Colorado Avalanche Prospect Alex Newhook Wins National Rookie of the Year

Colorado Avalanche prospect Alex Newhook has been making waves in the NCAA. Most recently he’s earned the Tim Taylor National Rookie of the Year honor.

Colorado Avalanche prospect Alex Newhook has been honored again. Last month, he wan named Hockey East Rookie of the Year for his play at Boston College. Today, it was announced that he was named the 2020 Tim Taylor National Rookie of the Year.

The honor is bestowed annually on the best first-year NCAA Division 1 player in men’s hockey. He’s the first Boston College player to win the award. He’s also the first Colorado Avalanche draftee to win the award. T.J. Tynan, whom the Avalanche traded for, won the award in 2011.

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The NCAA canceled their season in mid-March due to the pandemic. However, Newhook’s numbers were already speaking for themselves. Indeed, he finished the regular season on a 12-game points streak.

In 34 games, the forward recorded 19 goals and 23 assists for 42 points. Those 42 points put Newhook at #7 among all  NCAA players, not just rookies. Among those 19 goals, four of them were game winners and three were short-handed. He also earned a +28 rating. All of those statistics put Newhook at the top of his first-year peers nationally.

The Avalanche selected Newhook with their 16th overall pick in the 2019 NHL draft. He played two seasons with the BCHL Victoria Grizzlies.

Here’s Alex Newhook right after he got drafted — lots of friends, obviously:

Newhook attended the Avalanche’s Prospect Development Camp this season. I attended a few sessions, and I was highly impressed by Newhook. He’s speedy. And agile. Watch him skate at camp:

And smiley — he’s going to fit right in with the squad:

Unfortunately, we’re going to have to wait to see how Newhook fits in with the squad. He’s already committed to returning to Boston College for his sophomore reason. He cites the Avs’ existing depth and his own desire to not rush his development.

Obviously, New hook is getting great development with the staff in Boston.

In any case, congratulations to Alex Newhook. He deserves the honors