Compiled by MiCHO Staff Omaha Lancers goaltender and Michigan State recruit Drew Palmisano has been named the 2008 recipient of the Dave Peterson Goalie of the Year Award by USA Hockey.
Palmisano will receive the award at a banquet which coincides with USA Hockey's annual congress June 3-7 in Colorado Springs.
Palmisano, an Ann Arbor native, was among the top goaltenders in the USHL during the regular season and helped Omaha to the 2008 Clark Cup championship earlier this month.
"The USHL and its members wish to congratulate Drew Palmisano on this wonderful honor. Last season he was a big reason that Omaha turned around their season, but he took his game and his team to another level this season," said USHL president Gino Gasparini. "He has a bright future ahead of him in the game and we're happy that we had a hand in his development."
The 2007-08 season was a banner year for Palmisano. As a rookie the year before, Palmisano was named the Stauber's Goalcrease USHL Goaltender of the Year as well as 2nd Team All-USHL. This season, Palmisano led the USHL in games played (45), minutes played (2,579) and wins (32). He was second in goals against average (2.02) and save percentage (.922) and third in shutouts (3). Along the way, Palmisano took part in the 2008 USHL Prospects/All-Star Game and was once again 2nd Team All-USHL, all the while backstopping the Lancers to the Anderson Cup title.
In the 2008 Clark Cup playoffs, Palmisano posted a 9-5 record with a 2.45 goals against average a .921 save percentage and four shutouts, helping the Lancers claim the Clark Cup and the Tier I National Championship. The four shutouts set a USHL record for shutouts in one playoff year. For his efforts, he was named the Planet Hockey Clark Cup Most Valuable Player.
Palmisano joins current MSU goalie Jeff Lerg as former Lancers to win the Dave Peterson Award.
Photo of Palmisano in the 2008 USHL Prospects/All-Star Game courtesy USHLimages.com
