Edina, Minn. --- Sophomore defenseman Megan Hinze has been named the Western Collegiate Hockey Association Defensive Player of the Month for December, as announced by WCHA officials on Thursday morning. 

Hinze earned the award by helping the Mavericks to a 3-3-0 record in December, which was highlighted by a 2-1 come-from-behind victory over former-No. 3 ranked Minnesota Duluth on Dec. 10. In the win over the Bulldogs, Hinze scored the game-tying and game-winning goals – both on the power play and both in the third period. For her performance against Minnesota Duluth, Hinze was named the WCHA Defensive Player of the Week for games played Dec. 9-11. 

Hinze tied for the most goals scored — in wins — by a WCHA defenseman during the month of December with two. She also tied for the most power play goals (2) and game-winning goals (1) amongst WCHA defensemen in the month. On the defensive end, Hinze blocked 13 shots — tied for the second most in the WCHA in December. Her +1 rating for the month tied for the highest plus-minus by a Maverick defenseman.
   
It is the first time that Hinze has earned a WCHA monthly honor. 

The Mavericks next face No. 2 Minnesota in the 2017 U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Museum Women's Face-off Classic on Sunday at 3:00 p.m., at Braemar Arena in Edina, Minn. The game is a nonconference meeting.