BLOOMINGTON, Minn. – Marko Belak (So., Woodbury, Minn.) was named the MIAC Men's Hockey Defensive Player of the Week for the first time in his career on Monday, Dec. 2.

Belak posted his second shutout of the season with a 5-0 win over Northland on Nov. 26. Belak made 23 saves in the victory, his second highest mark of the year. He saved a pair of shots on the power play against the Lumberjacks, as well as 13 total in the second period to help the Gusties to their fourth consecutive victory. 

Belak's 2.26 goals against average ranks third in the MIAC this season, while his two shutouts rank first. He is also tied for the second-most shutouts in NCAA Division III so far this season with five other goaltenders. His four wins through the first six games of the year are already a career-high for the sophomore, who went 2-5-1 last season.

The Gusties return to MIAC play this Friday, hosting Augsburg (3-6-0, 1-3-0 MIAC) at Don Roberts Ice Rink before heading to Minneapolis Saturday night.