Denver freshman defenseman Zeev Buium was unanimously chosen as the NCHC Rookie of the Year and was also selected the NCHC Offensive Defenseman of the Year.

The projected NHL first-round draft pick was also a unanimous First-Team All-NCHC and NCHC All-Rookie Team honoree this year.

Buium led both NCHC freshmen and NCHC defensemen with 31 points in 24 conference games, a total that ranked second in the conference among all players. It also was the second highest point total for a blueliner in NCHC history behind only former Minnesota Duluth star Scott Perunovich (32 in 2019-20).

His 25 assists in conference play were first among NCHC defensemen and second among all players.

Overall this season, the San Diego native is tied for first nationally among blueliners with 44 points (nine goals, 35 assists) in 36 games. He also won a gold medal with the U.S. National Junior Team this winter at the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship.

Back home, Buum played for the SDIA Oilers and Los Angeles Jr. Kings.

Photo/Michael Ciaglo/Clarkson Creative Photography

(March 23, 2024)