Simonelli Named WCHA Defensive POTW

PRESS RELEASE

Red Baron® WCHA

Co-Defensive Players of the Week

Nate Schmidt - So, D, Minnesota
Frankie Simonelli - So., D, Wisconsin

A pair of defensemen who played key roles at both ends of the ice while leading their respective teams to two-game conference road sweeps last weekend – Nate Schmidt of the University of Minnesota and Frankie Simonelli of the University of Wisconsin – are Red Baron® WCHA co-Defensive Players of the Week for February 28.

Simonelli, a 5-10, 195-pound sophomore from Bensenville, Ill., was a key player in Wisconsin's first road sweep of the season, collecting a goal and two assists for three points while going +4 as the Badgers won twice over WCHA rival Bemidji State by 4-2 scores.

Last Friday, Simonelli scored his fifth goal of the season, tying the game at 1-1 early in the second period, and took three shots in the game. On Saturday, Simonelli was again +2, collecting two assists with the primary helper on UW's second goal, which tied the game at 2-2. He also helped set up UW's fourth goal, an empty-net tally, and took two shots in the game.

Also nominated: Joey LaLeggia, D, DU

Join the Badger conversation on Facebook! Go to our Facebook page and "like" us!

For more Wisconsin hockey coverage, follow Chuck on Twitter (@UWChuckSchwartz)

Chuck can also be reached via e-mail at chuckschwartz@live.com