Men's Ice Hockey | December 10, 2018
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Western Michigan freshman defenseman Mattias Samuelsson has been named Bauer National Collegiate Hockey Conference Rookie of the Week after his performance in WMU's weekend win and shootout win over defending national champions, Minnesota-Duluth.
Samuelsson finished the weekend with an assist in each game and blocked a total of four shots. He also played a big part in holding UMD to just 1-for-10 on the power play.
In Friday's 3-2 win he assisted on WMU's game-tying goal early in the third period, while finishing with two blocks and a +2 plus/minus rating. On Friday the Bulldogs finished the night 0-for-5 on the penalty kill. In Saturday's 1-1 tie and shootout win he set up WMU's lone goal just 46 seconds into the first period. Samuelsson also blocked two shots and finished +1.
This is the first NCHC honors for the Buffalo Sabres' draft pick. Samuelsson has played in all 16 games this season, scoring three goals and five assists for eight points. He also leads the team in plus/minus at +12.
Samuelsson and the Broncos are off until they head to Las Vegas, Nev., for the Ice Vegas Invitational on Jan. 4-5. The Broncos open the tournament against UConn at 8 p.m. ET on Jan. 4. Depending on the outcome, WMU will then play St. Lawrence or Air Force on Saturday at 8 of 11:30 p.m. The Broncos return home to host NCHC rival Miami on Jan. 11-12 at 7:05 p.m. Tickets are available by calling 1-888-4-WMUTIX and online at www.wmubroncos.com/tickets.
