But there are still some awards that need to be handed out and a Northern Michigan University defenseman picked up one of them on Tuesday.

Sophomore Mike Van Unen was named WCHA Defenseman of the Month for March and April. In the final five games of the season, he picked up four assists and blocked 17 shots, averaging 3.4 blocks a game.

Van Unen was one of the best in the country in blocks as he was second overall with 79, and his 17 in the playoffs were second on the team after fellow defender Ben Newhouse. Newhouse led the country with 91 blocks.

Arguably Van Unen’s best shot-blocking night came in the WCHA semifinals against Frozen Four participant Minnesota State-Mankato on March 19, when he notched seven blocks to help move the Wildcats into the conference championship game.

Northern Michigan University defenseman Mike Van Unen, left, tries to corral the puck as Bowling Green State's Max Johnson closes in during the second period of their WCHA game on Feb. 20 at the Berry Events Center in Marquette. (Photo courtesy Shannon Stieg)

During NMU’s two games in Mankato, a 5-1 win over Minnesota State and 6-3 loss to Lake Superior State, Van Unen led the ‘Cats with 10 blocks.

Van Unen led WCHA defensemen with four assists during the postseason, which also led the conference.

He finished the season with 14 points on three goals and 11 assists, a six-point jump from his freshman season.

Information compiled by Journal Sports Writer Ryan Stieg. His email address is rstieg@miningjournal.net.

Northern Michigan University defenseman Mike Van Unen, right, skates to the slot as Lake Superior State's Yuki Miura defends in the Lakers' defensive zone during the first period at the Berry Events Center in Marquette on Jan. 9. (Photo courtesy Shannon Stieg)