University of Minnesota Athletics
Baldwin Named WCHA Defensive Player of the Year
2/28/2018 12:00:00 AM | Women's Hockey
MINNEAPOLIS - Senior Sydney Baldwin was selected as the 2017-18 WCHA Defensive Player of the Year and freshman Grace Zumwinkle was recognized as the league's annual Scoring Champion as the WCHA handed outs its six individual accolades powered by GoodWood Hockey on Wednesday.
"On behalf of the WCHA, our sincere congratulations to our individual award winners," said WCHA Vice President and Women's League Commissioner Katie Million. "To be recognized as the best-of-the-best from such a deep and talented group of nominees is a tremendous honor. We are proud to applaud their fantastic seasons, both on and off the ice!"
Baldwin was one of the nation's top two-way players this season. A senior from Minnetonka, Minn., Baldwin was tied for third in the scoring and led WCHA defense with 22 points (9g-13a) in conference games, along with a WCHA-best 76 blocked shots. Baldwin ranks second among NCAA defense with 32 points, 12 goals (tied) and 92 blocks, and she is tied for sixth with a plus-24 rating. She recorded at least one point in 23 of her 35 games (14 WCHA contests), while factoring in seven game-winning goals (2g-5a). Baldwin was an All-WCHA First Team selection and is a top-10 finalist for the 2018 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award.
Zumwinkle is the WCHA's first rookie scoring champion since the 2009-10 season. The Excelsior, Minn., native recorded 27 points in 24 WCHA games, scoring 11 goals with a league-best 16 assists. She also topped the WCHA with 0.67 assists and 1.12 points per game, along with seven power-play points (tied). Zumwinkle was named to the All-WCHA First Team and the WCHA All-Rookie Team.
The 2017-18 WCHA Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year were chosen from the All-WCHA First Team forwards and defense, respectively. The Goaltender of the Year is the first-team All-WCHA netminder, while the Rookie of the Year was selected from the All-WCHA Rookie Team. WCHA Women's League member team head coaches and assistant coaches vote for the All-WCHA Teams, and then again for these awards. Member institution Faculty Athletic Representatives nominate and vote for the WCHA Outstanding Student-Athlete of the Year.
2017-18 WCHA Individual Awards
WCHA Offensive Player of the Year: Abby Roque, So., F, Wisconsin
WCHA Defensive Player of the Year: Sydney Baldwin, Sr., D, Minnesota
WCHA Goaltender of the Year: Kristen Campbell, So., G, Wisconsin
WCHA Rookie of the Year: Emma Maltais, Fr., F, Ohio State
WCHA Outstanding Student-Athlete of the Year: Catherine Daoust, Sr., D, Minnesota Duluth
WCHA Scoring Champion: Grace Zumwinkle, Fr., F, Minnesota
WCHA Goaltending Champion: Kristen Campbell, So., G, Wisconsin
WCHA Coach of the Year: Nadine Muzerall, Ohio State
The 2018 WCHA Final Face-Off is set for this Saturday and Sunday at Ridder Arena. This year marks the 11th time the league's postseason tournament has been held at Ridder Arena. Wisconsin, Ohio State, Minnesota, and Bemidji State will battle for the WCHA postseason crown and the conference's automatic berth to the NCAA tournament.
Two semifinal games are scheduled for 2:07 p.m. CT and 5:07 p.m. CT on Saturday. No. 1 seed Wisconsin (29-3-2) takes on No. 5 seed Bemidji State (16-18-3) in the first semifinal while No. 3 seed Minnesota (22-10-3) will face No. 2 seed Ohio State (23-9-4) in the second semifinal. The two semifinal winners will meet at 2:07 p.m. CT Sunday for the WCHA crown.
All-tournament packages and single-session tickets are available for purchase through the Gopher Ticket Office; in-person at 3M Arena at Mariucci (during regular office hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT, Monday-Friday), via phone at 612-624-8080 (Option 2) or online at MyGopherSports.com.
About GoodWood Hockey
Family owned and operated in Saint Paul, Minn., GoodWood Hockey is focused on providing unique, high quality, socially-responsible apparel to the growing hockey community. The only hockey-inspired clothing company that specializes in items for the entire family, GoodWood Hockey aims to become a household name in homes across North America through providing excellent products backed by exceptional customer service. Through their philanthropic division, GWH: Hockey for Good, the brand aims to provide support and solutions to global issues through a variety of charities and non-profit organizations. For more information, visit www.goodwoodhockey.com.
###
