Bruckler Earns Second WCHA Weekly Honor
December 06, 2004 | Men's Hockey
University of Wisconsin goaltender Bernd Bruckler has been named WCHA Defensive Player of the Week for the second time this season and the eighth time in his career.
Bruckler backstopped the Badgers to a home-ice sweep of conference rival Minnesota Duluth and into sole possession of first place last weekend, has been named Red Baron WCHA Defensive Player of the Week.
The Graz, Austria, native stopped 46 of 50 shots on goal in the two WCHA victories for a .920 saves percentage, posted three shutout periods, surrendered just three even-strength goals in 120:00 and helped hold the Bulldogs' highly ranked power-play to just one goal in 11 opportunities.
A Philadelphia Flyers (NHL) draftee, Bruckler made 23 saves in each of the UW's 3-2 victories last Friday (Dec. 3) and Saturday (Dec. 4) at the Kohl Center, including stopping 12 power-play shots.
On the 2004-05 season, the returning JOFA/AHCA First Team All-American goaltender is 9-3-0 overall with 2.32 goals-against average and a .915 saves percentage. His two wins last weekend moved No. 2 Wisconsin to 12-4-0 overall.
Over his last seven games, Bruckler is 6-0-0 with a 1.37 goals-against average, a .945 save percentage and one shutout. He has also lowered his career goals-against average to 2.49, passing current NHL standout Curtis Joseph (1988-89) by 0.008 for the UW all-time career mark.
Also nominated this week were: Spence Gilchrist, D, UAA; Lee Sweatt, D, CC; Brett Skinner, D, Denver; Kellen Briggs, G, UM; and
Justin Fletcher, D, SCSU.
