How important is Bridgette Lacquette to the University of Minnesota Duluth women's hockey defensive unit? Just ask Bemdiji State University.
Bulldog defenseman Lacquette, who keyed a stellar defensive effort that propelled UMD to a two-game sweep over league rival Bemidji State last weekend, has been named the WCHA Women's Defensive Player of the Week for January 22.
A sophomore from Mallard, Manitoba, Lacquette was strong at both ends of the ice, producing three points, including assists on both game-winning goals, earning a +5 plus/minus rating and helping blank the Beavers on all 12 of their series power-play chances as the Bulldogs stretched their unbeaten streak to eight games (6-0-2) and their winning streak to four. She set up teammate Brienna Gillanders' game-winner last Friday (Jan. 18) in UMD's 3-0 victory and then assisted on Pernilla Winberg's winner last Saturday (Jan. 19) in the Bulldogs' 4-2 triumph. Also on Saturday, Lacquette one-timed the puck in the slot to deliver the game-equalizer 14:31 into the first period.
Seeing action all 22 of her team's games this season, Laquette has 12 points (3g, 9a).
Lacquette and the Bulldogs travel to Columbus, Ohio this weekend to face ninth-ranked Ohio State University on Friday and Saturday at 2:07 pm.
