Five Johnson State Players Earn All-League Recognition

ALL-NORTH ATLANTIC CONFERENCE FIRST TEAM

Jr. Mike Murphy (Woodstock, Vt./Woodstock) - Defense/Long Stick Midfielder

 

Mike Murphy developed into one of the top defensemen in the North Atlantic Conference in the 2009 season.  Using tremendous stick skills, speed, and physicality, Murphy helped lead a Johnson State defense that allowed only nine goals per game this season, second lowest in the NAC.  Murphy scooped 45 groundballs and recorded a goal and two assists on the year.

 

Jr. Billy Noyes (Boston, Mass./Northeast Regional) - Attack

 

This marks the second consecutive season Billy Noyes has been named to the NAC First Team.  Noyes led Johnson State in scoring in 2009 tallying 30 goals and 24 assists for 54 total points and is currently the Badgers all-time leading scorer with 128 career points in three seasons.  Noyes also scooped 48 groundballs on the year and was named NAC Player of the Week twice this season.

 

ALL-NORTH ATLANTIC CONFERENCE SECOND TEAM

Sr. R.J. Fleming (Brattleboro, Vt./Brattleboro) - Defense

 

A 2008 NAC First Teamer, Fleming has been the pillar of the JSC defense for the last four years.  A two-year captain, Fleming recorded 42 groundballs this season while typically marking the opponents best offense player.  Possessing truly surgeon-like stick skills, Fleming's shoes will be big ones to fill as he will graduate in May and attend Clarkson University in pursuit of his Master's Degree.

 

Jr. Steve Noyes (Barre, Vt./Spaulding) - Midfield

 

The midfield workhorse for Johnson State, Steve Noyes was one of the most physically gifted players in the all the NAC this season.  Noyes scored 18 goals and assisted on seven others while picking up a team-high 82 groundballs.  Known for his ability to take the ball coast-to-coast, absorb contact and make players, Noyes was one of the best overall athletes in the league.

 

ALL-NORTH ATLANTIC CONFERENCE HONORABLE MENTION

Jr. Branden Sawyer (East Greenwich, R.I./Greenwich) - Goalkeeper

 

Sawyer, formerly a solid contributer in the JSC midfield, made the move to the goal this offseason due to repeated injuries to his shoulders.  Sawyer turned a position of uncertainty for JSC into one of its biggest strengths by putting together an impressive rookie season in goal for the Badgers.  Sawyer played in all 12 games earning a 6-5 record with an 8.89 goals against average, and a .584 save percentage.