The Gophers women’s hockey team was rewarded with two WCHA player of the week awards, after sweeping Minnesota State last weekend.
Sophomore goalie Noora Raty was named defensive player of the week for the third time, and freshman forward Amanda Kessel earned her third rookie of the week honors.
Raty earned her seventh shutout of the season Friday night and stopped 51 of 52 shots on the weekend. The Finland native leads the WCHA with a .949 save percentage and averages only 1.43 goals allowed per game, second in the conference. Raty has allowed only ten goals in her past ten games, helping the Gophers move into third place in the WCHA.
Kessel tallied two goals and an assist on the weekend, helping the Gophers to nine goals. Kessel, who is tied for the team points lead with 23, pestered the MSU defense with her speed, recording a team-high 13 shots on goal over the weekend.
The honor continues what has been a solid week for the Kessel family. Kessel’s older brother and former Gophers hockey standout Phil Kessel was named an NHL all-star yesterday.
The Gophers hope to end their six-game slide against Minnesota-Duluth this weekend.