BOSTON--In its annual pre-Hockeyfest bash, the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference yesterday doled out its top individual awards to college hockey teams.

Yale's Tim Taylor captured the prestigious ECAC Coach of the Year Award, while Player of the honors went to St. Lawrence's senior defender Dan LaPerriere, and Rookie of the Year to Vermount goalie Christian Soucy.

In a short ceremony here, the ECAC also presented Harvard with a trophy commemorate its regular-sea-son championship.

The Coach of the Year award sparked the most discussion.

Yale, picked to finish ninth in the pre-season, finished fourth in the ECAC and spent time in the national rankings the year, soaring at one time as high as 12.

"I'm very honored to win this award," Taylor said. "TO be selected out of this difficult field is great."

"This difficult field" included Harvard Coach Ronn Tomassoni, who many felt should have won the award.

Taylor seemed to be a little surprised himself.

"It's a pleasure," Talor said after accepting the trophy, and then added under his breath, "I don't know.

Harvard Assistant Coach Jerry Pawloski was more vocal.

"With all due respect, Taylor did a great job, but it is surprise," Pawloski said. "It's a little disheartening, because Coach of the Year really reflects on the team."

Tomassoni declined to criticize the voting but instead praised Taylor's accomplishments.

"Tim had a heck of a year, "Tomassoni said. "He deserves the award."

He admitted to a level of disappointment, however.

"I feel badly for the kids," Tomassoni said. "I mean, we didn't [win the regular-season title] with mirrors."