Rau named WCHA Offensive Player of the Week

Apr 5, 2012; Tampa, FL, USA; Boston College Eagles defensive man Brian Dumoulin (2) steals the puck from Minnesota Gophers left wing Kyle Rau (7) in the third period during the semifinals of the 2012 Frozen Four at Tampa Bay Times Forum. Boston College won 6-1. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Gopher forward Kyle Rau was named the WCHA Offensive Player of the Week after a week that included recording a hat-trick against Alaska-Anchorage last Saturday.

The sophomore from hockey powerhouse Eden Prairie High School lead the league with six-points as the No. 1 Gophers beat up on No. 2 Notre Dame and Alaska-Anchorage over the three-game week.

Rau recorded an assist against the Irish on Tuesday but had the game winning goal against the Seawolves on Friday. He also notched an assist against Alaska in a come-from-behind win. And on Saturday, Rau exploded for three goals in his first career hat-trick. The Gophers went on to win Saturday’s game 7-1.

When Rau records a point, Minnesota is 15-0-1 according to Gopher Sports. Also, his five game-winning goals rank him second best nationally.

Minnesota will host a home series against North Dakota starting Friday.