The NCHC has announced that North Dakota freshman defenseman Jake Livanavage is the Defenseman of the Week.

Livanavage contributed at both ends of the ice in North Dakota’s sweep of Minnesota Duluth. Defensively, he helped limit the Bulldogs to two goals all weekend, including a shutout in Friday’s opener, while playing on a penalty kill unit that was a perfect 3 for 3.

Offensively, Livanavage handed out a trio of assists, including two in Friday’s 6-0 victory, with all three helpers coming on the power play as UND went 3 for 9 on the man advantage. He had the primary assist on UND’s first goal Friday (by Jackson Blake), which was the game-winner, then also had a hand in the Fighting Hawks’ fourth goal Friday and set up UND’s first goal again on Saturday in a 4-2 win.

Along with the three assists, Livanavage blocked three shots in the sweep and finished with a plus-2 plus/minus. He’s now riding a three-game point streak and ranks second among freshman defensemen in the NCHC with 22 points (three goals, 19 assists) in 32 games this season. His 22 points are seventh among all NCHC blueliners this year.

Back home, the Gilbert native played for the Arizona Hockey Union, DYHA, Jr. Coyotes, and Arizona Bobcats.

Photo/North Dakota Athletics

(February 26, 2024)