On Wednesday, the Western Collegiate Hockey Association announced its Players of the Month for November presented by Sterling Trophy Awards & Engraving, as Wisconsin's trio of Laila Edwards, Caroline Harvey, and Ava McNaughton were joined by Minnesota Duluth's Caitlin Kraemer in earning the honors.
The Badgers' Edwards claimed her first Forward of the Month honor, while teammates Harvey and McNaughton were named the Defender of the Month and Goaltender of the Month, respectively for the second consecutive month. Minnesota Duluth's Kraemer claimed the second Rookie of the Month honor of her career.
WCHA Forward of the Month
Laila Edwards, Jr., Wisconsin (Cleveland Heights, Ohio)
For the first time this season, Wisconsin's Laila Edwards was named the WCHA Forward of the Month. Edwards helped lead the Badgers to a 7-1 record in November including wins against three ranked opponents. During November, Edwards led all WCHA skaters with 17 points off seven goals and 10 assists. The seven goals scored by Edwards were tied for the league lead in the month with fellow Badger Kirsten Simms while her 10 assists ranked second behind teammate Casey O'Brien.
Other Nominee: Abbey Murphy, Minnesota.
WCHA Defender of the Month
Caroline Harvey, Jr., Wisconsin (Salem, N.H.)
Wisconsin's Caroline Harvey claimed her second-consecutive WCHA Defender of the Month honor after leading all WCHA defenders with 15 points in November. Harvey registered five goals and 10 assists while also recording a point in seven of Wisconsin's eight games during the month. The junior became the fifth Badger defender in program history to record 100 career points.
Other Nominees: Sydney Morrow, Minnesota; Maddy Clough, St. Thomas.
WCHA Goaltender of the Month
Ava McNaughton, So., Wisconsin (Seven Fields, Pa.)
Ava McNaughton led all WCHA goalies with six wins and two shutouts in November en route to earning her second consecutive WCHA Goaltender of the Month award. The sophomore netminder's 1.20 goals-against average and .956 save percentage ranked second among all league goalies while her 173 total saves ranked third among all goalies in the month. McNaughton posted a 6-1-0 record on the month with three of the six wins coming against ranked opponents.
Other Nominees: Hannah Clark, Minnesota; Ève Gascon, Minnesota Duluth; Hailey Hansen, Minnesota State; Dani Strom, St. Thomas.
WCHA Rookie of the Month
Caitlin Kraemer, F, Minnesota Duluth (Waterloo, Ontario)
Minnesota Duluth's Caitlin Kraemer was tabbed the WCHA Rookie of the Month for November, marking the second monthly honor in her career. Kraemer earned two Rookie of the Week honors in November, the most of any freshman in the league. The forward recorded her first hat trick and highest career game totals in the month all while turning in a +7 effort. In November, Kraemer averaged 1.00 points per game for the Bulldogs.
Other Nominees: Hannah Clark, Minnesota; Chloe Boreen, St. Thomas; Finley McCarthy, Wisconsin.
For more information on the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, follow the league at WCHA.com and on its social platforms: X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
2024-25 WCHA Players of the Month:
November - Forward: Laila Edwards, Wisconsin; Defender: Caroline Harvey, Wisconsin; Goaltender: Ava McNaughton, Wisconsin; Rookie: Caitlin Kraemer, Minnesota Duluth
October - Forward: Casey O'Brien, Wisconsin; Defender: Caroline Harvey, Wisconsin; Goaltender: Ava McNaughton, Wisconsin; Rookie: Emilia Kyrkkö, St. Cloud State
September - Forward: Casey O'Brien, Wisconsin; Defender: Emma Peschel, Ohio State; Goaltender: Ève Gascon, Minnesota Duluth; Rookie: Caitlin Kraemer, Minnesota Duluth