Tim Stapleton, who figured in on half of the University of Minnesota Duluth's offensive production in its series split last weekend at the University of Denver, has been chosen both the Western Collegiate Hockey Association and USCHO Offensive Player of the Week for his spirited performance.

The junior center from LaGrange, Ill. scored once and assisted on two other goals in UMD's 5-4 loss to the No. 1 ranked Pioneers Friday. The following night, Stapleton had a goal and assist in a convincing 6-3 triumph.

In addition to his five points (which led all WCHA players), Stapleton was a +3 on the weekend and anchored a power play unit which cashed in on four of their 11 opportunities. He now has collected one goal in each of the past four games and also has been credited with three assists during that stretch. With 32 points (15 goals and 17 assists) in 32 outings, Stapleton holds down the No. 3 spot on the 2004-05 Bulldog scoring charts and currently ranks ninth among WCHA skaters in that same department (28 points in league play).

This marks the fourth time this winter a Bulldog has been so honored by the WCHA. Senior center Evan Schwabe was the league's second Offensive Player of the Week recipient of 2004-05 (Oct. 18) while senior left wing Marco Peluso attained that distinction on two occasions (Oct. 25 and Jan. 31).

Stapleton and the Bulldogs will take on Bemidji State University in a home-and-home series which kicks off this Friday night at the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center and concluded the following evening in Bemidji, Minn.