University of Minnesota Athletics
Kellen Briggs Named WCHA Rookie of the Week
1/12/2004 12:00:00 AM | Athletics
Briggs performed exceptionally in his first appearances as a collegiate player in his hometown of Colorado Springs, Colo. Playing in front of numerous family and friends, Briggs made several crucial saves, including three on breakaways to push the Golden Gophers' unbeaten streak to six games (4-0-2). On Friday, he made 29 saves, several of the spectacular variety, to hold CC to a single goal. On Saturday, Briggs made 24 saves to earn his third shutout of the season, matching a Minnesota rookie record set by Adam Hauser in 1998-99. In addition, Briggs earned an assist on Minnesota's second goal of the night for his second helper of the season.
The one goal allowed at CC was the fewest goals allowed in a weekend series since UM won 4-0 and 4-1 at Alaska Anchorage on Jan. 31-Feb. 1, 2003. Briggs, 3-0-2 in his last five decisions, is now 9-5-3 on the season with a 2.58 gaa and a .900 save percentage. He is the first non- Minnesotan to play goaltender for the Golden Gophers since California native John Blue in 1986-87.
The award is the fourth for a Minnesota player this season and the second Rookie of the Week honor for Briggs this season (Dec. 1).
The Golden Gophers stay on the road this weekend for a two-game WCHA series at Minnesota State. Friday's game faces off at 7:35 p.m., while Saturday's tilt begins at 7:05 p.m. Both games will be televised on Fox Sports Net North and broadcast on KCCO AM 950.
