NCAA Hockey Men's and Women's Players of the Week

Following the 2024 Men’s Ice Breaker Tournament, and yet another competitive week across the Women’s league, collegiate hockey is really beginning to heat up! Here are the athletes that looked the sharpest on the ice last week.

NCAA Men's Forward of the Week - Cole O'Hara, UMass

Junior forward Cole O'Hara is not only this week's top men's forward, but he is the Hockey East Player of the Week, thanks to his standout performance at the Ice Breaker Tournament. O'Hara led UMass in scoring as the Minutemen split their games, suffering a narrow 3-2 overtime loss to No. 15 Omaha, and bouncing back with a dominant 5-1 victory over Air Force.

O'Hara registered just one assist against Omaha and then followed up with a career high three-point night against Air Force, which included two goals; the game-winning power-play goal and an empty net goal. His play earned him a spot on the Ice Breaker All-Tournament Team, and elevated him into the conversation of the nation’s best forwards.

Women's Forward of the Week - Jada Habisch, UConn

Senior forward Jada Habisch is the women’s forward of the week, as she led the UConn Huskies with a stellar 5-point weekend, including two goals and two assists in a dominant 5-1 victory Friday night over New Hampshire.

Habisch tallied her first goal of the season early in the first period, then found the back of the net again late in the second, marking her eighth career multi-goal game. With her dynamic play, Habisch has established herself as a player to watch this season, leading the charge for UConn.

Men's Defenseman of the Week - Jacob Guevin, Omaha

Jacob Guevin was a dominant presence on both ends of the ice, playing a pivotal role in Omaha's victory at the 2024 Ice Breaker Tournament in Las Vegas. In Friday's 3-2 overtime win over No. 14 Massachusetts, the junior defenseman contributed two key assists, including the primary pass on the power-play goal that tied the game.

Guevin capped off the weekend in dramatic fashion, scoring the overtime game-winner in Saturday's championship matchup to secure a 2-1 victory over No. 5 Minnesota. Guevin's clutch performances were instrumental in Omaha's tournament success as they kicked off the regular season in perfect style.

Women's Defenseman of the Week - Lyndie Lobdell, Penn State

Defenseman Lyndie Lobdell shined in Penn State's two-game series at Union, earning her the title of Women's Defenseman of the Week for her standout performances. In Friday's matchup, Lobdell showcased her playmaking ability by recording two assists, helping the team secure a 4-2 victory over the Garnet Chargers.

Lobdell's offensive contributions have been consistent, as she now rides a three-game point streak, tallying five points on the season with two goals and three assists. Her ability to impact the game defensively while also pushing the pace makes her and the Penn State hockey club a storyline to watch out for this year.

Men's Goaltender of the Week - Simon Latkoczy, Omaha

Simon Latkoczy put on a show in Las Vegas to start the regular season, leading Omaha to the Ice Breaker Tournament title while earning Most Outstanding Player honors. He racked up 77 saves, including a career-high 53 saves in a 2-1, overtime win against No. 5 Minnesota.

One night earlier in the semifinals, Latkoczy turned aside 24 shots in a 3-2, overtime win against then-No. 14 UMass. Latkoczy finished the weekend with a 2-0-0 record in net, while compiling a 1.44 goals-against average and a .963 save percentage, making him the clear cut best goalie of the week.

Women's Goaltender of the Week - Ava McNaughton

Ava McNaughton was the standout women’s goaltender this week, playing a pivotal role in maintaining Wisconsin's perfect 6-0 record with two wins over Minnesota Duluth. McNaughton stopped an impressive 53 shots across the weekend, including a stellar 33-save performance in Friday’s 5-1 victory.

Her consistency in net has been a key factor in the Badgers' success, as she’s recorded 98 saves over the first six games of the season. McNaughton’s sharp play continues to anchor Wisconsin's impressive season.

With the NCAA hockey season now in full swing, the stage is set for more thrilling performances and unforgettable moments in the weeks to come.

Joseph Granton is a fourth-year broadcast journalism major. To contact him, email jlg6619@psu.edu.