St. Catherine junior forward Michaela Michaelson has been named one of the five finalists for the 2009-2010 Laura Hurd National Player of the Year Award. The award is given out annually by the American Hockey Coaches Association to the best NCAA Division III women's ice hockey player in the country.

Michaelson was named a finalist after leading the Wildcats to a second place finish in the MIAC regular season and then helping the team reach the championship game of the MIAC Playoffs for the first time in school history.  After the season Michaelson was honored at the conference level as she was named MIAC Player of the Year and also earned her third consecutive MIAC All-Conference Award.

During the 2009-10 season Michaela scored 35 points (19 goals, 16 assists) in 24 games. Included in her totals were 24 points (12 goals, 12 assists) in 18 conference games. Her goal total tied for best in the MIAC and her 24 points were second in the conference. In 73 career games, Michaelson now has 85 points on 47 goals and 38 assists.

The recipient of the award will be announced on Thursday March 18 at the Division III Frozen Four being held in St. Peter, MN.

A complete copy of the release is available here