Northern Collegiate Hockey Association

2008-09 HEADLINES


St. Scholastica to Join Women's Division in 2010-11
Saint Paul, Minn. (April 23, 2009) – The Chief Executive Officers of the Northern Collegiate Hockey Association member institutions have reviewed the College of St. Scholastica’s application for admission to the Women’s Division and have voted unanimously to admit the Duluth, Minnesota school.  The Saints will begin conference play in the 2010-11 season.

St. Scholastica’s women’s program will be part of the fourth expansion year in NCHA Women’s history.  It is the fourth program granted admission to the league since last December; the addition of the Saints will make an eleven-team Women’s Division for the 2010-11 season.
               
Marian University (Fond du Lac, Wis.), Adrian College (Adrian, Mich.) and St. Norbert College (De Pere, Wis.) were all granted admission to the Women’s Division since last December.  Marian and Adrian will begin play this fall while St. Norbert will join in 2010-11 with St. Scholastica.
               
“We are most happy to welcome the College of St. Scholastica to our Women’s Division as we continue the growth of women’s hockey in our conference,” said NCHA Commissioner Bill Kronschnabel.
               
The NCHA has automatic qualification status for the NCAA Division III tournament, which UW-River Falls earned by winning the O’Brien Cup playoffs this past season.
               
Previous expansions included Finlandia in 2003 and Concordia-Wisconsin in 2007.  The original members of the Women’s Division, opening play in 2000, were Lake Forest, UW-Eau Claire, UW-River Falls, UW-Stevens Point and UW-Superior.
               
St. Scholastica will practice and play home games at Mars Lakeview Arena in Duluth, which is also used by the Men’s program.  The Men’s program has been in the NCHA consecutively since 1994, with previous membership from 1983 to 1991.
Full press release




UW-River Falls Finishes Fourth at Frozen Four
Saint Paul, Minn. (March 21, 2009) – UW-River Falls lost twice last weekend at the 2009 NCAA Frozen Four in Middlebury, Vermont, finishing fourth overall and wrapping up an outstanding 20-7-3 season.
           
On Friday the Falcons fell 3-0 at the hands of Elmira (N.Y.).  The Soaring Eagles scored once in each period while UW-River Falls was blanked on each of nine tries on the power play.  Falcon goalie Cassi Campbell (Anchorage, AK) finished the game with 22 saves, including 12 in the second period.  It was the first game all year UWRF had been shutout.
               
On Saturday the Falcons got back to their lamp-lighting ways in the third-place game as Abby Sunderman (LeSueur, Minn.) opened the scoring against Middlebury at 10:33 of the first on a power play.  Heather Horgan (Grand Rapids, Minn.) gave UWRF a 2-1 lead after two as she scored at 8:01, but the Panthers scored the equalizer at 6:03 of the third.  The 2-2 score lasted through regulation time, only until Middlebury buried the game winner at 4:48 of overtime.




UW-Stout Bounced in OT by Gustavus at Frozen Four
Saint Paul, Minn. (March 20, 2009) – UW-Stout came up short of a trip to the NCAA Division III championship game last Friday, falling 3-2 to Gustavus Adolphus in the Frozen Four semifinals.  Patrick Dynan scored for the Gusties at 6:31 of overtime.
               
Blue Devil goalie Matt Koenig made 35 saves, including 14 in the third period, before surrendering the season-ending tally.  It was Koenig’s 15th game this season the senior made 30 or more saves.
               
UW-Stout evened the game at 1-1 when Joel Gaulrapp scored midway through the second period on the power play. Gustavus would answer and take a 2-1 lead into the final period.
               
With the clock taking up much of the Blue Devils attention, Scott Motz saved the day by scoring at 14:24 and giving STOUT the momentum.  The assists went to Nick Klaren and Derek Hanson.
               
But Gustavus scored on its third shot on goal in the overtime session.  UW-Stout recorded four shots in the extra frame.
               
The game featured 15 power plays between the teams, with Gustavus going 2-for-8 and UW-Stout 1-for-7.  The teams combined for 18 penalty minutes in the first period.




UW-River Falls Knocks Out #1 Gustavus in NCAA Quarterfinals
Saint Paul, Minn. (March 19, 2009) – Cassi Campbell made 35 saves and Kayleigh Bell scored the game-winner midway through the third period, springing UW-River Falls past #1 Gustavus Adolphus in the quarterfinals of the NCAA Division III Women’s Tournament.  The Falcons advance to play Elmira in the NCAA semifinals.
               
Campbell was busy all day for the Falcons, especially in the first period.  The sophomore goalie stopped all 18 shots on goal in the first, 10 of 11 in the second and 7 of 7 in the third.
               
Stefanie Schmitz opened the scoring just 20 seconds into the second period.  The assists went to Jessica Thompson and Bell.
               
But Gustavus answered back at 12:58 of the period on a goal by Lynn Hillen.  The teams took a 1-1 tie into the dressing rooms.
               
Bell got the job done in the third, striking unassisted on the power play at 11:30. 
               
Gustavus finished the game with 36 shots on goal, while UW-River Falls had 20.  The Gusties were 0-for-4 on the power play; The Falcons were 1-for-5.

UWRF will play in the Frozen Four for the second time in team history, having taken 4th place in their last appearance in 2003.
Full Release
               



UW-Stout Advances to Men's Frozen Four
UW-Superior, St. Scholastica Lose
Saint Paul, Minn. (March 19, 2009) – Jack Wolgemuth’s goal with just 37 seconds remaining in regulation last Saturday gave UW-Stout a 2-1 victory over visiting St. Scholastica, sending the Blue Devils to the NCAA Frozen Four in Lake Placid, N.Y.  In the other quarterfinal, also held in the West, UW-Superior was shutout for the first time all season as the Yelowjackets fell 2-0 to Gustavus.
               
UW-Stout will play Gustavus in the NCAA Semifinals at 4:00 PM EDT on Friday, March 20.  The teams met back on November 7 in Menomonie in a wild 6-5 Gustavus victory.  UW-Stout led 3-1 in the second period, but the Gusties roared back, eventually coughing up their lead in the third.  David Martinson scored the game-winner for Gustavus at 10:06, making it 6-5.

NCAA Quarterfinals
St. Scholastica 1 vs. UW-Stout 2, at Menomonie, Wis.
Another big game, another big performance by UW-Stout goalie Matt Koenig.  The senor turned away 33 of 34 shots and the Blue Devils gained a 2-1 victory over St. Scholastica.  Andy Sternberg opened the scoring at 11:32 of the first on the power play for the Blue Devils.  Matt Stengl evened things up in the second with an even strength goal for the Saints, setting up a showdown in the third.  That’s when Jack Wolgemuth buried the game-winner with just 37 seconds remaining. 

Gustavus 2 vs. UW-Superior 0, at Superior, Wis.
Gustavus goalie Matthew Lopes became the only net-minder this year to shutout UW-Superior as he led the Gusties to a 2-0 victory in Superior, Wis.  Ross Ring-Jarvi broke a scoreless tie late in the second period and David Martinson scored an empty net goal in the final seconds.  Yellowjacket goalie Chad Beiswenger stopped 24 of 25 shots on goal.
Full Release




UW-Stout wins first-ever Peters Cup Title
UW-Superior, St. Scholastica also awarded bids to NCAA Tournament
Saint Paul, Minn. (March 11, 2009) – They were on the road, in a packed Wessman Arena, playing a team that hadn’t lost at home all season long.  And somehow UW-Stout scored four unanswered goals and then hung on for a 4-3 Peters Cup Championship victory last Saturday night over UW-Superior.
               
