Men's Player of the Week: UWSP's Heck

SAINT PAUL (February 7, 2012) – UW-Stevens Point forward Kyle Heck (Plover, Wis. / SPASH) has been chosen Player of the Week in the NCHA Men’s Conference for the week ending February 5. Heck edged out a strong group of nominees for the award by contributing to three of the Pointers four goals last weekend and leading his team to three conference points.

In a 2-1 win last Friday at St. Scholastica, Heck scored both UW-Stevens Point goals – the game-winner coming with just 5:42 left in regulation time. The power play goal was Heck’s 15^th of the year and it put the Pointers up 2-0 at the time. His first goal came in the final minutes of the first period, an even strength tally assisted by Andrew Kolb and Kent Detlefsen.

Last Saturday Heck again put his team up 2-0, this time in the waning minutes of the opening period. It was Heck’s second short-handed goal of the season and it gave the Pointers the momentum heading into the dressing room. The goal was looking like a game-winner until UW-Superior scored with the extra attacker at 19:33 of the third. The teams finished in a 2-2 tie.

Around the Rinks ... Playoff Central

* St. Norbert in Control: The Green Knights control their destiny for the league title and top seed. They clinch at least a share of the title with two points this weekend and the title outright with three points.

* Don’t Stop Believin’: Multiple scenarios exist for UW-River Falls, St. Scholastica and UW-Stevens Point to grab a share of the league title, all contingent upon St. Norbert’s results.

* Saints, Pointers: St. Scholastica and UW-Stevens Point both clinch a home playoff series with one point this weekend. They are currently tied in the standings, with the Pointers currently holding the tie-breaker should they end up with equal points and NCHA win totals.

Complete Release (pdf)

2011-12 Men's Player of the Week Winners

Nov 1, 2011 - Kyle Heck, UW-Stevens Point
Nov 8, 2011 - Jordan Singer, UW-Eau Claire
Nov 15, 2011 - Brandon Stephenson, UW-Eau Claire
Nov 22, 2011 - Cody Keefer, St. Norbert
Dec 13, 2011 - Nick Graves, UW-Stevens Point
Jan 10, 2012 - Sam Carr, UW-Stout
Jan 17, 2012 - Brett Corcoran, St. Scholastica
Jan 24, 2012 - Johan Ryd, St. Norbert
Jan 31, 2012 - Joe Perry, St. Norbert
Feb 7, 2012 - Kyle Heck, UW-Stevens Point