PROVIDENCE, R.I. - The Little East Conference (LEC) has announced its weekly honorees in men's ice hockey and UMass Dartmouth student-athlete
Kailin Chen has been recognized. The freshman center was named the conference's Rookie of the Week for the first time this season, following an outstanding performance to help the Corsairs go 2-0 on the weekend in league play.
Chen, who hails from Beijing, China, recorded a team-high three goals with an assist last week. In addition to seven shots, he was a +2 on the weekend. In a 6-3 victory at Keene State on Friday, Chen assisted on the game-tying goal (3-3) at 3:12 to open the third period. He went on to record the eventual game-winning goal at 15:37, sparking the Corsairs offense to record two more goals soon after for the win. In addition to two shots, he also blocked a shot and went 10-17 in the face-off circle.
In Saturday's 3-2 victory at WestConn, Chen scored on the power play with eight seconds left in the opening period to give UMD a 1-0 lead. After the homestanding Wolves had tied it up in the third period, Chen played the hero once again, netting the game-winner at 10:46 in front. He posted five shots in the game and both of his goals came on the power play.
Through 10 games played this season, Chen ranks second on the team in scoring with five goals and eight assists for 13 points. He has taken 19 shots and is a team-best +7 on the year. Two of his goals have come on the power play - which ranks second overall on the squad - while he is now tied at the top with two game-winning tallies. Additionally, he has gone 113-94 in the face-off circle this season. Amongst the conference's best, Chen ranks sixth in assists per game (0.80) and points per game (1.30). He is also tied for third in game-winning goals, ninth in face-off winning percentage (.546)Â and sits 10th overall in shot percentage (0.26).Â
UMass Dartmouth returns to the ice on Friday, welcoming Little East foe Babson College to Hetland Arena for a 5:30pm game. The Corsairs will then host the University of Southern Maine on Saturday at 4:30pm.
