NMU’s Tolvanen, FSU’s Kapelmaster claim WCHA monthly awards

By @MichaelCaples –

Goalies tending to creases in the state of Michigan have claimed both of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association’s monthly awards, the conference announced today.

‘Player of the Month’ honors are going to Northern Michigan goaltender Atte Tolvanen – and rightfully so – while Ferris State netminder claimed the ‘Rookie of the Month’ award.

Tolvanen, a native of Vihti, Finland, posted four consecutive shutouts to open the month of February, part of a five-straight shutout session that set a new WCHA record and tied the all-time NCAA Division 1 men’s hockey mark.

He made at least 30 saves in seven of the eight games he played in, topping 40 three different times. Tolvanen finished with an impressive .943 save percentage on the month.

Meanwhile, Kapelmaster was stellar between the pipes for Ferris State, posting a 3-1-0 record, a 2.75 goals-against average and a .898 save percnetage.

He opened the month with 39 saves in a victory on the road at Michigan Tech, then led FSU to a 2-1 series-opening victory over Alaska in the middle of the month. He wrapped up February with a 6-4 road win at Lake Superior State.