For the second time in as many years, Dartmouth's Lee Stempniak '05 was named by CCM and the American Hockey Coaches Association an All-American. Last season, the Big Green forward was given first team status: this year he was chosen for the second team. Stempniak is the first Dartmouth icer to achieve All-American status since Dave Williams '90 in 1989. Ross Brownridge '80 was the Big Green's last first team honoree.
Despite his second team selection this year, Stempniak outdid his 2004 performance statistically speaking. The Dartmouth captain led his team with 43 total points, including 14 goals and 29 assists. Stempniak was tied for the lead in points in the ECACHL with 27, also receiving first team All-ECAC and All-Ivy honors.
Stempniak concluded his illustrious career with a school record 135 games played, fourth overall in scoring with 151 points (a greater than 1 point/game average over four years), third with 88 assists and ninth with 63 goals.
Stempniak will always be regarded as the consummate team captain, something clearly evident by his comments after winning the award. "One of my goals at the beginning of the year was to try and be named All-American again in my senior year to prove that last year wasn't a fluke," said Stempniak. "I had a very tough start to the season and we faced a lot of adversity as a team. I think this [honor] reflects how we were able to play through it all and finish the season very strongly. I hope that this will bring more recognition to our team and more respect for Dartmouth hockey in the coming years."
When asked to recount a few of his finest memories throughout his collegiate career, Stempniak seemed to enjoy his senior year above all. "My favorite part of the season has always been the playoffs and those are the games I will remember the most," said Stempniak. "But more specifically, some of my best memories at Dartmouth were an overtime win against then No. 1 Boston College sophomore year, beating Harvard and Cornell in OT this season, and surmounting at four- goal deficit against UNH this year to win 9-8."
Stempniak made an immediate impact upon his arrival in Hanover four years ago. The West Seneca, NY native finished his freshman year second on the team with 12 goals. His breakthrough season was noticed by the St. Louis Blues of the NHL as well, as the organization selected Stempniak in the fifth round of the 2003 draft. Stempniak will be remembered most for his grace on the ice, combining natural speed and razor sharp creativity and agility with a keen eye for the open skater.
As for the future, Stempniak hopes that graduation day will not mark an end to a life of hockey. "I'm going to try and play professional hockey somewhere in the Blues' organization," said Stempniak. "I will be going to training camp in September."
Stempniak's departure undoubtedly leaves a hole in Dartmouth's 2005-06 lineup, one that may even be missing standout forward Hugh Jessiman '06. "Stemp is one of the best players in the country and to be able to play together with him for three years was a privilege. He is a great teammate and friend so we will be missing him next year," said Jessiman.
Stempniak's junior co-captain, Mike Ouellette '06 shared similar sentiments for his longtime teammate. "Lee's honor is a terrific achievement," said Ouellette. "He's in the company of the most elite players in the country and that's exactly where he belongs. I feel privileged to have been lucky enough to play with him these last 3 years and I'm confident that success will follow Lee wherever he goes."
Always gracious, Stempniak showed gratitude for his fellow Big Green as well. "I'd like to thank everyone on the team, and especially Nick Johnson and Mike Ouellette, who made me a much better player just by being on the same line as them," said Stempniak. "I'd also like to thank the coaches for giving me the opportunity to come to Dartmouth and have an unbelievable four years."
And on behalf of Dartmouth hockey fans everywhere, thank you, Lee.