The NCHA playoff title is the first in school history for the Blue Devils, who earned the conference’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.  With that bid UW-Stout will play familiar foe St. Scholastica, which received an at-large bid, on Saturday, March 14 in Menomonie.  UW-Superior, the NCHA regular season champion, also received an at-large bid and will host Gustavus Adolphus on Saturday.
               
At the end of a tight first period, UW-Stout’s Bobby Kuehl scored a crucial goal that may have been the difference in the game.  Kuehl beat Yellowjacket goaltender Chad Beiswenger just before time expired, with 0:00 on the clock as the team celebrated a 2-1 lead.
               
In the second Derek Hanson made it 3-1 at 5:35 and then David Larson scored during a delayed penalty at 11:13, firing the puck between Beiswenger’s legs.
               
UW-Superior poured shots on the UW-Stout goal in the third, but Matt Koenig turned away enough of them to hold on for the win.  Koenig, who was solid all night long, made 14 saves in the final period and finished with 34 saves on 37 shots.
               
The Yellowjackets got goals from Chris Wilson and Logan Isley in the third, cutting their deficit to 4-3.  But despite great scoring chances in the final minutes, they couldn’t get the equalizer.     
Full Release




Marian Hires Cowan as First Head Coach
Saint Paul, Minn. (March 10, 2009) – Marian University, which was admitted to the Northern Collegiate Hockey Association women’s division last December, has announced the hiring of Mike Cowan as the first head coach of the Sabres. 
           
Cowan comes to Marian after eight years coaching Wisconsin girls’ hockey power Fond du Lac / Waupun, where he lead the team to state titles in 2004 and 2006.  He compiled a career record of 136-41-6 at the school.  His previous head coaching stops include the Lawrence University men’s program from 1991-95, St. Mary’s Springs High School boys and Waupun High School boys.  He was also an assistant at Blaine High School in Minnesota.
               
“I’m very excited to be the first head coach of the women’s hockey program,” Cowan said.  “Marian has a first-rate academic program and I believe this will help attract prospective student-athletes.”
               
Cowan’s playing career was highlighted by his time at the University of Wisconsin where he was coached by the legendary Bob Johnson.  A decorated player and coach, Cowan is a member of the University of Wisconsin Hockey Hall of Fame as well as the Wisconsin State Hockey Hall of Fame.
               
“The most important part of building a new program is identifying the leader of that program,” said Marin Athletic Director Doug Hammonds. “It is an honor to have a person like Mike Cowan, with all his experience, connections in the sport of hockey and proven success, to establish our foundation in the sport of women’s hockey.”
               
The Sabres will start practicing in just eight months and will open NCHA play in November.
Full Release




UW-River Falls Wins O'Brien Cup, Headed to NCAA Tournament
Saint Paul, Minn. (March 3, 2009) – In yet another up and down, dramatic NCHA O’Brien Cup tournament championship game, UW-River Falls edged UW-Stevens Point 5-3 to earn the conference’s first-ever automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.  The Falcons will learn their tournament seed and opponent on Monday, March 9th when the NCAA Committee announces the full tournament field.  That’s also when any other NCHA teams will find out if they’ve been selected for an at-large (Pool C) bid to the tournament.

Friday, February 27
#6 Concordia-Wisconsin vs. #3 UW-Stevens Point
Nicole Grossmann scored twice and goaltender d’Andra Phillips made 23 saves as UW-Stevens Point knocked out Concordia-Wisconsin 4-1.

#5 Lake Forest vs. #4 UW-Eau Claire
Alyssa Wintermute stopped all 28 shots UW-Eau Claire could muster and Kim Herring had two goals among three points as Lake Forest won 4-0.

Saturday, February 28
#5 Lake Forest vs. #1 UW-River Falls
Six different Falcons scored goals and four players had multi-point games as UW-River Falls downed Lake Forest 6-2 at home.

#3 UW-Stevens Point vs. #2 UW-Superior
Up 4-0 in the second period, UW-Stevens Point held off a fierce UW-Superior comeback to win 4-3.  Dana Carothers scored twice for the Pointers and Lindsey LeGree did the same for the Yellowjackets.

Sunday, March 1
#5 Lake Forest vs. #2 UW-Superior
Down 1-0 after one, UW-Superior scored four unanswered goals to beat Lake Forest and win the O’Brien Cup 3rd place title.  Rikki Nespor made 21saves for the Yellowjackets.

#3 UW-Stevens Point vs. #1 UW-River Falls
UW-Stevens Point led 1-0 past the half-way point of the game, but UW-River Falls grabbed the lead late in the second period and never trailed again, winning 5-3 with an empty-netter.  The Pointers made it 3-2 on a Michelle Sosnowski goal at 9:49 of the third, but Jessica Thompson scored the eventual game-winner just 27 seconds later.  Cassi Campbell made 29 saves for the Falcons.
Full O'Brien Cup Release




UW-Stout, UW-Superior to meet in Peters Cup Championship
Saint Paul, Minn. (March 3, 2009)  – In one of the strongest years ever for the NCHA, where the coaches would hardly consider any loss an upset, the top two seeded teams – UW-Stout and UW-Superior – emerged from the semifinals and will play Saturday night in Superior for the Peters Cup championship and a trip to the NCAA tournament.

#4 St. Norbert 0 at #1 UW-Superior 3
Braden Desmet scored twice in the first period and goalie Chad Beiswenger turned away all 32 shots he saw as UW
Superior defeated St. Norbert 3-0.  It was Beiswenger’s 5th shutout of the year and 14th of his career, tops in UWS history.

#3 St. Scholastica 2 at #2 UW-Stout 3
Down 2-1 early in the third period, UW-Stout came from behind to knock off St. Scholastica 3-2 in Menomonie.  Nick
Klaren scored the game-winning goal at 13:21 on the power play and Matt Koenig made nine saves in the third to lead the Blue Devils to victory and a trip to the NCHA Peters Cup championship game. 
Full Men's Release





UW-River Falls' Hansberry, UW-Superior's Nespor named 2009 Scholar-Athletes
Saint Paul, Minn. (February 26, 2009) - Derke Hansberry of UW-River Falls ad Rikki Nespor of UW-Superior have been named the 2009 Men's and Women's Scholar-Athlete Award winners, respectively. Hansberry, a senior forward from Arvada, Colorado, has a 3.89 grade point average in a business and finance major; Nespor, a senior goaltender from Stonewall, Manitoba, has a 3.63 grade point average in an education major. Both were named to their respective 2009 All-NCHA teams for the fourth straight year.
Full Hansberry release
Full Nespor release
2009 Men's All-Academic team
2009 Women's All-Academic team




Grossmann named Player of the Year, Women's All-NCHA team announced
Saint Paul, Minn. (February 26, 2009)  – UW-Stevens Point senior forward Nicole Grossmann (Lindstrom, Minn. / Chisago Lakes), having been named to the All-NCHA team her previous three seasons, added a fourth All-NCHA selection today, plus something she hadn’t yet won: Women’s Player of the Year. 
           
The coaches voted Grossmann the league’s top player for many reasons, including her 16 goals and 28 points on the season.  Her 16 goals ranked second in the NCHA while her 28 points were good for a co-conference scoring title with All NCHA teammate Jessica Thompson (Shoreview, Minn. / Mounds View) of UW-River Falls.  Grossmann buried four power play goals this season and recorded one hat trick on November 25th against visiting Augsburg.
           
