Michigan schools sweep WCHA weekly awards

By @MichaelCaples –

The WCHA announced their weekly awards today, and all the spots were claimed by Michigan residents.

Ferris State’s Gerald Mayhew was named the league’s offensive player of the week after a five-point weekend in a home sweep of Alaska Anchorage. Meanwhile, his goaltender, CJ Motte, was named the defensive player of the week.

The rookie of the week nod went to Lake Superior State goaltender Gordon Defiel, who recorded his first collegiate shutout on Friday night.

From the league:

WCHA Offensive Player of the Week
Gerald Mayhew, So., F, Ferris State (Wyandotte, Mich.)
Mayhew assisted on both game-winning goals and added three strikes of his own for a five-point weekend as Ferris State swept visiting Alaska Anchorage in a Thursday-Friday series. The sophomore from Wyandotte, Mich., tallied two goals and an assist as the Bulldogs opened the series with a decisive 10-2 triumph. He then came back with another goal and assist in Friday’s 4-0 victory. Mayhew finished with an impressive plus-four rating for the weekend, with eight shots and two blocks.

Also nominated: Tanner Kero, Sr., F, Michigan Tech; Bryce Schmitt, Jr., F, Lake Superior State; Jeff Vanderlugt, Sr., F, Alabama Huntsville

WCHA Defensive Player of the Week
CJ Motte, Sr., G, Ferris State (St. Clair, Mich.)
Motte guided the Bulldogs to a home sweep over visiting Alaska Anchorage, posting an outstanding 0.54 goals against average (one goal allowed during 110:13 in net) and .969 save percentage (31-of-32). The returning Hobey Baker Award finalist recorded his 13th collegiate shutout – most among active NCAA goaltenders – in Friday’s 4-0 victory. The senior from St. Clair, Mich. is tied for the national lead with three shutouts this season, while also ranking third for saves (310) and seventh for both goals against average (1.58) and save percentage (.948).

Also nominated: Carmine Guerriero, So., G, Alabama Huntsville; Jamie Phillips, Jr., G, Michigan Tech

WCHA Rookie of the Week
Gordon Defiel, G, Lake Superior State (Stillwater, Minn.)
Defiel posted his first collegiate shutout on Friday night, backstopping Lake Superior State to a 1-0 victory at Alabama Huntsville. The freshman from Stillwater, Minn. stopped all 26 shots faced, including nine in the third period as the Lakers clung to a one-goal lead. He added 25 saves on Saturday night in what was a 2-2 game late into the second, before being victimized by a trio of Chargers power plays. Defiel ranks fourth nationally with 309 saves during his rookie campaign.

Also nominated: Tyler Andrew, F, Ferris State; Max McHugh, F, Alabama Huntsville