Junior forward Amanda Kessel of Madison, Wis., is the WCHA's offensive player of the week. She had one goal and three assists as the U of M swept Minnesota Duluth 4-1, 4-0 on the road.
She has 15 goals and 17 assists for 32 points in 11 games for the No. 1-ranked Gophers (12-0-0).
Center Hannah Brandt, of Vadnais Heights, is the conference's rookie of the week. She had two assists in both UMD games. So for the season, she has 12 goals and 21 assists for 33 points -- one ahead of Kessel -- in 12 games.
Kessel has received the same award twice, Brandt three times.
The defensive player of the week is Wisconsin junior goalie Alex Rigsby of Delafield, Wis. She shut out Minnesota State Mankato 2-0 and 5-0. She had 36 saves in the two games. ... Gophers defenseman Megan Bozek also was nominated for this award.
