Board Named MASCAC Rookie of the Week

Westfield State University first-year forward Cooper Board (Salem, Mass.) was named the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference men's ice hockey rookie of the week, for the week ending February 19.

Board tallied two goals and an assist for the week, snagging one goal in the Owls loss at Fitchburg State, then playing a key role with a goal and an assist as the Owls rallied past UMass-Dartmouth, 4-3 in regulation on Saturday to clinch a home game in the first round of the conference tournament.  Board earned an assist on the first goal of the night that staked the Owls to a 1-0, lead, then gave Westfield a 3-2 lead with a rebound goal midway through the third period.  It's the second time this season Board has earned the award.

For the season, Board leads the Owls with 14 goals and 20 points.  His 14 goals rank second in the conference.

The Owls' Justin Collins (Wilmington, Mass.) and Valtteri Valtonen (Helsinki, Finland) were both named to the leagues weekly honor roll. Valtonen made 46 saves in the win over UMass-Dartmouth, and Collins netted the game-winning goal late in regulation.

Westfield, 10-13-2 this season, will be the #4 seed in the MASCAC Tournament.  The Owls host #5 UMD in a first-round game on Thursday at 7:35 p.m. at Amelia Park Arena.