Former Hermantown standout Ty Hanson was named the National Collegiate Hockey Conference Defenseman of the Week for the second time this season.
The University of Minnesota Duluth sophomore led all NCHC players with seven blocked shots in last weekend’s series against No. 8 North Dakota, including four in Friday’s 4-3 overtime victory. Hanson also scored the game-winning goal just 43 seconds into overtime and added an assist for a two-point weekend.
Hanson ranks second nationally with a plus/minus rating of plus-11, trailing only teammate Max Plante (plus-13). He is tied for third among NCAA defensemen with 10 points in 10 games on three goals and seven assists, including two game-winners. Hanson also leads the Bulldogs in average ice time at 23 minutes, 53 seconds per game.
The weekly honor marks UMD’s sixth NCHC award of the season. Previous winners include Plante and Jayson Shaugabay as forwards of the week and goaltender Adam Gajan, who has twice been recognized.
UMD returns to Amsoil Arena this weekend to face St. Cloud State in NCHC play. Friday’s game begins at 7:07 p.m., with Saturday’s matchup set for 6:07 p.m.
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Sophomore forward Max Plante continues to light up college hockey, climbing to the top of the NCAA statistical charts through the first month of the season.
The Hermantown native leads the nation in total points (19), points per game (1.90), and plus/minus rating (+13) among players with at least three games played. Plante also ranks fourth nationally in goals (9), emerging as one of college hockey’s most dynamic young scorers.
Plante, who wears the “A” as an assistant captain for the Bulldogs, has been the engine behind UMD’s early offensive surge. His mix of speed, vision and playmaking has turned the Bulldogs’ top line into one of the most feared units in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference.
He has recorded multiple points in six of UMD’s first 10 games, including three multi-goal efforts.