Grossmann is from Lindstrom, Minnesota, about 35 miles north of St. Paul.  She played previously at Chisago Lakes High School in the Minnesota State High School League, lettering six times and qualifying for the state tournament in 2004.
           
The coaches also voted for Coach of the Year, selecting UW-River Falls’ Joe Cranston (left) as the 2009 winner.  Cranston led the Falcons to the NCHA regular season title with a 17-5-3 overall record and a #7 national ranking through February 24th. This is the second Coach of the Year award for Cranston, whom previously won the award in 2007.
           
Other highlights from the 2009 All-NCHA team include a fourth selection for UW-Superior goalie Rikki Nespor.  She posted a 1.69 goals against average in 780 minutes this year.  Dana Carothers of UW-Stevens Point was voted to her second All NCHA team in as many years.  Carothers lit the lamp 16 times, including seven times on the power play.  Jodi Holland of UW-Superior earned her first selection thanks in part to leading the NCHA in goals with 19, and Concordia-Wisconsin defenseman Bradi Jonasson became the first ever Falcon to be voted onto the team.  Jonasson and UW-River Falls defenseman Amanda Ryder were the only freshmen selected.

2009 Player of the Year: Nicole Grossmann, UW-Stevens Point
2009 Coach of the Year: Joe Cranston, UW-River Falls
Full Women's All-NCHA release - Click here

2009 Women's All-NCHA team

08 All-NCHA year
* 2007 Honorable Mention
# 2008 Honorable Mention




UW-Stevens Point's Phillips wins final player of the week award
Saint Paul, Minn. (February 24, 2009) – Junior goalie d’Andra Phillips (Swartz Creek, MI / Swartz Creek) of UW-Stevens Point has been named player of the week, the NCHA office announced today, for her strong play for the Pointers last week. Phillips made 92 saves on 97 shots in three games as UWSP went 1-1-1.
               
Last Tuesday UW-Stevens Point faced off for the second time this year against #1 Gustavus-Adolphus and Phillips was up to the task.  She turned away all 24 shots the Gusties fired on net and led the Pointers to a 0-0 tie.
               
On the weekend at Adrian (MI), Phillips recorded back-to-back 30-plus save performances, stopping 30 of 33 shots on Saturday in a loss and 38 of 40 on Sunday in a win.  On the season Phillips is 11-4-6 and has recorded a league-best 5 shutouts.

Other nominees for player of the week:
Alyssa Wintermute, Lake Forest – 65 saves on 68 shots in a split with CUW
Jamie McClintock, UW-Superior – 5 goals in a sweep of Finlandia
Melissa Deardorff, UW-River Falls – 25 save shutout at UW-Eau Claire
Cassi Campbell, UW-River Falls – 29 saves in a 3-1 win at UW-Eau Claire
Kellye Nelson, UW-Stevens Point – 3 goals, assist at Adrian (MI)
Full women's weekly release - February 24, 2009




Top seeds all advance in men's quarterfinals
Saint Paul, Minn. (February 24, 2009)  – The NCHA’s top seeded men's teams all advanced with consecutive victories in their quarterfinal playoff series last weekend.  The victories shake out two one-game semifinal matchups: #4 St. Norbert at #1 UW-Superior; #3 St. Scholastica at #2 UW-Stout.

#8 Lake Forest at #1 UW-Superior (UWS wins 2-0)
Game 1: Lake Forest led 2-0 in the first and 3-2 midway through the second, but UW-Superior responded each time it trailed.  Andrew MacKenzie scored the game-winner just :21 into the third period as UWS won 4-3.
Game 2: Five different players scored goals and Chad Beiswenger stopped all nine shots he faced as UW-Superior won easily 5-0 over Lake Forest.

#5 UW-Stevens Point at #4 St. Norbert (SNC wins 2-0)
Game 1: It was a back-and-forth battle featuring three lead changes, but St. Norbert pulled away in the third period and went on to win 8-3 over UW-Stevens Point.  Tyler Allen scored twice for the Green Knights.
Game 2: UW-Stevens Point held a commanding 3-0 lead in the second, but St. Norbert fought back and tied the game late in the third.  Needing a win to advance to a mini-game, the Pointers pulled goalie Thomas Speer in overtime and the Green Knight’s Nick Tabisz scored an empty-netter to win 4-3.

#7 UW-Eau Claire at #2 UW-Stout
Game 1: Down 3-1 in the third, UW-Stout scored four unanswered goals to beat UW-Eau Claire 5-3.  Jeff Wheeler tied the game at 7:57 and Joel Gaulrapp scored the eventual game-winner at 10:02.
Game 2: Joel Gaulrapp had another big game for UW-Stout, assisting on the tying goal in the first period and burying the game-winner in the third as the Blue Devils won 2-1 to eliminate UW-Eau Claire.

#6 UW-River Falls at #3 St. Scholastica
Game 1: Goalie Steve Bounds stopped all 25 shots he faced in leading St. Scholastica to a 2-0 win over visiting UW-River Falls.
Game 2: Different night, but the same story as St. Scholastica won 2-0 behind a 38-save shutout from senior goalie Steve Bounds.
Full Men's Release - February 24, 2009




Beiswenger voted player of the year, Men's All-NCHA team announced
Saint Paul, Minn. (February 19, 2009)  – The votes are in and the Northern Collegiate Hockey Association coaches have voted UW-Superior senior goaltender Chad Beiswenger player of the year.  Beiswenger was the only goalie to play this year for the Yellowjackets, logging 1518:49 of ice time (first in the nation by nearly two full games) and posting a sparkling 20-2-3 record.  Three shutouts, seven 1-goal games and a .920 save percentage contributed to a 2.05 goals against average.
           
“(Beiswenger) is the biggest reason we’re the number one seed in the postseason,” said UWS had coach Dan Stauber.  “Most nights we get a performance reflective of an All-American.  He’s only had one truly off night all year.”
           
Beiswenger was named to the honorable mention team last season.  He grew up in northwest Minnesota in Moorhead, near the North Dakota border.  Beiswenger played junior hockey for Helena of the North American Hockey League.
           
NCHA coaches also voted for coach of the year, selecting Mark Wick of St. Scholastica (left).  Wick, a native of Hermantown, Minnesota, led the Saints to an 18-5-2 overall record through February 18th and finished the regular season ranked fourth nationally.  Wick is in his fifth season behind the bench for St. Scholastica.
           
Other highlights from the 2009 All-NCHA team include a rare 4-time selection in UW-River Falls senior forward Derek Hansberry.  Hansberry proved himself once again as a talented goal scorer, bagging seven power play goals and totaling 16 on the season.  Conference champion UW-Superior led the way with three players named to the team: Forward Braden Desmet, defenseman Ryan Kuntz and Beiswenger.  Two defensemen earned their third All-NCHA selection: UW-Eau Claire’s Greg Petersen and UW-Stout’s Jack Wolgemuth.  UW-Eau Claire forward Sean Garrity was named to his second All-NCHA team, having been a 2007 pick.

2009 Men's Player of the Year: Chad Beiswenger, UW-Superior
2009 Coach of the Year: Mark Wick, St. Scholastica
Full All-NCHA release - Click here
2009 Men's All-NCHA Team (08-09 season)

08 All-NCHA year
* 2007 Honorable Mention
# 2008 Honorable Mention




St. Norbert College women accepted into NCHA, will begin play in 2010-11
Saint Paul, Minn. (February 17, 2009) – Northern Collegiate Hockey Association  Commissioner Bill Kronschnabel announced today St. Norbert College’s application for membership in the women’s division has been reviewed and approved by the member institution Chief Executive Officers.  The Green Knights open play in the fall of 2010.
               
