Brianna Decker Named Top-10 Finalist for 2013 Patty Kazmaier Award

The USA Hockey Foundation today announced the 10 finalists for the 2013 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award. For the second season in a row, Wisconsin forward Brianna Decker has made the cut.

An award from The USA Hockey Foundation, the Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award is annually presented to the top player in NCAA Division I women's ice hockey.

Decker won the 2012 Patty Kaz after leading the nation with 37 goals, joining former Badgers Meghan Duggan, Jessie Vetter and Sara Bauer in the exclusive club.

The Dousman, Wis., native currently leads the Badgers in goals (27), assists (23) and points (50). For her career, Decker has amassed over 200 points at Wisconsin and has done so in just 112 games, becoming the fastest Badger to reach the milestone.

In the NCAA Division I women’s hockey record book, Decker currently ranks eighth for career points (239), seventh in career goals (109) and 16th in assists (124).

This marks the third consecutive year in which a Badger has been named a top-10 finalist -- Brianna Decker and Hilary Knight in 2012, and Meghan Duggan and Hilary Knight in 2011.

Wisconsin's all-time top-10 finalists include Sara Bauer (2006, 2007), Decker (2012, 2013), Duggan (2011), Molly Engstrom (2005), Meghan Hunter (2001), Knight (2009, 2011, 2012), Erika Lawler (2009), Carla MacLeod (2005), Meaghan Mikkelson (2007), Bobbi-Jo Slusar (2006) and Jessie Vetter (2009).

Selection criteria include outstanding individual and team skills, sportsmanship, performance in the clutch, personal character, competitiveness and a love of hockey. Consideration is also given to academic achievement and civic involvement.

A 13-member selection committee will choose the three finalists, which will be announced March 7. The committee will also select this year's recipient, with the announcement taking place live at a brunch ceremony in Minneapolis on March 23.

2013 Patty Kazmaier Top-10 Finalists