McDonald, Motte, Steman grab WCHA weekly honors in first week

October 6, 2014 MiHockey Staff

By @MichaelCaples –

The WCHA announced their ‘players of the week’ for the first time during the 2014-15 season, and it didn’t take long for Michigan residents to grab up all the spots.

Ferris State’s Chad McDonald and CJ Motte both were recognized for helping the Bulldogs take down Michigan, while MTU’s Dylan Steman claimed the rookie of the week nod.

From the WCHA:

WCHA Offensive Player of the Week
Chad McDonald, So., F, Ferris State

McDonald had two goals, a team-high five total shots and a +1 rating during ninth-ranked Ferris State’s season-opening, 4-3 win over #8 Michigan before a sellout crowd at the Ewigleben Ice Arena. The sophomore from Battle Creek, Mich. scored the game-winner with a short-handed tally in the second period. His opening goal came just 1:03 into the contest as the Bulldogs jumped out to a quick, 2-0 lead.

Also nominated: Alex Globke, So., F, Lake Superior State; Alex Petan, Jr., F, Michigan Tech

WCHA Defensive Player of the Week
CJ Motte, Sr., G, Ferris State

Motte, a senior from St. Clair, Mich., made 34 saves in the Bulldogs’ 4-3 victory over their intrastate rival, #8 Michigan. A day after being named to the Mike Richter Award Watch List, Motte had several critical saves late in the contest with the Bulldogs playing short-handed for the final minutes. He finished with 10 saves in the first period, 14 in the second and 10 more in the third. Motte also picked up an assist on Ferris State’s third goal.

Also nominated: Shane Hanna, So., D, Michigan Tech

WCHA Rookie of the Week
Dylan Steman, F, Michigan Tech

Steman scored a goal and added an assist in his second game in a Michigan Tech uniform, leading the Huskies to a 5-1 victory Sunday afternoon and a WCHA road series sweep of Lake Superior State. The Hanover, Minn. native tipped in a Cliff Watson shot in the second period for his first collegiate goal before adding an assist on Blake Hietala’s third period tally. Steman finished +2 on the weekend with five shots on goal.

Also nominated: Mitch Maloney, F, Ferris State