Men's Ice Hockey | January 02, 2017

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Western Michigan hockey's Ben Blacker has been named National Collegiate Hockey Conference Rookie of the Week after his performance in net for the Broncos en route to winning the 2016 Great Lakes Invitational.

Blacker started in both games last Thursday and Friday and allowed one goal in 131:55 of hockey. In WMU's 4-1 win over Michigan State in the GLI Semifinals he stopped 29 saves and allowed just one power play goal. The Bronco penalty kill went 8-for-9 on the night, allowing just the one goal during a major power play.

The Oakville, Ontario, native shined in the GLI Championship game, making 23 saves to record his first collegiate shutout as Western Michigan won 1-0 in overtime. The freshman netminder was once again the team's top penalty killer, holding the Huskies scoreless on five power plays, including a major in overtime. For his performance Blacker earned a spot on the Great Lakes Invitational All-Tournament team.