Van Hercke Honored by NCHA for an Incredible Week
MEQUON, Wis. – The Northern Collegiate Hockey Association (NCHA) announced its Three Stars of the Week on Tuesday morning. Annalina Van Hercke was voted as one of the Three Stars of the Week for Women's Hockey.
A senior from Castle Rock, Colorado, Annalina Van Hercke is claiming the honor for the second time this season and the fourth time in her career.
The Falcons had a grueling three games in three days last week. With Van Hercke getting the start each game, she collected 102 saves and posted an impressive .926 save percentage and a 1.35 goals-against average.
On Thursday, Van Hercke stopped her 2,000th career save, furthering her program record for career saves. She finished the evening at Marian with 24 saves.
Friday the Ozaukee Ice Center was filled with senior night festivities. CUW women's hockey team had three seniors honored that night alongside Annalina Van Hercke was forward Natalia Etter and defender Amanda Carney.
Van Hercke put on an impressive show stopping all 15 shots in the first period and 17 shots in the second period. The Falcons held a 1-0 lead going into the third, but the Spartans were able to sneak one passed Van Hercke on the powerplay. Later, the Falcons' powerplay shined during a five-minute major to give the Falcons a 3-1 victory over the Aurora Spartans. Van Hercke collected 43 saves on the night with a .977 save percentage.
On the final game of the week, the Falcons secured the fifth seed in the NCHA Slaats Cup Playoffs with a 3-1 victory over the Marian Sabres. Van Hercke collected 35 saves on the night to close off an incredible stretch.
Alongside Annalina Van Hercke for NCHA Star of the Week are two players from Adrian – senior forward Une Bjelland and senior goalkeeper Michaela O'Brien. Bjelland accumulated six points on the week and O'Brien totaled 41 saves to help Adrian secure the Kronschnabel Cup.
Van Hercke and the Falcons wrap up the regular season on Tuesday with a non-conference matchup against the UW-Stevens Point Pointers. After tonight, all eyes turn to the Slatts Cup Playoffs the weekend of February 16-17th.
