University of Minnesota Athletics
Jake Taylor Named WCHA Defensive Player of the Week
12/22/2003 12:00:00 AM | Athletics
Taylor was named to the All-Tournament Team after helping key a pair of strong defensive team efforts that resulted in a 9-0 victory over Princeton and a 4-2 win New Hampshire in the tournament title game. For the weekend, he was +3. In addition to his strong defensive play, Taylor also contributed offensively to Minnesota's two wins with a one goal and two assists. One of his two assists came on teammate Andy Sertich's game-winning goal vs. Princeton. Taylor is a draft choice of the NHL's New York Rangers.
Minnesota's two wins boosted the two-time defending NCAA Champions' record to 7-1 over the last eight games and to 9-8-1 overall. The Golden Gophers held their two opponents to just two total goals and 39 shots on goal (12 for Princeton, 27 for UNH), and also blanked the Tigers and Wildcats on all eight of their power-play attempts.
The award is the third for a Minnesota player this season and Taylor's first career WCHA honor.
The Golden Gophers return to action on Friday-Saturday, Jan. 2-3, with a non-conference series against Boston University at Mariucci Arena.