“We are pleased to see St. Norbert College participate in the growth of women’s hockey,” Kronschnabel said.  “With St. Norbert’s strong hockey tradition, we anticipate its women’s team will be a formidable addition to the NCHA.”  
               
St. Norbert is the third institution to make NCHA women’s expansion news this year, joining 2009-10 entrants Marian University and Adrian College.  Marian and Adrian will mark the third season of expansion; St. Norbert will mark the fourth.  The original five member schools in 2000 were Lake Forest College, UW-Eau Claire, UW-River Falls, UW-Stevens Point and UW-Superior.  Finlandia University joined in 2003 and Concordia University Wisconsin joined in 2007.  The women’s playoff champion receives an automatic bid to the NCAA Division III tournament.
               
“With our geographic location, the growth and interest in the women's game, and the success of our men's program, women's hockey is a natural fit for St. Norbert College and adds to our outstanding offering of sport opportunities for student-athletes,” St. Norbert Athletics Director Tim Bald said.
               
St. Norbert is located just outside of Green Bay, Wisconsin in De Pere, roughly 115 miles north of Milwaukee. The Green Knight men’s program has played in the NCHA since 1994-95, winning a national championship in 2008.  The women’s team will practice and play at the Resch Olympic Pavilion in the Cornerstone Community Center, adjacent to the men’s home rink.  The Community Center opened in 2000, with the Pavilion opening in 2008.
Click here to view full release




UW-Stevens Point forward Grossmann grabs player of the week award
Saint Paul, Minn. (February 17, 2009) – Senior forward Nicole Grossmann (Lindstrom, Minn. / Chisago Lakes) of UW-Stevens Point has been named player of the week in the NCHA women’s division, the league office announced today.  Grossmann notched three points in a weekend sweep at Lake Forest.
               
On Friday night Grossmann scored a pair of goals that gave the Pointers some breathing room against the Foresters.  Grossmann scored at 18:04 to make it 2-0 heading into the dressing room.  In the second it was Grossmann all alone at 13:23, giving UW-Stevens Point a 3-goal lead they would ride to the end of regulation.
               
On Saturday the Pointers trailed for most of the game until Grossmann helped rescue a victory late in the third.  She was wheeling with the puck on the power play and fired a shot toward the net, which teammate Rachael Graves (Bemidji, Minn. / Bemidji) cleaned up for the game-winner.

Other nominees for player of the week:
Jamie Briski, UW-River Falls – Five goals in three games for the Falcons
Rikki Nespor, UW-Superior – 16 save shutout of visiting UW-Eau Claire
Full weekly release - February 17, 2009




UW-Stout's Gaulrapp scores pair of big goals, named player of the week
Saint Paul, Minn. (February 17, 2009)  – Junior forward Joel Gaulrapp (Owatonna, Minn. / Owatonna, NAHL) of UW-Stout has been named player of the week, the NCHA announced today, for the second time this season.
           
Gaulrapp had three points in a Blue Devil win last Friday night against visiting UW-River Falls.  He assisted on the opening goal of the game, then scored two crucial goals in the third period.  With UW-Stout trailing 5-2 going into the third, Gaulrapp cut the lead to 5-4 with a power play goal at 5:49.  He then bagged the game winner, short-handed, with just 2:27 remaining to make it 6-5.  With the win, UW-Stout clinched the second seed in the upcoming playoffs. 
           
Other player of the week nominees:
Chris Wilson, UW-Superior – Two goals in a 4-3 win over St. Scholastica
Luke Nesper, UW-Stevens Point – Two goals in a 5-4 win over UW-Eau Claire
Sean Garrity, UW-Eau Claire – Three assists in a 5-4 loss at UW-Stevens Point
Full weekly release - February 17, 2009




UW-River Falls' Nordness gets player of the week award after Hat trick
Saint Paul, Minn. (February 10, 2009) – Freshman forward Emma Nordness (Excelsior, Minn. / Benilde-St. Margaret’s) of UW-River Falls has been named player of the week in the women’s division, the NCHA office announced today.  Nordness scored three goals for the hat trick last weekend against visiting Concordia Wisconsin.
               
The Falcons won 6-0 last Saturday afternoon, with Nordness accounting for half of the goals and four total points.  Her first goal at 13:53 was part of a dominant first period as UWRF went up 4-0.  Nordness added an assist on the Falcons second goal and scored twice in the third period to complete her hat trick.
               
With Nordness helping the Falcons earn a 4-point sweep last weekend, UW-River Falls solidified its position atop the NCHA.  Given the wins and the results of other contests, the team controls its own destiny for earning a first round bye in the playoffs.   

Other nominees for player of the week:
Jasmine Pollack, UW-Superior – Scored both goals in a 2-1 win at SP
Rachael Graves, UW-Stevens Point – 2 points, including A on GWG Sat vs. SUP
Lynn Erspamer, UW-Eau Claire – Goal in win vs. Lake Forest
Full weekly release - February 10, 2009




Lake Forest's Kohuch named player of the week after 53-save shutout
Saint Paul, Minn. (February 10, 2009)  – Lake Forest senior goaltender Brandon Kohuch (Windsor, ON / Chatham) was simply perfect in net for the Foresters last weekend and his efforts have earned him player of the week in the NCHA men’s division.  Kohuch recorded a 53-save shutout in a 0-0 tie with visiting UW-River Falls, setting a Lake Forest record for most saves in a shutout.
           
The Falcons peppered the net with 15 shots in the first period, 16 in the second and 17 in the third, plus five more in the overtime session.  Amidst the barrage of shots were four UW-River Falls’ power plays, which Kohuch turned away as well.  The senior goalie’s 53 saves put him at 1,950 for his career, just 50 saves shy of teammate and Lake Forest career saves leader Scott Campbell (Bloomfield, ON / Elmira).
           
Other player of the week nominees:
Scott Motz, UW-Stout – Scored GWG and assisted on tying goal at SNC
Logan Isley, UW-Superior – Pure hat trick in 6-1 win over UW-Stevens Point
Joey Martini, St. Scholastica – 3 goals in series with SP / EC
Tyler Romasco, UW-Eau Claire – 2 assists at UW-Superior
Full weekly release - February 10, 2009




UW-Superior's Holland scores 5, takes player of the week honors
Saint Paul, Minn. (February 3, 2009) – Junior forward Jodi Holland (Rochester, Minn. / North Dakota, WCHA) of UW-Superior has been named player of the week for the second time this season, the NCHA office announced today.  Holland scored five goals last weekend in leading the Yellowjackets to a pair of conference wins.
               
The third period on Friday night was a memorable one for Holland, as she completed a natural hat trick at 14:37.  She also lit the lamp at 0:46 and 3:18.  Her third goal was the game-winning goal as UWS defeated Concordia-Wisconsin 5-3.
               
On Saturday Holland scored another game-winning goal, one of two goals against Lake Forest.  The Yellowjackets won 6-0, with Holland scoring the first and last goals.  The win completed a four-point weekend for UW-Superior, vaulting it into sole possession of third place in the NCHA.

