Emily Janiga of the Mercyhurst women’s hockey team was named College Hockey American Player of the Week for the fourth time on Monday Feb 17.

“It’s an honor to be nominated for an award like this but it’s more of a team effort rather than an individual one,” Janiga said. “I would not have been able to succeed over the weekend without my team.”

The Lakers beat Penn State University twice last weekend with a 4-0 win Saturday and a 4-1 win Sunday.

Janiga scored tallied a goal and one assist on Saturday and three assists on Sunday. Janiga is currently 2nd on the team with scoring this season with achieving 38 points including 15 goals and 23 assists.

The Lakers are 21-7-3 overall and 14-3-1 in the conference.

The dual victories this weekend culminated in the team’s seventh straight win and clinched their 14th straight regular season College Hockey American division.

“Our “motto” this year has been “you’re only better than your weakest link” so we strive to push everyone to get better and play their best every practice. Pushing each other hard during the practice week transfers to the games and to the weekend” Janiga said.

With Mercyhurst alumna Meghan Agosta playing in the Olympics these past games for Canada’s women’s hockey team, Mercyhurst’s name has been said a lot on one of the biggest stages for hockey. Watching Agosta play so well, with scoring game turning points and helping the Canadian women’s hockey to win the gold during the Olympics is an inspiration to the players.

“Although I have not played with Agosta, it is amazing and inspiring to watch a Mercyhurst alumni be in the Olympics. She has represented our school and hockey program extremely well, and the team is driving off of that.” Janiga said.

When asked what one word to describe how she feels being a part of such a good team as well as hearing about Mercyhurst during the Olympics, Janinga said ‘exhilarating’.

“As a team we are thrilled and honored to watch her [Agosta]. Especially around the playoffs, I think watching not only Agosta do extremely well, but both the U.S. and Canada play their best hockey is inspiring to our team to play the same as Olympians” Janiga said.

The Lakers are hosting the first round of playoffs at Mercyhurst Friday March 7 and Saturday March 8. Game times have not yet been announced.

“Hosting playoffs was one of our goals this year and achieving it is a great feeling. Having our school and fans cheering us on is motivational and a great atmosphere to play in.” Janiga said.

“We take pride in playing at our rink and do not want to let a team beat us on our ice. We have the best fans in the league, and love when they cheer us on.”