In a recent announcement by the Women’s Hockey Commissioners Association, it has been decided that the national rookie of the year award in women’s hockey will be renamed to honour the esteemed Harvard alumna and U.S. Olympic veteran, Julie Chu.
Julie Chu, a revered figure in the hockey community, has enjoyed a distinguished career spanning over two decades, with no indication of slowing down.
Chu’s journey to success commenced during her tenure at Harvard, where she made an immediate impact as a freshman, amassing an impressive 93 points with 42 goals and 51 assists. Over the course of her four years at Harvard, she set remarkable records, including 196 career assists and 284 points, both of which were NCAA records at the time of her graduation.
In recognition of her outstanding performance, she was bestowed with the prestigious Patty Kazmaier Award in 2007, a testament to her exceptional skill and dedication to the sport.
Steve Metcalf, president of the HCA and commissioner of Hockey East, expressed great enthusiasm for the decision to name the women’s national rookie of the year award after Julie Chu. Metcalf highlighted Chu’s exceptional productivity and her unwavering commitment to integrity and leadership throughout her remarkable career.
Chu’s impact extended beyond the collegiate level, as she also made a name for herself on the international stage. With four appearances in the Olympic Games and a remarkable achievement as the second U.S. hockey player to serve as flag bearer, Chu earned her place among the sport’s elite. Additionally, she secured gold medals at five IIHF World Championships, further solidifying her legacy as a formidable force in the world of hockey.
Following her professional playing career, Chu seamlessly transitioned into coaching, contributing to the success of teams such as Minnesota Duluth and Union, before ultimately assuming the role of head coach for the Concordia Stingers. Her leadership and coaching prowess were evident in the team’s outstanding performance, culminating in a league championship and an impressive overall record.
As the anticipation builds for this year’s Julie Chu Award, the finalists will be revealed on March 11, with the winner set to be announced during the NCAA Frozen Four in Durham, New Hampshire. The renaming of the national rookie of the year award serves as a fitting tribute to Julie Chu’s enduring legacy and her indelible contributions to the world of women’s hockey.