Other nominees for player of the week:
Jessica Thompson, UW-River Falls – G, A at Gustavus / 2 A at SP
Rachel Graves, UW-Stevens Point – A vs. UW-Eau Claire, +3 over weekend
Cassi Campbell, UW-River Falls – 36 saves on 38 shots in win at SP
Full weekly release - February 3, 2009




UW-River Falls' goalie Ritter named player of the week
Saint Paul, Minn. (February 3, 2009)  – UW-River Falls junior goaltender Stephen Ritter guided the Falcons in two wins last weekend, and his efforts have earned him player of the week in the NCHA.  Ritter’s two one goal wins sprung UWRF into sixth place in the standings.
           
On Friday night Ritter made 12 saves in the first period and 11 in the second, in route to 29 total saves on 32 shots against then #12 UW-Stevens Point.  The Falcons and Pointers called-and-answered until Ben Beaudoin scored the game-winner for UWRF.
           
Ritter was busy again on Saturday, this time stopping 41 of 42 shots from UW-Eau Claire.  The Falcons needed every one of those saves as they won 2-1.  The emotional contest featured 156 penalty minutes and six game disqualifications.
           
Other player of the week nominees:
Steve Bounds, St. Scholastica – 23 saves at LF, 29-save SO at SNC
David Larson, UW-Stout – Tying goal, assist on GWG vs. UW-Stevens Point
Luke Nespor, UW-Stevens Point – 2 goals at UW-River Falls
Full weekly release - February 3, 2009




Adrian College joins NCHA women's conference
Saint Paul, Minn. (February 2, 2008) – Northern Collegiate Hockey Association  Commissioner Bill Kronschnabel announced today that Adrian College’s application for membership in the NCHA women’s division has been approved by the Chief Executive Officers of the NCHA-member institutions.  Adrian’s women’s team will start play in the league this fall as part of the 2009-10 season.
               
Kronschnabel stated, “We are very pleased to welcome Adrian College's women's  hockey program into the NCHA.  The previous two-year scheduling commitment gave both Adrian and the NCHA the time to address the logistical challenges presented by Adrian's location in southeastern Michigan.  The NCHA is proud to support the continued growth of women's ice hockey, and we look forward to Adrian's participation as a full member of our conference.”  
               
Adrian will join Marian University as part of the third expansion in the history of the women’s conference, making a nine-team conference for 2009-10.  Finlandia University joined in 2003 and Concordia University Wisconsin was admitted in 2007.  The original five member schools, which started play in the 2000-01 season, were Lake Forest College, UW-Eau Claire, UW-River Falls, UW-Stevens Point and UW-Superior. The winner of the NCHA women’s conference playoffs receives an automatic bid to the NCAA Division III tournament.
                 
“It feels very good to be associated with a quality conference and all the benefits that come with it,” said Adrian Athletic Director Mike Duffy.  “The competition in the NCHA is some of the best in Division III and this move means great things for our women’s hockey program.”
               
Adrian College is located in Adrian, Michigan, about 70 miles southwest of Detroit and 100 miles southeast of Kalamazoo.  The team is currently in the second year of a scheduling agreement with the NCHA and is ranked tenth in the latest U.S. College Hockey Online national poll.  The Adrian men’s team will continue to play in the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association.
Full press release




UW-River Falls' Schmitz named women's player of the week
Saint Paul, Minn. (January 28, 2009) – Junior forward Stefanie Schmitz (Farmington, Minn. / Farmington) of UW-River Falls has been named women’s division player of the week, the league office announced today. Schmitz played a key role for the Falcons as they gained three points in the standings last weekend.

On Friday night Schmitz tied the game 2-2 in the second period at UW-Superior.  The power play goal came at 18:43 and was assisted by Jessica Thompson.  The score would stand through the third as the teams skated to a draw.
               
On Saturday Schmitz and Thompson connected again, this time on the eventual game-winner midway through the second.  The Falcons went on to win 4-2 in their second game with the Yellowjackets.   

Other nominees for player of the week:
Kendra Benson, Finlandia – 2 G in win over UW-Eau Claire
Samantha Scheving, UW-Stevens Point – G, A in series at Concordia-Wis.
Katie Hirsch, Concordia-Wisconsin – 43 saves on 45 shot vs. SP
Beth Dittrich, UW-Eau Claire – 2 G at Finlandia
Teagan Cassan, UW-Superior – G, A vs. UW-River Falls
Full weekly release - January 27, 2009




UW-Stout's Koenig named men's player of the week
Saint Paul, Minn. (January 28, 2009)  – UW-Stout senior goalie Matt Koenig (Lakeland, Minn. / Stillwater) has been named player of the week, the NCHA league office announced today, for his strong effort in goal for the Blue Devils.
           
Koenig started the week off with 17 saves in two periods of play Tuesday against St. Mary’s.  UW-Stout won 6 1.
           
Last Friday Koenig stopped 37 of 39 shots from #2 St. Scholastica.  That total included 18 saves and no goals against in the second period as the teams skated to a 2-2 tie.
           
Less than 24 hours later Koenig stopped 17 first-period shots from #3 UW-Superior, en route to 37 total saves and another 2-2 draw.  On the week the Blue Devil goaltender made 91 total saves and allowed just four goals.  UW-Stout remained seventh in the latest uscho.com national poll and is unbeaten in its last five games.

Other player of the week nominees:
Thomas Speer, UW-Stevens Point – 19 save shutout vs. LF, 24 saves vs. SNC
Sean Garrity, UW-Eau Claire – G, 3 A vs. Lake Forest
Kevin Huck, UW-Superior – 2 G, A vs. UW-River Falls / UW-Stout
Full weekly release - January 27, 2009




Concordia-Wisconsin's Christiansen earns player of the week honors
Saint Paul, Minn. (January 20, 2009) – The NCHA office has announced Concordia-Wisconsin freshman forward Hilary Christiansen (Eagan, MN / Eagan) has been named player of the week for her five points last weekend in two crucial victories over Finlandia.
               
On Friday night in a tight 6-5 game, Christiansen tied it up at three late in the first period on a shorthanded goal.  She also assisted on two other Falcon goals as the team held off the Lions.
               
On Saturday Christiansen scored the eventual game-winning goal at 12:36 of the second period, an even strength goal assisted by Alyssa Issackson and Murial McIntyre.  The Falcons went on to win 6-1.
               
The four point swing in the standings is significant because of the NCHA playoff format, where the top six teams qualify for the postseason tournament.  The sweep was the first in CUW team history and the first back-to-back wins.

Other nominees for player of the week:
Kristen Faber, UW-Eau Claire – 2 goals vs. UW-Stevens Point
Kellye Nelson, UW-Stevens Point – 2 assists at #1 Gustavus, goal at EC               
Abby Sunderman, UW-River Falls – Goal, 2 assists vs. Adrian    
Full weekly release - January 20, 2009




St. Scholastica's Tucker leads Saints past UW-Superior, takes player of the week
St. Paul, Minn. (January 20, 2009)  – St. Scholastica senior forward AJ Tucker (Fort Frances, ON / Waywayseecappo, MJHL) has been named NCHA player of the week for his two stand-out performances in a pair of Saints wins last week, the league office announced today.   This is the second time this season Tucker has earned the award.
           
Tucker notched a goal and an assist in a 6-1 non-conference victory last Tuesday over Northland College. His goal in the second period gave the Saints breathing room with a 3-1 lead.  Tucker assisted on a Jeremy Dawes goal early in the third that further sealed the win.
           
