Photo by Bill Croney, The Northfield News Nakita Kashirsky's shot is a split second from becoming the game winning goal in the game against Bowdoin at Kreitzberg. The third period score lifted the Ice cadets to a 2-1 win over the Polar bears and gave Norwich the ECAS-East championship. After winning its 11th straight ECAC East regular season championship, four Norwich University men's ice hockey players were honored by the conference with allleague accolades, it was announced on Thursday.

Senior forward Nikita Kashirsky, who topped the Cadets in goals (17), assists (17) and points (34), led the NU contingent as the Moscow, Russia, native was selected as the ECAC East "Player of the Year". Kashirsky, who also led the team with eight power play goals, was one of two Cadets to be named to the All-ECAC East first team for the second consecutive season.

Joining Kashirsky on the first unit is junior defenseman Eric Tallent. He led all Norwich defensemen in goals (five), assists (13) and points (18). A solid defenseman throughout the year, he was particularly effective on the Cadets' power play.

Norwich junior goaltender Ryan Klingensmith earned ECAC East honors for the first time in his career as he was tabbed to the league's second team. The former walk-on goalie had a spectacular season, posting career-bests in wins (12), save percentage (.917) and goals-against average (1.99). Freshman forward Emmond Bell rounded out the quartet of Cadets to earn ECAC East honors as the first-year forward from Nepean, Ont., was selected to the conference's all-rookie team. Bell, who improved throughout the course of the season, led all Norwich freshmen in goals (nine), assists (seven) and points (16).

Additionally, Norwich head coach Mike McShane was named the ECAC East co- "Coach of the Year" after leading the Cadets to the regular season title with an 11-5-3 league mark. McShane, who has led Norwich to 11 straight regular season conference crowns, became the program's all-time wins leader this season. McShane surpassed Bob Priestly as the winningest coach in NU history midway through this season, and he currently owns 293 career wins at the school.