Freshman forwards Jenna Dingeldein and Emily Janiga each received all conference honors for the month of January. Dingeldein was named Player of the Month and Janiga was named Rookie of the Month. These awards came prior to the Lakers sweeping conference opponent Penn State, 5-2 and 4-1 respectively. Additionally, on Monday, Feb. 4, junior forward captain Christine Bestland was named College Hockey America (CHA) Player of the Week.

Dingeldein, a native of Toronto, Ontario, scored 11 points in January. This is her second conference honor on the season. Dingeldein is ranked fourth in the country among freshmen with 31 points and is averaging 1.14 points per game this season.

Janiga, a native of East Aurora, N.Y., tallied 10 points during January. The freshman has recorded two hat tricks on the season.

Over the season, Janiga has combined 17 goals with 18 assists for 35 points and is third in the nation among other rookies nationwide.

The Lakers currently sit at seven in the latest United States College Hockey Online (USCHO) poll.

Both Dingeldein and Janiga have been leading the Laker attack this season.

Jenna Dingeldein skates past a Clarkson University opponent.: Brian Vail photo
“Janiga is a talented forward with good hands around the net, she always finds a way to score, she is very versatile and valuable,” said senior forward Jenna Hendrikx said. “Dingeldein makes her presence known with her hard shot and confidence.”

Despite dropping a spot in the USCHO poll, the Lakers received a boost of confidence after beating No. 2 Boston College, 3-2 on Saturday, Jan. 19.

“After losing the night before to Boston College, we knew everyone doubted us,” Hendrikx said. “It was an all-around great team win; we capitalized on our mistakes from the night before. “We’re very close to the playoffs and this is the time we need to come together and play our best. We need to keep playing consistent and we will be successful.”

The Lakers currently hold a 25-5-1 overall record at the brink of the postseason. They have only dropped two conference games, both to Robert Morris. They will rematch Robert Morris at the Mercyhurst Ice Center (MIC) Feb. 8 at 3 p.m. and Feb. 9 at 2 p.m.