MADISON, Wis. — Bemidji State University defenseman Erika Wheelhouse (Jr., Crookston, Minn.), who tallied six assists in two games against Ohio State University, was selected as the WCHA Defensive Player of the Week as announced by the league office October 12. Wheelhouse joins Zuzana Tomcikova (Sr., G, Bratislava, Slovakia) as player who have been recognized by the conference office so far this year.

Wheelhouse set up three goals in each game of the series. She assisted on two of the three goals Bemidji State scored within five minutes in the second period last Friday (Oct. 7), elevating them into a 3-3 tie after being down 3-0 early in the second. The two teams eventually tied 4-4 in overtime before OSU won a 1-0 shootout. Then last Saturday (Oct. 8), Wheelhouse assisted on the Beavers’ two third period goals from Sadie Lundquist (Jr., F, Cloquet, Minn.) and Tess Dusik (So., F, Oak Bluff, Manitoba) to pull her club within one at 4-3 in a 5-3 setback. Wheelhouse’s six assists in one week come up one shy of her season mark of seven from the 2010-11 campaign. In addition to her six points, Wheelhouse was credited with six blocks on the weekend.

The honor is the second of Wheelhouse’s career as she was named WCHA Rookie of the Week Jan. 13, 2010. Wheelhouse’s honor marks the first time since the 2009-10 season BSU women’s hockey has received honors from the conference office in back-to-back weeks with Tomcikova’s selection as WCHA Defensive Player of the Week last week.

WCHA Players of the Week: Oct. 12, 2011
Co-Offensive Player of the Week: Amanda Kessel (University of Minnesota)
Co-Offensive Player of the Week: Natalie Spooner (Ohio State University)
Defensive Player of the Week: Erika Wheelhouse (Bemidji State University)
Newcomer of the Week: Meghan Lorence (University of Minnesota)

— bsu —