On Saturday Tucker scored four goals and assisted on another as the Saints won a showdown with border rival and then #2 UW-Superior.  Two of the goals came on the power play and two were at even strength as CSS grabbed two crucial points in front of a sellout crowd at Mars Lakeview Arena in Duluth, Minn.
           
Other player of the week nominees:
A.J. Gale, St. Norbert – Hat trick, assist in 9-0 win vs. Lake Forest
Andy Sternberg, UW-Stout – 2 goals, 3 assists in 2 wins for the Blue Devils
Jesse Vesel, UW-Eau Claire– Goal, assist in 4-4 tie with UW-Stevens Point
Jon Madden, UW-Stevens Point – 3 assists in 4-4 tie with UW-Eau Claire
Full weekly release - January 20, 2009




UW-Eau Claire goaltender Morgan Pieper awarded player of the week
St. Paul, Minn. (January 13, 2009) – For her outstanding performance in goal for the Blugolds last weekend, UW-Eau Claire freshman Morgan Pieper (Williams, MN / Warroad) has been named player of the week.
               
Pieper backstopped the signature victory of the year thus far for the Blugolds as they knocked off #10 UW Superior Friday 2-1.  For the game she stopped 38 of 39 shots on goal, including a barrage of 18 in the third period.  In the final seconds of the game Pieper made a glove save on a puck tracking toward the upper corner, thus preventing overtime and preserving the win.
               
Pieper improved her record to 4-1-1 on the year and dropped her goals against average to 1.99.  The win was the 2nd straight for UW-Eau Claire and part of a 3-game streak it’s currently on – the longest winning streak of the season for the Blugolds.

Other nominees for player of the week:
Teagan Cassan, UW-Superior – 2 goals in 3-1 win over #7 UWRF
Dana Carothers, UW-Stevens Point – 4 goals in two wins vs. CUW and vs. LFC
Abby Sunderman, UW-River Falls – 2 goals and assist vs. FIN
Jamie Briski, UW-River Falls – Hat trick vs. FIN
Full women's weekly release - January 13, 2009




UW-River Falls forward Derek Hansberry earns player of the week
St. Paul, Minn. (January 13, 2009)  – Senior forward Derek Hansberry (Arvada, CO / Wichita, NAHL) has been named men’s division player of the week, the NCHA league office announced today, for his performance in two UW-River Falls wins last weekend.
           
On Friday night Hansberry scored a pair of goals at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn.  He opened the scoring at 6:21 of the first period – the eventual game winning goal – and then struck again midway through the third.  The Falcons went on to win 3-0.
           
On Saturday Hansberry was on the score sheet once again, this time assisting on Ben Beaudoin’s overtime game-winner that beat St. John’s 2-1.  The win marked a season-high five straight for UWRF, which has raced back above .500 after starting the year 1-6-1.
           
Other player of the week nominees:
Chris Wilson, UW-Superior – 3 goals, 3 assists in wins over Gustavus/St. Olaf
Jordan Chong, St. Scholastica – 3 goals, assist in wins over St. Olaf/Gustavus
Joe Bluhm, UW-Eau Claire – GW goal at Hamline, 3 points on weekend
A.J. Gale, St. Norbert – 3 goals, assist in non-conference series split
Mike Kneeland, Lake Forest – 3 goals, including 2 shorthanded goals
Brett Beckfeld, UW-Stevens Point – 3 assists in win at Augsburg
Full men's weekly release - January 13, 2009




UW-Stevens Point assist leader Ralph named men's player of the week
St. Paul, Minn. (January 7, 2009)  – Senior defenceman Jonathan Ralph (Chester, NJ / Bowling Green, CCHA) of UW-Stevens Point has been named player of the week for his efforts in two Pointer victories last weekend.  Ralph notched five points in helping UWSP improve its record to 10-5-0 on the season.

Ralph has proven to be one of the league’s top set up men, and on Friday night he assisted on three Pointer goals.  The team cruised to a 13-1 win over Minnesota-Crookston, the largest margin of victory for UW Stevens Point since 1991-92.

On Saturday Ralph scored his first goal of the season with just 24 seconds left in the second period.  The goal gave the Pointers a 2-1 lead at the time.  Ralph also assisted on an empty net goal late in the third that sealed the 4-2 victory over Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference foe St. Olaf.

Other player of the week nominees:
Mike Kneeland, Lake Forest – 2 goals, 5 assists in series against Concordia-Wis.
A.J. Gale, St. Norbert – Hat trick, assist at Milwaukee School of Engineering
Aaron Johnson, UW-Eau Claire – 11 saves in win vs. MN-Crookston
Full men's release - January 7, 2009




UW-Stevens Point freshman Marvin takes women's player of the week
St. Paul, Minn. (December 10, 2008) – Freshman forward Erin Marvin (Shoreview, MN / Mounds View) of UW- Stevens Point has been named women’s division player of the week, the NCHA office announced today. Marvin scored four goals as the pointers grabbed three points in the standings.
               
Marvin capped a two-goal, third period comeback on Saturday, earning a crucial point against UW-Superior. The power play goal came with just 4:18 remaining in the regulation time.  Sarah Phillips (Kelowna, BC / St. George’s) and Rachel Graves (Bemidji, MN / Bemidji) got the assists.
               
On Sunday afternoon at Finlandia, Marvin completed her hat trick in the final minute of the second period with a shorthanded goal.  She also scored on the power play in the first period and at even strength in the second as UWSP won 6-1 in Houghton, Michigan.
  
Other nominees for player of the week:
Cassi Campbell, UW-River Falls – Recorded 19-save SO in 3-0 win at LFC
Melissa Deardorff, UW-River Falls – Recorded 17-save SO in 4-0 win at CUW
Maddi Hammer, UW-Eau Claire – 3 goals in split weekend for Blugolds
Full weekly release - December 10, 2008




UW-Stout's Gaulrapp named men's player of the week
St. Paul, Minn. (December 10, 2008)  – Junior forward Joel Gaulrapp (Owatonna, MN / Owatonna, NAHL) of UW-Stout has been named NCHA men’s division player of the week, the league office announced today. Gaulrapp put up five points last weekend, helping the Blue Devils gain four points and a #7 national ranking.
           
Gaulrapp opened the scoring on Friday night against #4 St. Norbert just 28 seconds into the first period.  That goal sparked STOUT to an eventual 4-0 lead midway through the second period.  Gaulrapp later sealed the 5-2 win with a goal at 9:43 of the third.
           
On Saturday afternoon Gaulrapp notched two more points as STOUT held on to beat Lake Forest 4-3 at home.  His goal at 10:38 of the second proved to be the game-winner.  Gaulrapp also assisted on the Blue Devils’ second goal, which broke a 1-1 tie at the time.

Other player of the week nominees:
Steve Bounds, St. Scholastica – 64 total saves, 2 GA in weekend sweep
Chad Beiswenger, UW-Superior – 42 saves, 2 GS in weekend sweep
Sean Garrity, UW-Eau Claire – 2 goals in 2 UWEC losses
Full weekly release - December 10, 2008




Marian University granted membership in NCHA women's conference
St. Paul, Minn. (December 4, 2008) – Northern Collegiate Hockey Association  Commissioner Bill Kronschnabel announced today that Marian University's application for membership in the NCHA for its forthcoming women's hockey program has been unanimously approved by the Chief Executive Officers of the NCHA-member institutions. Marian will begin play in the 2009-10 season.
               
