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

Livanavage was a key contributor at both ends of the ice in North Dakota’s sweep of then-No. 4 Denver. Along with handing out three assists in the two wins, including on both game-winning goals, he was an integral part of North Dakota’s blue line, which limited the Pioneers to four goals all weekend after DU entered the series first in the country averaging 5.25 goals per game.

Offensively, Livanavage doled out the primary helper on the game-winning goal Friday, which put UND up 3-1 in an eventual 5-2 victory. The next night, he handed out two more assists on the power play, setting up the Fighting Hawks’ first and third goals in a 4-2 win to earn Third Star of the Game.

Livanavage finished the weekend with three assists, all coming on the man advantage, including two primary helpers. He also blocked four shots in the sweep, including three on Saturday. The rookie was excellent on both special teams units, as UND went 4 for 6 on the power play in the series and 4 for 4 on the penalty kill. Livanavage had a hand in three of the four power-play goals, including a big play to keep the puck in the zone on Saturday, which led to the game-winning goal and put North Dakota up for good, 3-2.

The Gilbert native now has points in 11 of his last 14 games and has 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

(January 30, 2024)