MADISON, Wis. (Blugolds.com) – UW-Eau Claire men's hockey goaltender Brandon Stephenson (Sr.-Saline, Mich.) has been named Player of the Week in the NCHA Men's Conference for the week ending January 27. Stephenson made 61 saves in two wins last weekend that put the Blugolds alone in the first place and solidified home ice for at least the first two rounds of the NCHA playoffs.
Last Friday Stephenson recorded his first shutout of the season, blanking St. Norbert 3-0. The teams were tied for first place coming into the game. Stephenson made a season-high 40 saves, banking the shutout in perhaps his most difficult game of the year. It was the first shutout against the Green Knights since February 3, 2012.
In Saturday's game at UW-Stevens Point, Stephenson made 21 saves in a 3-2 win. He turned away two Pointer power play opportunities and made ten saves in the second period.
On the year Stephenson leads the league in minutes, total saves, save percentage and win percentage in NCHA competition. His overall goals against average sits at 2.13 while being one of the busiest goaltenders in nation.