Kronschnabel stated "The NCHA is very excited that Marian University is instituting a women's varsity hockeyprogram.  We are happy to see and assist with the continued growth of women's collegiate hockey, and look forward to Marian being a valued member of the conference."
               
The addition of Marian marks the third time the women’s division has expanded and creates an eight-team conference for 2009-2010.  Finlandia University joined in 2003 and Concordia University Wisconsin was admitted in 2007.  The original five member schools, which started play in the 2000-01 season, were Lake Forest College, UW-Eau Claire, UW-River Falls, UW-Stevens Point and UW-Superior.
               
“Marian University is honored to be a member of the NCHA in women’s ice hockey,” said Marian Athletic Director Doug Hammond.  “This will provide our student-athletes competition in one of the more prestigious hockey conferences in the nation.”
               
Marian University is located in east-central Wisconsin in Fond du Lac, roughly 75 miles south of Green Bay and 65 miles north of Milwaukee.  The women’s program will practice and play home games at the Blue Line Family Ice Center in Fond du Lac, where their men’s program currently plays.  The men’s program will continue to play in the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association.  Women’s hockey will be the 15th sport offered by Marian, all competing at the NCAA Division III level.




St. Scholastica's A.J. Tucker named men's player of the week
St. Paul, Minn. (December 2, 2008)  – Senior forward A.J. Tucker (Fort Frances, ON / Waywayseecappo, MJHL) of St. Scholastica has been named men’s division player of the week for his efforts in a two-win weekend for the Saints.  Tucker posted four points in helping CSS return to a top 15 national ranking.

On Friday afternoon, after an assist on an early goal, Tucker scored the go-ahead goal in the third period against Lawrence in the St. Norbert Thanksgiving Tournament.  That goal did not hold up, but Tucker assisted on the game-winner just 20 seconds into overtime.  Jeremy Dawes (Winnipeg, MB / Portage, MJHL) was the one lighting the lamp, giving the Saints a 4-3 win.
           
Saturday afternoon proved a fruitful stage for Tucker again, this time bagging the tying goal against sixth ranked Oswego State.  Just 1:21 later in the second, Trevor Geiger (Salmon Arm, BC / Salmon Arm, BCHL) scored the eventual game-winner as CSS won 5-4.   
           
Other player of the week nominees:
Russell Law, UW-Stevens Point – 2 goals vs. Finlandia
A.J. Gale, St. Norbert – 2 goals vs. Oswego State, goal vs. Lawrence
Full men's release - December 2, 2008



UW-Superior's Braden Desmet named men's player of the week
St. Paul, Minn. (November 26, 2008)  – Junior forward Braden Desmet (Strathmore, AB / Olds, AJHL) has been named NCHA player of the week for his seven point performance last weekend, helping launch UW Superior into first place in the standings and a #2 national ranking.
           
On Friday night Desmet tallied a hat trick and assisted on another goal as the Yellowjackets beat Lake Forest 5-0.  He scored the game-winner on the power play at 3:16 of the first period.  At 10:13 he made the score 2-0 and at 13:50 of the third he put the game out of reach at 5-0.
           
On Saturday Desmet scored a goal and tacked on two assists as UWS downed St. Norbert, the first loss for the Green Knights in 37 games.  SNC’s A.J. Gale opened the scoring in the first on a penalty shot, but Desmet tied it up at one a minute and a half later.  He assisted on the tying goal late in the second period.
           
Other player of the week nominees:
Matt Koenig, UW-Stout – 66 total saves, 0 GA at UWSP / vs. UWEC
Brandon Longley, St. Norbert – Hat trick, SH goal at CSS / UWS
Blake Bashor, St. Norbert – 31 save shutout at CSS
Joe Bluhm, UW-Eau Claire – 2 goals vs. UWRF
Travis Erstad, UW-Stevens Point – Goal, 2 assists vs. STOUT / UWRF
Full men's release - November 25, 2008




Goal-spree by UW-Superior's Jodi Holland good for player of the week
St. Paul, Minn. (November 26, 2008) – Junior forward Jodi Holland (Rochester, MN / North Dakota, WCHA) of UW-Superior has been named player of the week for her 5-goal outburst last weekend, the NCHA office announced today.  Holland’s effort helped the Yellowjackets earn four points at Concordia-Wisconsin.
               
Last Friday night it was all Holland, literally.  She tallied all three UWS goals in the 3-1 victory, with the eventual game-winner coming at 16:44 of the second period.  That was a power play goal from Jessica Tyra (Fridley, MN / North Dakota, WCHA) and Teagan Cassan (Medora, MAN / Westman), but she also added an even strength score and a short-hander.
               
On Saturday Holland got the Yellowjackets going by cutting the Falcons lead in half at 2-1 in the second.  She scored again at 15:48 and UWS went on to win 6-3.

Other nominees for player of the week:
Kim Herring, Lake Forest – Hat trick, 5 total points in series vs. FIN
Erin Marvin, UW-Stevens Point – SH goals, 2 assists in split at UWRF
Breanna Hrabe, UW-River Falls – 2 G, including GW goal, in split vs. UWSP
Full women's release - November 25, 2008




UW-Eau Claire's Kristin Faber awarded player of the week
St. Paul, Minn. (November 19, 2008) – UW-Eau Claire sophomore forward Kristin Faber (Austin, MN / Austin H.S.) has been named player of the week in the NCHA women’s division for her 3-point effort last weekend.
               
Faber scored a pair of goals and assisted on another in the Blugolds 3-2 overtime victory last Friday night against visiting Concordia-Wisconsin.  She assisted on the tying goal at 14:28 of the third period – scored by Toni Simones (Rosemount, MN / So. St. Paul) - then lit the lamp in OT with just 12 seconds remaining.
               
On Saturday night Faber peppered CUW goalie Katie Hirsch (Minneapolis, MN / Holy Angels) with 10 shots, adding to the UWEC total of 44 on the game.  The teams skated to a 3-3 tie, making it a 3-point weekend for the Blugolds.
               
Other impressive performers last weekend:
Cassi Campbell, UW-River Falls – 23 saves, 0 GA (1 SO) in sweep vs. LFC
Jodi Holland, UW-Superior – 2 G, 2 A in split vs. Adrian
Dana Carothers, UW-Stevens Point – 4 G in sweep of visiting FIN
Sarah Luberda, Concordia-Wisconsin – 2 G, A at UWEC  
Full women's release - November 18, 2008




UW-Superior's Chad Beiswenger swipes two wins, earns player of the week honors
St. Paul, Minn. (November 19, 2008)  – For his effort in making 48 saves and surrendering just one goal last weekend, UW-Superior senior goalie Chad Beiswenger (Moorhead, MN / Helena, NAHL) has been named player of the week in the Northern Collegiate Athletic Association.
           
Beiswenger’s busiest night was last Friday when he stopped 30 of 31 shots on the road against #10 UW Stout.  The Yellowjackets went on to win 3-1, with sophomore forward Logan Isley (Bonnyville, AB) providing a pair of goals.
           
On Saturday UWS completed the weekend sweep with a 3-0 Beiswenger shutout of UW-River Falls, also on the road.  Beiswenger stopped all 20 Falcon shots on goal, including ten in the second period, earning his second shutout of the season and improving his individual record to 7-1-0.  It was his 12th career shutout and the first win for UWS at UWRF since January 31, 2003 (5 seasons and nearly six years).
           
