March 19, 1998

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- It was announced on Thursday, March 19 at the annual HOCKEY EAST banquet that Providence College freshman goaltender Boyd Ballard of Weyburn, Saskatchewan was named to the HOCKEY EAST All-Rookie Team. Ballard became the first Providence player named to the league's All-Rookie Team since Craig Darby earned the honor in 1992.

Ballard was named to the All-Rookie Team after posting an 8-7-0 mark in HOCKEY EAST play, a 3.52 goals against average and a .894 save percentage. During the season, he was named HOCKEY EAST Rookie of the week three times and HOCKEY EAST Goaltender of the Month for November.

In overall action, Ballard was the team's top goaltender with a 12-12-1 record, one shutout, a 3.48 goals against average and a .891 save percentage.

Ballard is the son of Lyle and Marion Ballard. Last season, he played for the Weyburn Red Wings of the SJHL and earned SJHL All-Star honors after posting a 23-3-4 mark, a .908 save percentage and a 2.90 goals against average.