BLOOMINGTON, Minn. – Opening weekend in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association included a trio of nonconference series, where the league was able to earn five wins. For their efforts across the first hockey weekend of the season, four have been named as WCHA Players of the Week, presented by Sterling Trophy.  
 
WCHA Forward of the Week
Lacey Eden, So., Wisconsin (Annapolis, Md.)
In Wisconsin’s opening series at Penn State, Lacey Eden tied for the team lead with four points by two goals and two assists. A dominant performance, Eden scored two goals and added an assist in Wisconsin’s 9-1 victory on Friday, ultimately leading the Badgers with 15 shots on goal on the weekend.
 
The weekly honor is the third of Eden’s career, after being named WCHA Rookie of the Week Jan. 25, 2021 and Feb. 8, 2021 before her year of Olympic residency.
 
Others Receiving Votes: Taylor Nelson (Bemidji State) and Gabbie Hughes (Minnesota Duluth).
 
WCHA Defender of the Week
Ashton Bell, 5Yr., Minnesota Duluth (Deloraine, Manitoba)
Making her return to the Minnesota Duluth lineup after her Olympic centralization, Ashton Bell was a steady name on the scoresheet on opening weekend. Bell had a career night on Sunday, turning in her first career hat trick as well as a career-high four points by three goals and an assist. Bell led all Minnesota Duluth players with 15 shots on goal and had five points in the series to help the Bulldogs to an opening weekend sweep of LIU.  
 
Others Receiving Votes: Adriana Van De Leest (Bemidji State) and Chayla Edwards (Wisconsin).
 
WCHA Goaltender of the Week
Jane Gervais, So., Wisconsin (Valcourt, Quebec)
This past weekend, Jane Gervais made her second career start on Friday against No. 14 Penn State, stopping 22 of 23 possible shots she faced. With her .957 save percentage and 1.01 goals against average, Gervais was the only netminder in the WCHA to record a ranked win.
 
The victory came in addition to picking up her first career assist on Sophie Shirley’s first goal of the game, becoming the first Badger goaltender to record an assist since Kristen Campbell in 2019. The honor is the first of Gervais’ career.
 
Others Receiving Votes: Hannah Hogenson (Bemidji State).
 
WCHA Rookie of the Week
Raeley Carney, F, Bemidji State (Wasilla, Alaska)
Making her collegiate debut was Raeley Carney, who tied for the team lead with two goals over the weekend to help Bemidji State to a series sweep over Lindenwood. Carney scored both power play goals on Saturday, helping the Beavers go 3-for-3 on the power play in the 6-3 victory. Posting four shots on goal and two blocked shots, Carney skated to a plus-1 rating on the ice in opening weekend action for the first WCHA honor in her career.
 
Others Receiving Votes: Caroline Harvey (Wisconsin).
 
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.