Other players nominated for player of the week:
Jon Madden, UW-Stevens Point – 3 G, A at Lake Forest / St. Norbert
Joey Martini, St. Scholastica – 2 G, 3 A at UW-River Falls / UW-Stout
Nicholas Kuqali, UW-Eau Claire – A at St. Norbert / Lake Forest
Full men's release - November 18, 2008




Concordia-Wis.'s Isaackson earns women's player of the week honors
St. Paul, Minn. (November 12, 2008) – Concordia University Wisconsin freshman forward Alyssa Isaackson (Marshall, MN / Marshall) has been named player of the week for her role in the Falcons first women’s hockey victory in school history last Friday night.
                 
Isaackson assisted on the opening goal of the game, a power play tally scored by Alex Barton (Fr, East Bethel, MN / Breck).  In the second period she was the one lighting the lamp, bagging goals of her own at 16:04 and 19:46.  Isaackson’s second goal was a back-breaker, giving the Falcons breathing room in route to the 7-5 win over St. Olaf.
               
CUW’s overall record since joining the NCHA last season was 0-24-3 until the historic victory.
               
Other player of the week nominees included UW-Eau Claire senior forward Lauren Harvard (San Angelo, TX / Araphaoe), who had an overtime game-winning goal and three points in a weekend split, and UW-Stevens Point senior defenseman Rachel Graves (Bemidji, MN / Bemidji), who anchored a defensive corps that allowed just one goal last weekend.




Lake Forest's Kozak named men's player of the week
St. Paul, Minn. (November 12, 2008)  – Lake Forest College sophomore forward Zach Kozak (Mesa, AZ / Northland College) has been named player of the week in the Northern Collegiate Hockey Association men’s division for his outstanding play last weekend, November 7-8.

The Foresters lost to St. John’s 3-1 on Friday night, but Kozak put Lake Forest (2-4) in position to win by tying the score in the second period – his first goal of the season.
           
Saturday night Kozak played a big role in making the Concordia (MN) bus ride back to Moorhead seem extra long as Lake Forest won 4-3 in overtime.  Kozak tied the game in the midway through the third period and then topped that feat by potting the game-winner with 32 seconds remaining in overtime.  It capped a 3-point night for Kozak and earned the Foresters their second win of the season.
           
Other nominees for POW who excelled last weekend: St. Scholastica junor  forward Jordan Chong (North Vancouver, BC – 5 points), UW-Stevens Point sophomore goalie Thomas Speer (Jainsville, WI – 37 saves on 38 shots), UW-Eau Claire senior defenseman DJ Clark (Langley, BC – 4 points) and UW-Stout senior forward/defenseman Nick Klaren (North St. Paul, MN – 8 points).  



Women's division playoff format
St. Paul, Minn. (November 12, 2008) - For clarification purposes, the NCHA women's division playoff format and schedule will be as follows:
* All games played at home arena of regular season champion (#1 seed)
* Top six regular season teams qualify for playoffs
* All game times and order of games TBA

Friday, February 27, 2008 - #6 vs. #3 ... #5 vs. #4
Saturday, February 28, 2008 (Semifinals) - Lowest remaining seed vs. #1 ... 2nd lowest seed vs. #2
Sunday, March 1, 2008 - Semifinal winners play for championship ... Semifinal losers play for 3rd place



Dittrich is women's player of the week
St. Paul, Minn. (November 4, 2008) – UW-Eau Claire junior forward Beth Dittrich (Roseville, MN / Roseville HS) has been named the first women’s division player of the week for 2008-09, the Northern Collegiate Hockey Association announced today.  Dittrich tacked a pair of game-winning goals to her resume, sending the Blugolds off to a 2-0-0 start.

On Friday the victim was Bethel College.  Toni Simones (Rosemount, MN / South St. Paul HS) assisted on Dittrich’s goal at 7:10 of the second period.  That goal made it 2-0; Eau Claire went on to win 3-1.

Saturday night’s game at St. Mary’s was tied 1-1 in the second when Dittrich broke it for good at the 17:07 mark.  Simones, again, added an assist, as did Kristen Faber (Austin, MN / Austin HS), and the Blugolds went on to win 3-1.

With the women’s division opening play last weekend, several other players were nominated for player of the week.  Lake Forest freshman forward Sara Sveen (Baltimore, MD / Wash. Pride) scored twice in her Forester debut, helping in a 5-0 victory over visiting Chatham.  Freshman goalie Kari Hunter (Bloomington, MN / Kennedy) of Concordia-Wisconsin stopped 39 of 43 shots in a series at Hamline, nearly stealing a win Sunday in a 3-2 loss.  UW-Superior junior forward Jessica Tyra (Fridley, MN / Bemidji State) scored twice in a series split with Concordia-MN.
Women's Weekly Release - Nov 4, 2008



Geiger grabs player of the week honors
St. Paul, Minn. (November 4, 2008) – The Northern Collegiate Hockey Association announced today Trevor Geiger (Salmon Arm, BC / Salmon Arm HS), a senior forward at St. Scholastica, has been chosen player of the week in the men’s division.  Geiger had six points last weekend in a CSS win over St. Mary’s and a tie with #5 St. Thomas.

On Friday night Geiger recorded his first career hat trick, with the second goal being the eventual game winner.  He also added an assist in the 9-1 victory.

The following night against St. Thomas included a dramatic finish, and Geiger played a key role.  With 1:13 remaining, UST up 2-1 and  goalie Steve Bounds pulled, Geiger sent the Saints bench cheering as he tied the game.  Two more goals would be scored in the next 40 seconds and the game went final 3-3.

Geiger wasn’t the only NCHA player to have a strong performance last weekend.  Other candidates for player of the week were UW-Superior goalie Chad Beiswenger (Sr, Moorhead, MN), who went 2-1 and made 42 saves Saturday at St. Mary’s, UW-Eau Claire forward Sean Garrity (Sr, North St. Paul, MN / North), who notched two goals and an assist in sparking the Blugolds to a non-conference sweep, and UW-Stevens Point forward Nic Bydal (Sr, East Grand Forks, MN / Bismark), who set up three Pointer goals in their weekend sweep.
Men's Weekly Release - Nov 4, 2008


UW-Stout's Hanson named player of the week
St. Paul, Minn. (October 29, 2008) – UW-Stout junior forward Derek Hanson (Bemidji, Minn.) has been named the Northern Collegiate Hockey Association men’s division player of the week for his performance in a pair of Blue Devil victories over the weekend.

On Friday night Hanson jump-started the Blue Devils (2-0-0) and finished with a hat trick in a 4-2 win over Concordia-Wisconsin on the road.  UW-Stout trailed 2-1 after two periods, but Hanson struck twice in the third to complete the come-from-behind victory.
           
On Saturday Hanson supplied the game-winning goal in a 3-2 win over Marian University.  Nick Klaren (Sr, North St. Paul, Minn.) fed Hanson on the power play to make it 3-1.  Stout goaltender Matt Koenig made 24 saves, including 13 in the third period.
           
Other player of the week nominations included Jon Madden (Fr, F/D, Brighton, MI) of UW-Stevens Point, Brandon Kuhuch (Sr, G, Windsor, ON) of Lake Forest and Joe Bluhm (Jr, F, Red Wing, MN) of UW-Eau Claire.  Madden scored a pair of goals and added an assist in UWSP’s 10-0 win over Northland, Kuhuch made 34 saves in an overtime win for Lake Forest and Bluhm sparked UWEC with the opening goal in a 4-1 win over St. Scholastica.
Men's Weekly Release - Oct 28, 2008