Romeo is a Sid Watson finalist

SUNY Brockport's Ryan Romeo is the second player in program history to be named a finalist for the Sid Watson Award given to the American Hockey Coaches Association Division III Men's Player of the Year. He is the lone defenseman in the country to be named a finalist for the prestigious award this season.

Twelve total players who have distinguished themselves on the ice this season have been named finalists for the 2022 Sid Watson Award, given annually to the best NCAA Division III men's ice hockey player in the country. Ten of the finalists are from the United States and two are from Canada. Six are seniors, five are juniors and one is a graduate student. Nine are forwards, two are goaltenders and one is a defenseman.

Earlier this year, Romeo was named the SUNYAC Herb Hammond Player of the Year and the Defensive Player of the Year. Romeo joins James Cody as the only two players in program history to be named a finalist for the Sid Watson. Cody was named a finalist after earning SUNYAC Player of the Year honors back in 2012.

Romeo recently made his third straight all-conference appearance, including his second straight first-team selection.  He is the third (two of his own) Brockport selection to the All-Conference first team dating back to 2016 when Chase Nieuwendyk was named a first team forward.  The first team selection marks the 10th time in program history that a Brockport player has been picked to the SUNYAC's top all-conference team.  He joins Nieuwendyk and Chris Luker as the program's only two-time first team selections.
 
His 37 points this season are the most for a Golden Eagle since Nieuwendyk registered 37 points back in 2016.  His 25 assists this season are the most for a Golden Eagle since Ian Finnerty registered 25 assists back in 2012. His 25 assists this season are tied for seventh on the program's all-time single season list. He ranks second nationally among defenders in total points and 16th nationally among all skaters.  Over the course of his career at Brockport he has played in 97 career games, and he has 87 total points on 28 goals and 59 assists.

Following Brockport's season, Romeo signed a pro contract with the Trois-Rivieres Lions of the ECHL.

Brockport capped its season with a 14-11-2 overall record and an appearance in the SUNYAC Conference Tournament Semifinals.  Their appearance in the semifinals was the program's first since 2015.  
             
Sponsored by the American Hockey Coaches Association, the Sid Watson Award honors the memory of former Bowdoin College head coach and athletic director Sid Watson. A three-time AHCA Coach of the Year, Watson served Bowdoin for more than 30 years, winning 326 games in 24 seasons as head coach.
 
The recipient of this year's Sid Watson Award will be announced on Thursday, March 24.