Complete All-MIAC Men's Hockey Team

WINONA, Minn. — There certainly was no sophomore slump for Saint Mary's University's Austin Balko (Midland, Mich.).

In fact, it's safe to say that Balko's sophomore season was a perfect encore to his first collegiate season as a Cardinal — both statistically and in post-season recognition.

Balko turned more than a few heads around the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference a year ago, leading all conference first-year players in scoring. He finished his inaugural season with seven goals and 15 assists for 22 points — and was rewarded for his efforts by being named honorable-mention All-MIAC, while also being selected to the MIAC All-Rookie Team.

This season, Balko was at it again — only better.

The sophomore forward scored a career-best eight goals, while also leading the Cardinals in both assists (12) and points (20). Balko was the team-leader in conference play as well, appearing in all 16 MIAC contests, where he scored five goals and added nine assists for 14 points.

And when the MIAC handed out its post-season awards Tuesday, Balko one of the 20 players to be named First-Team All-MIAC.

Gustavus' Ross Ring-Jarvi was named MIAC Player of the Year, while St. Thomas' Jeff Boeser was tabbed MIAC Coach of the Year.

As part of the conference-wide sportsmanship initiative, the MIAC also announced the sixth annual All-MIAC Sportsmanship team for men's hockey, which included SMU's Brad Fusaro (Soldotna, Alaska).