BLOOMINGTON, Minn. – The Western Collegiate Hockey Association had six teams in action over the weekend, filling it with nonconference play, a top-10 league matchup, and many milestones.
For their efforts, Minnesota Duluth’s Nina Jobst-Smith and Emma Soderberg are joined by Minnesota’s Grace Zumwinkle and Minnesota State’s Taylor Otremba as the league’s Players of the Week, presented by Sterling Trophy.
WCHA Forward of the Week
Grace Zumwinkle, Fifth-Year, Minnesota (Excelsior, Minn.)
In addition to going 2-0-0 in the East/West Showcase, Minnesota had a milestone weekend as Grace Zumwinkle recorded a team-high total of seven points against Merrimack and New Hampshire. As she net three goals and four assists, Zumwinkle became the sixth Gopher to score 100 career goals on Saturday, while notching a career-high of four assists for a career-best six-points in the 8-1 win over UNH.
Zumwinkle’s play included a game-winning goal off of her 12 shots on goal, where she became the program leader in career shots on goal on Friday. She currently holds 735 as she collects her second WCHA Forward of the Week title of the season, following up her Oct. 17 honor.
Others Receiving Votes: Anneke Linser (Minnesota Duluth), Lauren Stenslie (St. Thomas), Klara Hymlarova (St. Cloud State), Taylor Otremba (Minnesota State).
WCHA Defender of the Week
Nina Jobst-Smith, Jr., Minnesota Duluth (North Vancouver, British Columbia)
As Minnesota Duluth earned a strong weekend sweep against then-No. 2 Wisconsin, Nina Jobst-Smith led a defensive squad that held the nation’s highest scoring team to a single goal over the weekend. The junior blueliner had the primary assist on the game-sealing goal in Saturday’s 3-1 win, while she helped keep Wisconsin 5-for-5 on the power play in the series.
While leading the WCHA with six blocked shots over the weekend, Jobst-Smith improved to a career-best of 14 points this season by three goals and 11 assists. It marks her second WCHA Defender of the Week title of the season after being named as such on Dec. 5.
Others Receiving Votes: Madeline Wethington (Minnesota), Taytum Geier (St. Cloud State).
WCHA Goaltender of the Week
Emma Soderberg, Grad., Minnesota Duluth (Jarved, Sweden)
Soderberg was outstanding for the Bulldogs this past weekend, backstopping Minnesota Duluth to a series sweep of No. 2 Wisconsin despite facing a league-most 73 shots and making a WCHA-best 72 saves through 119:54 of action. Soderberg allowed just one goal Saturday, before posting a shutout against the nation’s top-scoring team for her fifth clean sheet of the season.
With 44 saves on Saturday, Soderberg was just two shy of tying her career-best, while it was the fifth time she has posted 40 or more saves in a game in her career. Soderberg’s fifth shutout of the season ties her for the fifth-most in a season by a Minnesota Duluth goaltender, while it marked the 16th in her career, tying her for third-most shutouts in program history. Also earning her 46th career win, Soderberg has now taken possession of the sixth spot all-time.
The WCHA Goaltender of the Week title is the third for Soderberg this season, after claiming the title back-to-back Oct. 3 and Oct. 10.
Others Receiving Votes: Saskia Maurer (St. Thomas), JoJo Chobak (St. Cloud State), Lauren Barbro (Minnesota State).
WCHA Rookie of the Week
Taylor Otremba, F, Minnesota State (Lakeville, Minn.)
Leading Minnesota State to a weekend sweep of Lindenwood was Taylor Otremba as she earned a team-high of five points by two goals and three assists. Her five-point performance in Friday’s 8-0 win effectively moves her into first on the team in goals this season.
Having a hand in five of the Mavericks eight goals, Otremba tallied a trio of assists before scoring back-to-back to round out the scoring, all off of nine shots on goal. After skating to a plus-6 rating on the ice, Otremba’s WCHA Rookie of the Week title is her third of the season, after being named to the honor on Oct. 31 and Nov. 21.
Others Receiving Votes: Nelli Laitinen (Minnesota), Regan Bulger (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.
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