Date: Thursday, March 2, 2000

CARLETON, MAHONEY NAMED TO ECAC NORTHEAST FIRST TEAM

MEDFORD – Two of the six hockey players named to the 1999-2000 All-ECAC Northeast Division First Team were Tufts University Jumbos. Senior captain Drew Carleton (Shaker Heights, OH/University School) and junior defenseman Dan Mahoney (Tewksbury, MA/Tewksbury) were recognized for their outstanding play this season in a vote by the league's 14 head coaches.

For Carleton, it marked the third time he has been named to the league All-Star team. In 24 games overall for the Jumbos this year, he led the team with 28 goals (8 on the powerplay) and 41 points. He scored a league-leading six game-winning goals, including one of his three that led Tufts over Johnson & Wales, 7-4, for their first playoff victory in over a decade. Carleton was especially hot down the stretch, scoring goals in each of his final nine games (14 overall). In 13 ECAC Northeast games, the 6-2, 190-pounder posted 14 goals and six assists. In 74 career games with the Jumbos, Carleton averaged an impressive two points per game with 84 goals and 64 assists for 148 points.

"Drew had an outstanding career here and I hate to see him go," Murphy said. "He’s a big reason why we were a playoff team two straight years and he really finished at his best. He should be remembered as one of the greats to play at Tufts."

Mahoney was a Player of the Year candidate in the league with his fine play at both ends of the ice. Offensively he contributed five goals and 14 assists for 19 points in 24 games overall, including a goal and nine assists in 13 league games. He was also the leader of a defensive unit that allowed a 2.60 goals against average against division rivals, including two shutouts. He will be the top returnee to head coach Brian Murphy’s Tufts squad next season.

"I’m happy for Dan because the First Team selection shows me that his talent and his importance to our team is recognized throughout the league," Murphy said. "He’s as steady and strong as anyone."

Tufts advanced to the semi-finals of the ECAC Northeast Playoff Tournament, losing 4-3 in overtime at Fitchburg State. It was the farthest the team has gone in the post-season since 1988. The Jumbos finished 13-10-1 overall including a 9-3-1 mark in the league.

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