Gophers Hockey: Nick Bjugstad named WCHA Offensive Player of the Week

The first weekend of college hockey has come and gone with a pair of dominating wins by the now-#1 Golden Gophers over Michigan State. Now the awards are in as the WCHA named University of Minnesota junior Nick Bjugstad the Offensive Player of the Week.

Bjugstad, a Florida Panthers draft pick, received the award for the second time in his collegiate career (Nov. 1, 2011 being the other). The 6'6" 220 lb junior notched an assist in Friday's 5-1 win over Michigan State and scored the game-winning goal in each game this weekend.

In addition, goalie Michael Shibrowski was nominated for the WCHA Defensive Player of the Week and defenseman Brady Skjei was a WCHA Rookie of the Week award nominee. Shibrowski stopped 25 of 26 shots Friday while Skjei, the 2012 first round pick of the New York Rangers, scored his first collegiate goal and an assist Saturday.

The Defensive Player of the Week went to Colorado College senior Mike Bolvin. Minnesota-Duluth freshman forward Austin Fairley, meanwhile, was named the WCHA Rookie of the Week.

For more University of Minnesota coverage, check out The Daily Gopher. You can also read up on the WCHA and college hockey at Western College Hockey and SB Nation's NHL hub.

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