Nov. 14, 2007

DETROIT - Junior forward Sam Poyton (Hamilton, Ont./Stoney Creek Sabers) was named U.S. College Hockey Online (USCHO) Division I Player of the Week. Poyton edged out fellow teammates Melissa Boal (Pakenham, Ont./Ottawa Raiders) and Lindsay DiPietro (Manotick, Ont./Ottawa Lady Senators) to receive the honor for the first time in her career.

Poyton led Wayne State with nine points (four goals and five assists) helping the Warriors to a series sweep at Northeastern. In game one, Poyton scored her second career hat trick (including the game winner) and added two assists for a team and game-high five points in WSU's 6-2 victory. In the Warriors' 7-2 game two win, Poyton continued her impressive offensive output with four points, scoring the game-winning goal with a team-high three assists. She also finished with a plus/minus rating of +7 for the two games.

For the season, Poyton is second on the team with 22 points (10 goals and 12 assists). She leads the nation in power-play goals (.50, five total) and game-winning goals (5 total), is 4th in points per-game (2.20, 22 total) and assists-per-game (1.20, 12 total) and ranks 5th in goals-per-game (1.00, 10 total).

Poyton joined Princeton goalie Kristen Young who also received USCHO honors as the Defensive Player of the Week.