The NCHC has announced that Denver freshman Zeev Buium is the Rookie of the Month.

Buium continued his stellar play during his freshman campaign, racking up seven points, including a goal and six assists, in only four games in December. His seven points led all NCHC blueliners during the month and tied for second among all NCHC skaters in December. His six assists also tied for first in the NCHC among all players last month. The draft-eligible 18-year-old recorded at least one assist and point in all four games in December to stretch his point streak to 12 games. The Pioneers went 2-0-0 in games he recorded multiple points last month.

The San Diego native tallied three points in a split against then-No. 2 North Dakota to start the month, including scoring the tying goal and assisting on the overtime game-winner on Dec. 2 in a 3-2 victory. That was enough to earn him NCHC Rookie of the Week honors. The following weekend, Buium dished out four assists in a split at then-No. 13 Western Michigan. Three of the four helpers against the Broncos came in the finale on Dec. 9, when he again had an assist on the overtime game-winner – a 6-5 victory.

Buium is currently representing the United States on the U.S. National Junior Team at the IIHF World Junior Championship in Gothenburg, Sweden. He has two goals and two assists in six games so far to help Team USA reach the finals (Friday vs. Sweden).

On the season, Buium leads all NCHC defensemen with five goals, 20 assists and 25 points in 18 games, with the 25 points tied for third in the NCHC and tied for fourth nationally among all skaters. His 25 points are first among all NCAA blue liners, as well. Buium is now riding a 12-game point streak into 2024 that started Nov. 3, with 21 points (four goals, 17 assists) in that span.

Back home, Buium skated for the SDIA Oilers and Los Angeles Jr. Kings.

Photo/Michael Ciaglo/Clarkson Creative Photography

(January 5, 2024)