GRAND FORKS, N.D. ? University of North Dakota junior forward Chris VandeVelde has been named Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) Offensive Player of the Week for the week of Feb. 24 to March 3, 2009.

It is the second consecutive offensive player of the week award for VandeVelde and his third overall this season.

VandeVelde, a native of Moorhead, Minn., scored his first collegiate hat trick and was a +3 in UND's 6-2 win at Alaska Anchorage last Saturday night. The victory clinched a series sweep and enabled the Sioux to become the first WCHA team to secure home ice in the first round of the playoffs while also keeping UND tied for first place atop the league standings. Two of VandeVelde's goals came at even strength while the other came on the power-play.

The 6-2, 204-pound VandeVelde also excelled on faceoffs at UAA, winning a team-leading 16 draws in 27 attempts (.593).

In 34 games this season, VandeVelde ranks second on the team in goals (13) and fourth in assists (14) and points (27). He also leads the team with a +12 plus/minus rating and is tied for the team lead with six power-play goals.

Denver sophomore goalie Marc Cheverie was named WCHA Defensive Player of the Week while DU freshman defenseman Patrick Wiercioch was named the league's rookie of the week.

VandeVelde and the eighth-ranked Fighting Sioux host No. 13 Colorado College on Saturday and Sunday at the Ralph Engelstad Arena. The puck drops at 3:37 p.m. each afternoon.