The NCHC has announced that Denver freshman Zeev Buium is the Defenseman of the Week.

Buium continued the strong start to his first season, chipping in five points offensively from the blue line, while helping limit Yale to no goals all weekend in a sweep.

In Friday’s opener, the draft-eligible blueliner scored DU’s third goal in a 5-0 win. The next night, Buium erupted for a career-high four assists (and points), dishing out a helper on each of the Pioneers’ first three goals, including the game winner, in a 9-0 thrashing. He also added a primary helper on the fifth goal, with two of his four assists Saturday of the primary variety. Buium earned Second Star of the Game in the series finale.

Buium led all NCHC defensemen with four assists and five points on the weekend, stretching his point streak to a career-long eight games (three goals, 11 assists). He posted a plus-6 plus/minus against Yale, which tied for the NCHC lead last weekend, including a team-best plus-5 in Saturday’s finale. Buium also blocked two shots and fired three shots on goal in the series.

The San Diego native now leads all NCHC defensemen and all NCHC rookies with 18 points in 14 games this season, while his four goals are tied for the NCHC lead among blue liners. His 14 assists tie for second in the NCHC and are first among defensemen.

In California, Buium skated for the SDIA Oilers and Los Angeles Jr. Kings.

Photo/Martin Gonzalez

(November 27, 2023)