University of North Dakota junior defenseman Jake Livanavage was named to the CCM/AHCA All-America West First Team on Apr. 10 at a ceremony held at Park MGM in Las Vegas.
Livanavage’s recognition marks him as the sixth defenseman in the program’s history to earn multiple All-America selections, and only the second North Dakota blueliner this century with more than one such honor, joining Chay Genoway who achieved it in 2008-09 and 2010-11.
During the recent season, Livanavage recorded five goals and 20 assists for a total of 25 points across 39 games. He ranked third among team defensemen with a plus-15 rating and was second on the squad with 51 blocked shots. Additionally, he became the first player in program history to be named a finalist for both NCHC Defensive and Offensive Defenseman of the Year awards, while also ranking second among all NCHC blueliners by averaging over 25 minutes of ice time per game.
The university reports that North Dakota has produced at least one All-America selection each year for three consecutive years. Other two-time All-America selections by UND defensemen include Curtis Murphy (1996-97, 1997-98), John Marks (1968-69, 1969-70), Don Ross (1962-63, 1964-65), and Bill Steenson (1956-57 through 1958-59).
Earlier on Friday, Livanavage signed a two-year entry-level contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins and is expected to make his National Hockey League debut this weekend.
