KALAMAZOO, Mich. - Mark Letestu became the fifth Bronco to be named the CCHA Rookie of the Year and the first since Pat Dwyer in 2002.  Letestu led the team in goals, assists and points and was the nation's top freshman scorer.  He joined three other Broncos as finalists for the end of the year awards.  The conference announced the winners at a banquet held Thursday night.

Letestu, a 22-year-old forward from Elk Point, Alta., led the CCHA in rookie scoring and tied for fifth among all skaters with 34 points in 28 conference games, including a tie for second place in goals with 18. Letestu also finished with five shorthanded markers, which led the nation.

Head coach Jim Culhane was a finalist for CCHA Coach of the Year Award after leading his Broncos to a first-round home series in the CCHA Tournament and five wins over nationally ranked opponents this season.  Western Michigan finished the regular season receiving votes in the USCHO/CSTV poll.

Sophomore Jeff LoVecchio was a finalist for the Defensive Forward Award.  LoVecchio finished the season with 35 points (19-16) and ranked third on the team in plus/minus at +10 and second with four short-handed goals.  The Chesterfield, Mo., native ranked 28th in the nation in goals per game and tied for second in the country in short-handed goals.

Ryan Mahrle, a finalist for the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award, is also a finalist for the CCHA Scholar Athlete of the Year Award.  Mahrle, a finance majore, currently carries a 3.68 GPA. He has made the Dean's list six times over his Bronco career and been a member of the Bronco Honor Roll seven times.

Western Michigan will hold its annual end of the season banquet on April 14 when the team awards will be delivered by Coach Culhane and his staff.