CLIFTON PARK, N.Y. — ECAC Hockey has named Matt Verboon (Colgate) the 2023 ECAC Hockey Men’s Scholar-Athlete of the Year, an award annually presented to an ECAC Hockey male athlete who most embodies the qualities of excellence and leadership on the ice, in the classroom, and throughout their community.
A senior forward at Colgate, Verboon has been on the top of his game in every aspect of his life, from his tenacity on the ice to his hard work in the classroom and dedication to and passion for his community.
Verboon is currently in his fourth year pursuing his bachelor’s degree in physics with an economics minor, and has maintained a 3.69 grade point average. He has spent seven semesters on Colgate’s Dean’s List and is a three-time Raider Academic Honor Roll selection and ECAC Hockey All-Academic Team selection (2019-20, 2020-21, 2021-2022). Dr. Kenneth Segall, an associate professor of physics at Colgate, describes Verboon as “intelligent, thoughtful, and disciplined,” and commends the Colgate forward for his high achievement in the laboratory, where he has been a part of several research projects, and on the ice.
An active contributor to the culture of Colgate and to the community initiatives around Hamilton, Verboon recently participated in a 3-on-3 hockey tournament to fundraise for Colgate’s Interfraternity Council. Off campus, he has volunteered at a local food pantry and been a part of a welcoming committee for Hamilton Central Schools.
On the ice, Verboon has been outstanding for the Raiders. His 15 goals and 32 points both rank second on the team, and is known for being a reliable leader among and mentor for his peers. Verboon possesses a “team-first” attitude and has a strong work ethic, powered by a passion for and commitment to success that set him apart from so many in the college hockey landscape. He finished second on the team in scoring, with 20 points during league play, and had three power play tallies through 22 regular season contests.
Most recently, Verboon scored the game-winner and series-clincher in the Raiders’ sweep of St. Lawrence in the 2023 ECAC Hockey Men’s Tournament quarterfinals.
For daily updates on ECAC Hockey news, stories, awards, and more, be sure to follow @ecachockey on Twitter, ecachockey on Instagram, and like the ECAC Hockey Facebook page.