University of Maine men’s ice hockey defenseman Brandon Holt has been named an AHCA/CCM First Team All-American, according to an April 10 announcement by the American Hockey Coaches Association.
The recognition marks a significant achievement for Holt and the University of Maine program. It highlights his contributions both on and off the ice during his senior season.
Holt’s senior year included several honors, such as being named Hockey East Best Defensive Defenseman and earning a spot as a First Team All-Star. He also received the Len Ceglarski Sportsmanship Award, which is given annually to the Hockey East player who demonstrates outstanding conduct and sportsmanship. In addition, he was recognized as a Walter Brown Award semifinalist.
As team captain, Holt led Maine in scoring with career highs in goals (6), assists (26), points (32), and blocked shots (47). His 32 points were the most by a Maine defenseman since Ben Hutton recorded 33 in the 2011-12 season. Nationally, he finished tied for first among defenders in assists and tied for fourth in points.
During his time at Maine, Holt accumulated 78 points over 126 games. He became the only Hockey East defenseman in two decades to record at least 75 career points while keeping penalty minutes at or below forty. Last week, he signed a one-year contract with the Tucson Roadrunners of the American Hockey League, which is affiliated with the NHL’s Utah Mammoth.
This award represents UMaine’s 45th All-America selection in men’s ice hockey history. Holt is also noted as being the first Black Bear defenseman to receive All-America honors since Ben Hutton in 2014 and is the first blue liner from UMaine to earn First Team accolades since David Cullen did so in 1999.
