The NCHC has announced that its Rookie of the Month is North Dakota defenseman Jake Livanavage.

Livanavage tied for the NCHC lead among defensemen scoring in January with eight points in eight games, while tying for second among rookie scoring. He dished out seven assists during the month, which tied for fourth among all NCHC skaters, while chipping in one goal from the blue line. Livanavage posted a plus-6 plus/minus in January, tying for fifth in the NCHC, while not committing a single penalty all month.

The Gilbert native recorded points in six of eight games during the first month of 2024 to help UND to a 6-1-1 record. He dished out an assist each night in a sweep of Alaska to start January. Two weeks later, he recorded a three-point weekend in a win and tie at St. Cloud State. Livanavage tallied two assists in the series-opening win on Jan. 19, while he scored a game-tying goal in the third period of a draw the next night. He closed out the month with three assists in a sweep of then-No. 4 Denver to earn NCHC Defenseman of the Week honors.

Livanavage played a key role on North Dakota’s power play this month, helping UND finish with an 11-for-23 mark. Defensively, he blocked 11 shots in January, tying for ninth in the NCHC. Livanavage now has points in 11 of his last 14 games, while compiling 17 points (two goals, 15 assists) in 26 games this season.

In Arizona, Livanavage played for the Arizona Hockey Union, DYHA, Jr. Coyotes, and Arizona Bobcats.

Photo/Russell Hons

(February 1, 2024)