University of Minnesota Athletics

Keith Ballard Named WCHA Defensive Player of the Week

11/24/2003 12:00:00 AM | Athletics

folloJunior defenseman Keith Ballard (Baudette, Minn./Millard North HS) has been named the WCHA Defensive Player of the Week, following his one-goal, two-assist performance last weekend in a two-game sweep of Michigan Tech at Mariucci Arena. The series marked his return to the Minnesota lineup after a seven-game absence with a knee injury.

On Friday, Ballard was named first star in the Golden Gophers' 6-2 win with assists on UM's first and fourth goals. In Saturday's 3-0 win, he rounded out Minnesota's scoring with a goal in the third period. For the weekend, Ballard was +3 and held Michigan Tech's potent line of Chris Connor, Taggart Desmet and Colin Murphy to 1-1--2.

Ballard ranks 11th in the WCHA among defenseman in scoring with 2-4-6 in five games.

The award is the first for a Minnesota player this season and Ballard's first career WCHA Player of the Week honor.

The Golden Gophers compete in the College Hockey Showcase this weekend. Minnesota visits Michigan State on Friday, Nov. 28, at 6:05 p.m., Central time and Michigan on Saturday, Nov. 29, at 6:35 p.m.

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