North Dakota’s Caggiula, Minnesota-Duluth’s Kaskisuo named monthly HCA award winners

Minnesota-Duluth goalie Kasimir Kaskisuo is the HCA National Rookie of the Month for his stellar month of November (photo: Bradley K. Olson).

North Dakota junior forward Drake Caggiula has been selected as the Hockey Commissioners’ Association National Division I Player of the Month for November, while Minnesota-Duluth freshman goaltender Kasimir Kaskisuo was named HCA National Rookie of the Month.

Caggiula tallied 13 points (six goals, seven assists) in nine games last month and recorded a point in eight of his nine games during the month, including four multi-point outings. Caggiula finished November with a plus-9 rating, which was second in the NCHC and tied for sixth in the NCAA during the month, while posting a plus or even rating in all nine games. He also won 53.9 percent of his faceoffs during the month.

Honorable mention Player of the Month honors went to Providence goalie Jon Gillies, Harvard goalie Steve Michalek, Bentley forward Andrew Gladiuk, Minnesota State goalie Stephon Williams and Penn State forward Casey Bailey.

Kaskisuo started all seven games in net for the Bulldogs during the month, posting a 6-1-0 record with a .933 save percentage and a 1.71 goals-against average. He made 17 saves at then-No. 1 Minnesota to earn his first career shutout on Nov. 14, while he stopped 24 more shots the next night in a 2-1 win to finish the sweep of the top-ranked Gophers. Kaskisuo was tabbed NCHC Goaltender of the Week and NCAA First Star of the Week following the series.

Rookie of the Month honorable mentions were St. Lawrence goalie Kyle Hayton, Boston University forward Jack Eichel, Michigan defenseman Zach Werenski, Army forward Tyler Pham and Lake Superior State defenseman James Roll.