Former women's hockey standout Kelly Dyer Hayes was presented with the 2010 Joe Burke Award on Thursday, as announced by the American Hockey Coaches Association (AHCA). The prestigious honor is awarded annually to the person who has given outstanding contribution, support and dedication to women's hockey.

Named in honor of Joe Burke, a women's hockey "superfan," Dyer Hayes becomes the 15th recipient of the award since it was established in 1994. Despite a fantastic career as a player, Dyer Hayes' biggest contribution to women's hockey came from her post-playing days when the sport of girl's hockey began to gain steam at the national level. Several organizations, including the AHCA and USA Hockey, called upon Dyer Hayes to serve on organizational committees, according to AHCA Executive Director Joe Bertagna. The "go-to" person when many fledgling programs were in their genesis, Dyer Hayes served the girls' and women's hockey community with a rare combination of personality and commitment.

"She continues to stay involved with hockey by making sure that women's collegiate programs get what they need to be successful," former Husky player and coach Laura Schuler said of Dyer Hayes. "Kelly is a true ambassador to our sport and knowing Joe Burke very well, I know that he too would agree with me."

Kelly Dyer lettered for the Huskies between 1986-89 and posted a career 2.08 GAA, good for the fourth-best mark in program history. In addition, Dyer's career .922 save percentage ranks third in the NU record books, while her 48 career wins place her third all-time behind Erika Silva (61) and Shannon Meyers (57). Dyer tallied 10 career shutouts during her tenure at Northeastern, including five during the 1988-89 season. Dyer helped the Huskies to four Beanpot championships (1986-89) and back-to-back ECAC titles in 1988-89.

Joining Tina Cardinale and Jeanine Sobek, Dyer was one of the first three Huskies to be selected for the U.S. National Team in 1990. Dyer also featured for Team USA in 1992, '94 and '95.

Dyer Hayes, now a sales rep with Warrior Hockey, currently resides in Marblehead, Mass. with her husband, Chris, and daughter, Elizabeth.