Carl. "His 25 blocked shots in the championship game of the MASCAC Tournament are certainly proof positive of his talents. Beyond his raw ability though, is a young man committed to preparation. Not only is he an outstanding athlete, he is also one of our brightest students. Marcus' preparation on and off the ice was amazing to watch and will continue to pay dividends well after his college days as he pursues a legal career. I'm really thrilled that Marcus has been nominated for this award, as he is truly deserving."

Sponsored by the American Hockey Coaches Association, the Watson Award honors the memory of former legendary Bowdoin head coach Sid Watson. A three-time AHCA Coach of the Year, Watson spent more than 30 years at Bowdoin, where he won 326 games in 24 seasons as a head coach.
The recipient of this year's Watson Award will be announced on Thursday, March 24 during the 2016 NCAA Division III Men's Championship student-athlete banquet in Lake Placid, N.Y. 

2016 Finalists 
Charlie Adams, Senior, Forward, Hamline University (Mahtomedi, MN)
MIAC Player of the Year

Tyler Beasley, Senior, Forward, Nichols College (Indianapolis, IN)
ECAC Northeast Player of the Year

Stephen Collins, Junior, Forward, Geneseo State (Pittsford, NY)
SUNYAC Player of the Year

Erik Cooper, Senior, Forward, St. Norbert College (Anchorage, AK)
NCHA Player of the Year


Tyler Green, Senior, Goalie, UW-Eau Claire (Noblesville, IN)
WIAC East Player of the Year

Zander Masucci, Senior, Defenseman, Williams College (Far Hills, NJ)
NESCAC Player of the Year

Jamie Murray, Senior, Goalie, Babson College (Scituate, MA)
NEHC Player of the Year

Mac Olson, Senior, Forward, Hobart College (Grosse Pointe, MI)
ECAC West Player of the Year

Marcus Zelzer, Junior, Goalie, Salem State University (Green Bay, WI)
MASCAC Player of the Year