Perhaps Mr. Parise's abrupt decision to leave UND the Monday after the loss to DU weighed in on the decision just a wee bit. I'm no expert, but this is a college hockey award. Why would they award it to someone who is no longer enrolled in college and is on an NHL roster? Whether or not that's supposed to weigh in on the decision and whether it actually does are two different things.
I thought Parise was a good player, maybe a little too afraid of taking a hit, but still good. Lessard is a good all around player, and he should be congratulated.
Hope Parise enjoys his year off in 2004-05.