PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Providence College senior left wing Mike Omicioli of West Warwick, R.I. has been named a co-recipient of the prestigious Walter Brown Award, given annually to New England's outstanding American-born college hockey player. Omicioli will share the honor with Boston College junior defenseman Mike Mottau of Avon, Mass. It marks only the second time in the 47-year history of the award that co-recipients have been named.

Omicioli, who earned Second Team HOCKEY EAST All-Star honors in 1999, finished his career at Providence in 17th place all-time in scoring with 138 points (49 goals, 89 assists). He also ranks 13th all-time in assists at PC with 89. Omicioli finished the 1998-99 season tied for the team lead in goals (19) and third in points (50). He recorded 35 multiple-point games in his career and 16 multiple-point games this season. He also posted 16 three-point games as well as seven two-goal games during his four seasons at Providence. In his career, he registered two or more assists in a game 20 times and three or more assists in a game eight times.

In his freshman season at Providence, Omicioli led all PC rookies in scoring with 19 points. He helped the team capture the HOCKEY EAST title in 1996 and earned HOCKEY EAST All-Tournament honors after registering seven points in four games.

Omicioli, who will receive his Walter Brown Award at the New England Hockey Writers' Dinner in Saugus, Mass. on April 14, became the fourth Friar to win the award. Omicioli joins Friar greats Ron Wilson (1975), Tim Army (1985) and Rob Gaudreau (1992) as recipients of this distinguished honor.

Omicioli, who attended LaSalle Academy and graduated from the Gunnery Prep School, is the son of Andrew and Kathleen Omicioli. His younger brother, Drew, is a freshman forward on the Friar hockey team.

The Walter Brown Award, named in honor of America's greatest sportsman, is given annually by the Gridiron Club of Greater Boston. Criteria for selection include leadership, character, sportsmanship and ability. -end-