Rowney was honored for the first time in his career after his 5-point weekend enabled UND to take three of four WCHA points from the Pioneers. In Saturday's 6-3 win, Rowney had a career-high four points, including the game-winning goal and his first career shorthanded goal. Three of his four points came in the second period as UND turned a 1-0 deficit into a 4-1 lead. One night earlier, Rowney ended a 7-game goal-scoring drought by scoring UND's first goal in a 2-2 overtime tie. He also boasted a +3 rating in the series.

In 15 games this season, Rowney has five goals and six assists.

Like Rowney, Grimaldi enjoyed his first career 4-point game in Saturday's win with a goal and three assists. His performance earned him the game's No. 1 star and was the first 4-point game by a UND freshman since Drew Stafford and Erik Fabian both did it on Feb. 21, 2004 at Minnesota State. He also led all players with a career-high eight shots on goal and was a +2. In Saturay's 2-2 tie, Grimaldi was named the game's No. 3 star without reaching the scoresheet. He tied for the game high with five shots on goal and was a +1.

Grimaldi, who has six goals and nine assists in 16 games this season, shared the award with St. Cloud State forward David Morley. A native of Rossmoor, Calif., Grimaldi is tied for second in the WCHA rookie scoring race, one point behind Minnesota Duluth's Austin Farley.

Minnesota State junior defenseman Josh Nelson was named WCHA Defensive Player of the Week.

UND (8-5-3, 5-2-3 WCHA) closes out the first half of the season on Friday and Saturday at Michigan Tech (4-8-3, 3-6-3). UND trails first-place Denver by three points in the WCHA standings.

UND's WCHA Players of the Week
Nov. 20: Danny Kristo (Offensive)
Dec. 11: Carter Rowney (Offensive), Rocco Grimaldi (co-Rookie)