BLOOMINGTON, Minn. – The month of January brought outstanding play in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, with four rising to the top as the league’s Players of the Month.
 
For their efforts, Minnesota’s Grace Zumwinkle and Skylar Vetter are joined by Minnesota Duluth’s Nina Jobst-Smith and Minnesota State’s Taylor Otremba as the league’s honorees, as announced by Sterling Trophy.   
 
WCHA Forward of the Month
Grace Zumwinkle, 5Yr., Minnesota (Excelsior, Minn.)
Through Minnesota’s eight games played in January, Grace Zumwinkle led the WCHA with her 16 points by eight goals and eight assists. On her way to 16 points in January, she became the sixth Gopher to hit 100 career goals when she scored on Jan. 7 against New Hampshire in the East/West Showcase at Ridder Arena.
 
Zumwinkle’s performance included a trio of game-winning goals as Minnesota went undefeated on the month’s eight games. In addition to 44 shots on goal, Zumwinkle skated to a plus-14 rating on the ice. Zumwinkle was named WCHA Forward of the Week on Jan. 9, leading to her first WCHA Forwarfd of the Month title of the season.
 
Others Receiving Votes: Claire Butorac (Minnesota State), Anneke Linser (Minnesota Duluth), Paetyn Levis (Ohio State).
 
WCHA Defender of the Month
Nina Jobst-Smith, Jr., Minnesota Duluth (North Vancouver, British Columbia)
While lacing up for eight games with Minnesota Duluth this month, Nina Jobst-Smith recorded nine points by one goal and eight assists for a 1.13 points per game average. As a blueliner, Jobst-Smith helped Minnesota Duluth hold its opponents to a league-low 1.25 goals per game and a league-best three shutouts.
 
A well-rounded player, her 12 blocked shots were joined by 11 shots on goal and a plus-8 rating on the ice. A steadfast player on the scoresheet, Jobst-Smith has a career-high of 22 points so far this season and was named WCHA Defender of the Week on Jan. 9, leading to the first WCHA Defender of the Month title of the season for the junior.
 
Others Receiving Votes: Charlotte Akervik (Minnesota State), Sophie Jaques (Ohio State), Madeline Wethington (Minnesota).  
 
WCHA Goaltender of the Month
Skylar Vetter, So., Minnesota (Lakeville, Minn.)
In an undefeated January, Skylar Vetter earned a 7-0-0 record for Minnesota in goal this month. The sophomore posted a .940 save percentage and a 1.20 goals against average when she made 127 saves on 135 shots faced.
 
Closing out the month strong, Vetter helped Minnesota sweep then-No. 6 Minnesota Duluth on the road as she extended her win streak to 11 straight games. Named WCHA Goaltender of the Week on Jan. 30, Vetter allowed one goal or less in five of her seven starts this month.
 
Vetter’s January Goaltender of the Month title is her third of the season after being named to the honor in both October and December.
 
Others Receiving Votes: Lauren Barbro (Minnesota State), Amanda Thiele (Ohio State), Cami Kronish (Wisconsin), Emma Soderberg (Minnesota Duluth).  
 
WCHA Rookie of the Month
Taylor Otremba, F, Minnesota State (Lakeville, Minn.)
While facing three ranked opponents in Minnesota State’s eight games this month, Taylor Otremba topped the squad with her nine points by two goals and seven assists. A standout performance, Otremba posted a five-point game against Lindenwood by two goals and three assists and skated to a plus-6 rating on the ice in the same game.
 
Earning points in five of the month’s eight games, Otremba earned a pair of assists against the top team in the nation when the team traveled to Ohio State. Named WCHA Rookie of the Week on Jan. 9, Otremba collects the first monthly award of her career as WCHA Rookie of the Month for January.
 
Others Receiving Votes: Emma Peschel (Ohio State), Madison Kaiser (Minnesota).  
 
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.