University of Denver defenceman and Penticton Vees alum Joey LaLeggia has been named the Red Baron® WCHA Defensive Player of the Week for Jan. 17. The Burnaby native, who recorded five points, earned a +2 rating and had six hits and two blocked shots, helped the Pioneers forge a two-game league sweep over visiting Bemidji State last weekend, .
A 5-10, 180-pound freshman, LaLeggia netted a go-ahead goal and one assist in DU's 6-3 triumph over the Beavers at Magness Arena last Friday (Jan. 13). He then came back on Saturday (Jan. 14) to assist on all three Denver goals in a 3-2 comeback win over BSU, including one on teammate Jason Zucker's game-winning goal at 11:50 of the third period.
LaLeggia, who leads all NCAA Division I rookie blueliners in points (24), goals (9) and assists (15) this season, has also put together a six-game point-scoring streak during which he has 11 points (3g, 8a). He also ranks second among WCHA defenseman in goals and third in points.
In two seasons in Penticton, Laleggia recorded 33 goals and 114 assists in 114 games.
