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Now almost a month into his National Hockey League career,
Jaden Schwartz has added another highlight to his abbreviated stint at Colorado College.
Schwartz, who signed a professional contract with the NHL's St. Louis Blues just two days after completing his sophomore season with the Tigers, is one of three forwards named to the 2011- 12 AHCA/CCM All-America West First Team announced today by the American Hockey Coaches Association.
A first-round draft pick of St. Louis in June 2010, Schwartz paced CC with 41 points (15g,26a), tied for the team lead with four game-winning goals and assisted on three others in just 30 games this season. His average of 1.37 points per outing ranked fourth nationally behind Hobey Baker Hat Trick finalists Spencer Abbott of Maine (1.59), Jack Connolly of Minnesota Duluth (1.46) and Austin Smith of Colgate (1.46).
Schwartz earlier earned second-team recognition in the All-WCHA voting after finishing the 2011-12 season with 35 points (12g,23a) in 25 conference games. While that total ranked seventh among league leaders, his average of 1.40 points per contest was third best.
UMD's Connolly, as well as Reilly Smith of Miami University, join Schwartz as first-team forwards on the West All-America Team. Defensemen Torey Krug of Michigan State and Justin Schultz of Wisconsin, along with goaltender Taylor Nelson of NCAA finalist Ferris State, round out the six-player squad.
Schwartz is Tiger Hockey's first All-American since center Chad Rau reaped the distinction for the second consecutive season as a senior in 2008-09, and the 12th to ermege from Colorado College during Scott Owens' 13 years as head coach. Rau, forwards Mark Cullen (2000-01, '01-02) and Brett Sterling (2004-05, '05-06), and goalie Curtis McElhinney (2002-03, '04-05) were two-time honorees. All moved on to play in the NHL.
Since the program's inception more than seven decades ago, 44 different CC players have received All-America recognition a total of 60 times, including 16 occasions overall under Owens.
Left wing Schwartz, a native of Wilcox, Saskatchewan, served as team captain for bronze medalist Canada at the 2012 IIHF Junior World Championships held in late December and early January. He concluded his two-year collegiate career with 88 points (32g,56a) in just 60 games for the Tigers.
