BLOOMINGTON, Minn. – The month of November included scoring streaks, shutouts, and upsets for several Western Collegiate Hockey Association programs. For their efforts, Jenna Buglioni (Ohio State), Sophie Jaques (Ohio State), Sanni Ahola (St. Cloud State), and Hailey MacLeod (Minnesota Duluth) were awarded as WCHA Players of the Month by Sterling Trophy.    
 
WCHA Forward of the Month
Jenna Buglioni, Jr., Ohio State (Port Moody, British Columbia)
In Ohio State’s six November games, Jenna Buglioni led the Buckeyes with will points by four goals and seven assists. Her seven assists tied for a team-high, and while facing St. Thomas, Bemidji State, and then-No. 6 Colgate, Buglioni recorded a point in every game. Her month included four multi-point performances and a three-point game against Bemidji State (Nov. 18). Through the six games, Buglioni led the Ohio State squad with a plus-11 rating on the ice.
 
The WCHA Forward of the Month title marks Buglioni’s first monthly honor of her career.
 
Others Receiving Votes: Ella Huber (Minnesota), Jenniina Nylund (St. Cloud State), Gabbie Hughes (Minnesota Duluth).
 
WCHA Defender of the Month
Sophie Jaques, Grad., Ohio State (Toronto, Ontario)
Through Ohio State’s six games this month, Sophie Jaques recorded 10 points by five goals and five assists. Her five goals, including two power play goals, led the Buckeyes as she helped the squad to an undefeated 5-0-1 record in November.
 
As a blueliner, Jaques now leads the country with .94 goals per game and is second in the league in points per game (1.56). She continued to lead the Buckeyes to a top-ranked power play at a .349 conversion rate and helped the penalty kill finish at .895 by allowing just two goals on 19 opportunities. She ultimately tallied four multi-point games, including a two-goal game in the 6-2 win over then-No. 6 Colgate, to earn her second WCHA Defender of the Month title of the season.
 
Others Receiving Votes: Maggie Flaherty (Minnesota Duluth).  
 
WCHA Goaltender of the Month
Sanni Ahola, Jr., St. Cloud State (Helsinki, Finland)
Critical in St. Cloud State’s impressive run this fall, Sanni Ahola posted a .929 save percentage and 1.80 goals against average in the month of November. While earning a league-leading three wins in the crease, Ahola made a statement by allowing just one goal in a 4-1 victory over then-No. 1 Minnesota at the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Game before adding a shutout of Bemidji State in her first start of the month.
 
Ahola’s 233:52 of action resulted in 91 saves on 98 shots faced to earn her first WCHA Goaltender of the Month title of her career.
 
Others Receiving Votes: Cami Kronish (Wisconsin), Amanda Thiele (Ohio State), Emma Soderberg (Minnesota Duluth).
 
WCHA Rookie of the Month
Hailey MacLeod, G, Minnesota Duluth (Abbotsford, British Columbia)
Playing three games in November for Minnesota Duluth, Hailey MacLeod earned wins in both of her starts and allowed just one goal over that span. Her shutout of Harvard on Nov. 19 in her first home start was the first time in program history that a Bulldog goaltender has had a shutout and an assist in their first start at home.
 
MacLeod’s 0.41 goals against average was the lowest of any goaltender in the WCHA, while she also posted the highest save percentage at .980 through 147:54 of action. Her 48 saves on 49 shots faced resulted in a 2-0-0 record for the first WCHA monthly honor of her career.
 
Others Receiving Votes: Emma Peschel (Ohio 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.