Van Holland (left) and Penttinen (right) received their awards on June 18. Photo courtesy of Chanhassen Lacrosse
Carter Van Holland and Grant Penttinen led Chanhassen to a 14-2 overall record in their senior campaigns, and despite not making it to the state championship, the duo took home the state's top individual awards. Van Holland was named Mr. Lacrosse, while Penttinen won the Jake Anderson Mr. Goalie award.
The Minnesota All Sports Alliance (MASA) announced the awards at a banquet on June 18. The Mr. Lacrosse award is given to the "most outstanding senior lacrosse player in Minnesota," while the Jake Anderson Mr. Goaltender award is given to the best senior goaltender in the state. The voting panel for the awards includes high school and college coaches, and select members the state's lacrosse community, according to the MASA website.
Van Holland tied for seventh in the state with 34 assists on the season while also recording 48 goals. His 82 points was sixth most across the state. Van Holland recorded at least two points in every game this season and averaged just over five points per game. He scored a season-high six goals in a 13-6 win against Maple Grove on May 5, before recording a season-high 10 points on May 23 in an 15-9 win against Orono.
Van Holland was one of seven student-athletes who were named finalists for the Mr. Lacrosse award. The others were Nate Albrecht (Robbinsdale Armstrong), Matt Hudson (St. Thomas Academy), Layne Kology (Buffalo), Ben Mickett (Prior Lake), Linus Toward (Shakopee), and Austin Winship (Lakeville North).
Penttinen was a big reason behind the Storm’s success as he backed all 14 of the team’s wins — tied for fifth most in the state. He faced 237 shots through 16 games, making 150 saves for a .633 save percentage.
Penttinen was one of two finalists for the Mr. Goaltender award alongside Xavier Wells of Robbinsdale Armstrong.