BRIDGEWATER, N.J. — Niklas Thanhofer has been named NEC Defensive Player of the Year and additionally earned First Team All-Conference honors following a strong regular season, the conference announced Wednesday.
 
Thanhofer had an impressive campaign for the Sharks. He led the team with seven goals, a mark that ranked second overall in the NEC. What's more, he was a part of six shutouts for LIU, with the squad boasting a 2-0-4 record over that span. The senior also led LIU with two game-winning goals.
 
In addition to Thanhofer, five more Sharks have earned All-NEC honors. Londell Wheeler, Sam Keogan, and Francesco Chiappo were all named Second Team All-Conference. Wheeler ranked second on the team with three assists, and third overall with nine shots on goal. Keogan and Chiappo both appeared in all seventeen games for LIU, each playing 90 minutes in every game and leading the way to seven clean sheets. Both players also scored two goals apiece.
 
Separately, Andrew Marotta and Fadel Kone have been named to the NEC All-Rookie Team. Marotta was a three-time Rookie of the Week award recipient this season, leading LIU to four shutouts in goal. Kone made fifteen appearances for the Sharks, scoring his first goal of the season – a game-winner – in LIU's 2-0 victory over Howard on Oct. 26.
 
Fresh off this recognition, Thanhofer, Keogan, and the rest of the Sharks will take on number two-seeded Saint Francis in the first round of the NEC Tournament at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 13 on the road.