Matthew Van Blaricom named CCHA Forward of the Week

HOUGHTON -- Michigan Tech Huskies hockey sophomore winger Matthew Van Blaricom has been named the CCHA Forward of the Week, the conference announced Monday.

Van Blaricom tallied four points in the Huskies’ non-conference sweep of No. 14 Minnesota. He scored twice Saturday, including the game-winner in the third period, and added an assist on the other Tech tally. The sophomore forward added an empty-net goal on Sunday to seal the sweep.

"He’s taking tremendous steps," Huskies head coach Bill Muckalt said. "He looks like a different hockey player. He’s stronger. He’s faster. He’s healthy. He’s been that way since day one this year. So, that’s a good bonus, especially with having Isaac Gordon out right now.

"He’s kind of stepped up and been a pleasant surprise."

The Pep Band and the Misfits chanted Van Blaricom's initials after Saturday's win.

"It was a surreal feeling, especially hearing my name chanted," he said. "That’s pretty sweet, but all the credit goes to the rest of the team. We played our hearts out tonight. Stuck to the game plan, just made it happen."

Van Blaricom was happy to be part of a win by the Huskies Saturday. He had no feeling that he was going to able to chip in like he did.

"I didn’t think that coming in here, but it feels pretty good," he said. "Again, all credit to the boys. (They) made it happen."

Van Blaricom now has five career goals and 14 points.

Up next

Tech jumped to No. 12 in this week’s USCHO poll and travels to St. Cloud State for the first time since March 2013. The two Huskies’ teams will meet at 8 p.m. Eastern on Friday and 7 p.m. Eastern at the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center.