NEWS RELEASE | NAVAN GRADS ALUMNI TRISTAN FRANCIS NAMED SUNYAC DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

OSWEGO, NY - In the heart of Oswego, a small town with a big passion for hockey, Brooklin, Ontario native, Shane Bull emerged as a star on the ice, leaving an indelible mark on his teammates and coaches. As Senior Assistant Captain, Shane's prowess on the rink during the 2023-24 season was spectacular.

Throughout the season, Bull showcased his skill and determination, netting an impressive 22 goals and contributing 20 assists, accumulating 42 points in just 26 games. This performance not only electrified the crowd but also propelled the Lakers to numerous victories, including the team's recent 5-1 win over Brockport in which Shane scored 4 out of the 5 goals. The culmination of Shane's outstanding season came with the announcement of the 2023-24 Herb Hammond Player of the Year award, a prestigious honor in the SUNYAC college hockey community. This makes #24 the 13th Oswego player in award history to receive this accolade.

The recognition of Oswego's talented and hard-working individuals did not stop at Bull this season, as fellow Senior Tristan Francis earned the impressive title of SUNYAC Defensive Player of the Year.

The 2023-24 campaign would be one to remember for #6 as it would see an increasingly dominant performance from the seasoned defenseman. Between Francis' ability to read the game, break up plays, and his willingness to sacrifice his body for his teammates, his work ethic drew the attention of fans and opponents alike. But it wasn't just his on-ice skills that set him apart; Tristan's leadership off the ice was equally commendable. The title of Defensive Player of the Year is a fitting tribute to a player who exemplified defensive excellence and consistency throughout the season. The award marked a historic moment for Tristan as he is the fourth Oswego defenseman to receive this honor since its creation in 2016.

As the final buzzer sounded on Bull and Francis' collegiate careers, their impact on the Men's Ice Hockey program reverberated through the history and stats books. With a trail of goals and assists, wins and losses, Shane and Tristan have etched their names into the storied legacy of Oswego hockey, leaving a lasting impression that will be remembered for years to come.

Official SUNYAC Release Here

By: Matilda Pethrick

YAC Championship game.