Aurora University Athletics

Aurora University junior forward Hassan Akl is among thirteen players who have distinguished themselves on the ice in the 2024-2025 season and have been named finalists for the 2025 Sid Watson Award, given annually to the best NCAA Division II-III men's ice hockey player in the country. 

Akl is in the midst of a historic season for the AU Spartan men's hockey program as he leads the country in points and assists heading into the NCAA Division III Tournament quarterfinal weekend. His 51 points and 38 assists are tops among all players while he also adds 13 goals to his resume for the 24-4-1 Spartans.

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 during this year's NCAA Division III Ice Hockey Frozen Four later in the month.

Next scheduled action for the Spartan men's hockey team comes on Saturday, March 22 when they host the Quarterfinal round of the 2024-2025 NCAA Division III Men's Hockey Championship Tournament. AU will host SUNY Geneseo with puck drop slated for 7:00 p.m. at the Fox Valley Ice Arena in Geneva, Illinois.