Fitchburg State’s Niles Earns Joe Concannon Award Finalist Honors Following Standout Rookie Campaign

BOSTON, Mass. – March 26, 2026 – First-year forward Devin Niles (Hatfield, Mass.) of the Fitchburg State University men's ice hockey team has been recognized as one of the top players in New England, earning finalist honors for the prestigious Joe Concannon Award, as announced by the Gridiron Club of New England.

The Joe Concannon Award, established in 2001, is presented annually to the best American-born Division II/III college hockey player in New England. This year's award was ultimately claimed by Jonathan Surrette of Assumption University, but Niles' inclusion among the region's elite underscores the remarkable impact of his debut season.

Niles delivered a dynamic first campaign for the Falcons, appearing in 26 games while tallying 17 goals and 22 assists for 39 points. The Hatfield native also posted an impressive +32 rating, emerging as one of the most productive and reliable two-way forwards in the conference. His efforts played a key role in Fitchburg State's success throughout the season and quickly established him as one of the top young talents in Division III hockey.

For his outstanding performance, Niles was named the MASCAC Rookie of the Year and earned Second Team All-Conference honors, becoming one of the few first-year players in the league to receive such recognition.

Niles was one of six finalists for the Silver Anniversary of the award, joining a distinguished group of student-athletes from across New England institutions including Babson College, Endicott College, Salve Regina University, Tufts University and the University of New England.

Among that group, Niles stood out as one of the top first-year players in all of Division III, showcasing a rare combination of scoring ability, vision, and consistency. His +32 rating ranked among the best in the region, highlighting his effectiveness on both ends of the ice.

While the award ultimately went to Johnathan Surrette of Division II Assumption following a historic 65-point season, Niles' recognition as a finalist marks a significant milestone for the Fitchburg State program and signals a bright future ahead for the Falcons.

With a breakout rookie season now behind him, Niles is poised to remain a cornerstone of Fitchburg State hockey and a strong contender for future conference and regional honors in the years to come.