KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) handed out its final weekly awards of the season, with
Zach Nehring and
Grant Slukynsky being honored for their performances.
Slukynsky was named the league's Forward of the Week after producing five points on two goals and three assists. Along with that, he was +4 and won 54.5 percent of his faceoffs. He had multiple points in both games this past weekend.
On Friday night, the Warroad, Minn. native set the tone by handing out three assists in an 8-3 victory. He had helpers on Western Michigan's first, third and fifth goals of the night. It was the second three assist game of his career.
He followed that up with a two-goal night on Saturday in a 5-2 win over the RedHawks. Slukynsky tied the game in the first period, lighting the lamp on the power play with a one-timer from the right circle. He then put the Broncos in front with a goal in the second period, spinning out front and beating the goaltender.
Slukynsky is up to 31 points on eight goals and 23 assists this season. He leads the team in assists and is second in points this season. He has career highs in all major statistical categories.
Nehring was selected as the NCHC Rookie of the Week after totaling four points on three goals and one assist this weekend. The Minot, N.D. native was +2 and scored multiple points in both games this weekend.
The Winnipeg Jets draft pick opened the weekend by scoring two goals in Friday night's win. He pushed the Broncos in front 3-1 in the second period before adding another goal later in the frame to make the score 5-2. It was the second two-goal game of his career.
The next night, Nehring was just as good, scoring a goal and dishing out an assist. He helped the Broncos tie the game in the first period, setting up Slukynsky on the power play. In the second frame, Nehring put the game out of reach, recording his second game-winning goal of the season.
Nehring has had a terrific rookie campaign, producing 26 points on 13 goals and 13 assists. He leads all rookies on the team in points and goals and is second in assists.
Nehring, Slukynsky and the Broncos are set to open the NCHC Quarterfinals this weekend against St. Cloud State. WMU swept the Huskies earlier this season. Friday's series opener is scheduled for 7 PM at Lawson Arena.
