Former Trail Smoke Eaters defenceman Danny DeKeyser of the Western Michigan University Broncos was named to the Central Collegiate Hockey Association's all-rookie team last week.
The Detroit native joined teammate Chase Balisy in the CCHA accolade for his stellar first season with the Broncos that saw him contribute lock-down defensive play while still managing to put up four goals and eight assists. The 6-foot-2, 171-pound rearguard was second on the team with a +10 rating.
He also led the team in blocked shots with 44.
“Danny quickly became one of our top (defencemen) this year and was regularly matched up against our opposition's best forwards,” said WMU head coach Jeff Blashill. “He played well in all situations and had a positive impact in virtually every game. He has attracted a great deal of NHL attention and has a bright future ahead of him.”
DeKeyser played the 2008-09 season with Trail and racked up eight goals and 17 assists in 58 games. He played the next season with the Sioux City Musketeers of the United States Hockey League before going to Western Michigan.
