March 1, 2006

A pair of freshmen on the Wayne State women's hockey team earned Player of the Week honors from the College Hockey America league office, on the heels of two home 7-0 victories last weekend.

Melissa Boal (Pakenham, Ont./Ottawa Raiders) was named the CHA Offensive Player of the Week for the second straight week and the third time this season. After a five-point weekend that earned her the award after the home series against Niagara, Boal recorded eight points last weekend against Robert Morris.

Boal scored twice on Friday, including a power-play goal, and added two assists while setting a CHA single-game record with 14 shots on goal. In Saturday's win, Boal tied a league record and became the first player in school history to score four goals in a game. She also became the fifth player in league history to top the 20-goal milestone in a season, and established a CHA single-season record of 184 shots on goal.

Classmate Sam Poyton (Hamilton, Ont./Stoney Creek Sabres) was named the CHA Rookie of the Week for the third time this season. She scored four goals and seven points last weekend, including her first career hat trick, and the first by a Warrior in over two years, on Friday. With 27 goals, Poyton ranks second on the league's single-season scoring list and is tied for the national lead this season.

Poyton's hat trick included a pair of power-play goals, giving her 10 on the season. After just 32 games, Poyton and Boal are tied-for-first on WSU's career list in power-play goals.

The Warriors will complete the regular season this weekend as they visit the Niagara Purple Eagles for a two-game set. Wayne State will host the men's and women's CHA Tournament next weekend, March 9-12, at the Michigan State Fairgrounds Coliseum. Tickets for the event are available by calling 1-877-WSU-TIKS.