Sid Watson Award: Given to the AHCA Division II-III Men's Player of the Year (via AHCAhockey.com)

Fifteen players who have distinguished themselves on the ice in 2023-24 have been named finalists for the 2024 Sid Watson Award, given annually to the best NCAA Division II-III men's ice hockey player in the country. Nine of the finalists are from the United States, four are from Canada, and one each hail from Slovakia and Ukraine. Six are seniors, five are juniors, and four are sophomores. Eight are forwards, five are goaltenders and two are defensemen.

Sponsored by the American Hockey Coaches Association, the Sid Watson Award honors the memory of former Bowdoin College head coach and athletic director Sid Watson. A three-time AHCA Coach of the Year, Watson served Bowdoin for more than 30 years, winning 326 games in 24 seasons as head coach.

Outen earned a finalist spot after being named UCHC Goaltender and MAC Defensive Player of the Year, First Team bids in both conferences, and a UCHC All-Tournament Team nod. He finished the season with 19 wins, 782 saves, a 1.82 goals against average, and a .943 save percentage. His 19 wins set a new single-season program record.

The recipient of this year's Sid Watson Award will be announced on Wednesday, March 20 in Hartford, CT.