Drew Bagnall
St. Lawrence
Statistics: 39 GP 6-19–25

When St. Lawrence coach Joe Marsh was asked earlier this season whether or not his coaching staff had ever charted Drew Bagnall's ice time, he rolled his eyes and shook his head. The unspoken answer: lots of ice time.

The senior from Oakbank, Manitoba was the most important player on the most successful team in the league, and is Inside College Hockey''s choice as the Defenseman of the Year.

A stellar start to his collegiate career was sidetracked by a hand injury in his junior season, but he came back to be a dominant presence on the Saint blue line. He played against the opponent's top players and factored on both special teams units for the Saints.

"He's worked hard for this. He plays with such passion and it kills him to lose. He's an unbelievable kid to coach," Marsh said. "What he's meant to this team in the locker room, in the weight room, he's just worked exceedingly hard in every area and has never compromised in any area."

His quiet confidence and steadying demeanor served the Saints well as they won a slew of close games and performed well in difficult situations.

"He creates an atmosphere in the locker room," Marsh said, "and I think that the guys deep down think, 'Thank God he's on our team, and not the other team.'"

Runner-up: Jack Johnson, Michigan