Nick Bjugstad has been named the Hockey Commissioners’ Association National Division I Player of the Month for November. Bjugstad led the nation with nine goals in the month and tallied 13 total points. 

Though the Gophers only amassed a 4-3-1 record in November, Bjugstad caught fire amid the struggle. He had a point in seven of the eight games in the month and netted a goal in six of the eight games. Bjugstad also recorded his first career hat trick when Minnesota defeated St. Cloud State 5-0 on Nov. 19.

Bjugstad leads the team with 15 goals on the season and has already surpassed Mike Hoeffel’s team-leading total of 13 goals from a year ago. He is tied with Wisconsin’s Justin Schultz and Mark Zengerle for first in scoring with 25 points on the season. 

Bjugstad will lead his team against in-state rival Minnesota State on Friday and Saturday at Mariucci Arena. The Mavericks swept the Gophers last season.