University of Minnesota Athletics
Phil Kessel Named WCHA Co-Rookie of the Week
11/28/2005 12:00:00 AM | Men's Hockey
Kessel established himself as a force to be reckoned with in college hockey last weekend with two goals and three assists in Minnesota's 1-0-1 showing at the College Hockey Showcase in Ann Arbor and East Lansing, Mich. On Friday, the freshman phenom recorded his third game this season with three or more points with a two-goal, one-assist performance in Minnesota’s win over Michigan. Kessel’s two goals marked a career best. He scored UM's third and sixth goals, and led all players with five shots.
In Saturday's 2-2 tie at Michigan State, Kessel assisted on both of Danny Irmen’s goals both in the first period. Once again, he led all players with six shots on the night. For the weekend, he was a team-best +2. On the year, Kessel has six multi-point games. He has a point in 10 of 14 games this season, a goal in seven contests and an assist in seven contests. Minnesota is 5-1-4 when he records a point. Kessel leads the team in points and assists with 8-13--21. His point total ranks second in the WCHA and seventh in the nation (first among freshmen).
The award is the second Rookie of the Week accolade for Kessel.
Fourth-ranked Minnesota returns home this weekend to continue Rivalry Month, hosting arch-rival and top-ranked Wisconsin on Friday-Saturday, Dec. 2-3, at Mariucci Arena. Both games face off at 7:07 p.m., and will be broadcast on FSN North and WCCO AM 830.
