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BOSTON – Junior forward McKenna Brand of the Northeastern women's hockey team was featured in USA Hockey's 'Kaz Watch' series, which profiles some of the candidates for the 2017 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award, given annually to the top player in Division I women's ice hockey. The article, written by Dan Scifo, explores Brand's 'inspired' season with a nod to her connections to a pair of past Kazmaier winners, as well as her roots growing up in the hockey-rich state of Minnesota. 

After scoring 18 goals in her first two seasons combined, Brand has exploded onto the scene in her third collegiate campaign with an NCAA-high 23 goals in 31 games. The Nevis, Minnesota native has contributed in the clutch all season long with five game-winning goals (tied for sixth in the nation) and three shorthanded goals (tied for second). 

"Coming into the season, I knew I would be relied upon to step up, the coaches have instilled a lot of confidence in me and I'm lucky enough to play on a line with Hayley Scamurra and Denisa Krizova, who are both talented and gifted players," Brand explains in the article. 

The 2017 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award will be presented during a brunch ceremony on Saturday, March 18 at 9:30 a.m CT in St. Charles, Missouri. The award ceremony is part of the festivities associated with the NCAA Women's Frozen Four, which will take place at Family Arena in St. Charles, Missouri.

Alumna Kendall Coyne won the prestigious award in 2016 after compiling 84 points in helping Northeastern to its first-ever NCAA tournament appearance.