BLOOMINGTON, Minn. – In a week filled with nonconference action across the country, St. Cloud State, Ohio State, and Minnesota each had standout performances. Sterling Trophy and the Western Collegiate Hockey Association named Jenniina Nylund, Sophie Jaques, Raygan Kirk, and Madison Kaiser as Players of the Week for their efforts.   
 
WCHA Forward of the Week
Jenniina Nylund, 5Yr., St. Cloud State (Pietersaari, Finland)
Jenniina Nylund had a phenomenal weekend leading St. Cloud State to a road sweep of Lindenwood, scoring three goals and providing three assists for a six-point series. While skating to a plus-5 rating on the ice and putting 11 shots on goal, Nylund led the WCHA in points and shared the lead in goals and plus-minus over the weekend.
 
Nylund’s offensive effort against Lindenwood moved her into 10th all-time in the Huskies’ career scoring list, earning her the first WCHA Forward of the Week title of the season and second of her career.
 
Others Receiving Votes: Ella Huber (Minnesota), Genevieve Hendrickson (Bemidji State), Jenn Gardiner (Ohio State).
 
WCHA Defender of the Week
Sophie Jaques, Grad., Ohio State (Toronto, Ontario)
In a top-10 series, Sophie Jaques tallied three points by two goals and one assist, off of 15 shots on goal. The blueliner scored two goals in Ohio State’s 6-2 win over then-No. 6 Colgate on Wednesday for her fifth multi-goal game of the season, while helping Ohio State’s power play finish 4-for-8 in game two.
 
Her power play goal helped her officially top the nation with 15 total goals and seven power play tallies as a defender. Having blocked three shots in the series, Jaques helped the Buckeye penalty kill go 7-for-8 against the Raiders, to ultimately claim her fifth WCHA Defender of the Week title of the season.
 
Others Receiving Votes: Abby DeLaRosa (Bemidji State), Grace Wolfe (St. Cloud State).
 
WCHA Goaltender of the Week
Raygan Kirk, Sr., Ohio State (Ste. Anne, Manitoba)
Leading Ohio State to a strong nonconference win was Raygan Kirk, as she stopped a season-high of 30 saves on 32 shots faced in the Buckeyes’ 6-2 win over then-No. 6 Colgate. With the defensive performance, Kirk improved to 4-0-1 on the year and finished the day with a .938 save percentage to bring her season average to .913.
 
Kirk’s efforts earn her the first league honor of her career as WCHA Goaltender of the Week.
 
Others Receiving Votes: Hannah Hogenson (Bemidji State), JoJo Chobak (St. Cloud State).  
 
WCHA Rookie of the Week
Madison Kaiser, F, Minnesota (Andover, Minn.)
As the Gophers headed west for the Henderson Collegiate Hockey Showcase in Nevada, Madison Kaiser net two points by a goal and an assist off of six shots on goal. Against then-No. 12 Penn State, Kaiser recorded the second multi-point game in her career to help Minnesota propel to the tournament championship.
 
Between the two games, Kaiser skated to a plus-2 rating on the ice for the first league honor of her career as WCHA Rookie of the Week.
 
Others Receiving Votes: Raeley Carney (Bemidji State), Svenja Voigt (St. Cloud State).  
 
About Sterling Trophy
Sterling Trophy has grown into a leader in the award and recognition industry in the Twin Cities since its founding in 1999. A family business that started in the basement of the home of founders David Steinbring and Patty Steinbring, Sterling Trophy has built a proud tradition of quality service and unique products. For more information, visit sterlingtrophy.net.