BOSTON – Atlantic Hockey America released their players of the week for Dec. 29 – Jan. 4 slate of games. The Mercyhurst women's hockey team had three players win their first weekly award of the season. Tara Bach won Goaltender of the Week. Sofia Nuutinen was named Forward of the Week. Sofia Ljung won Defenseman of the Week. 

Bach was named the AHA Goaltender of the Week for the first time in her career. Bach has turned heads when playing between the pipes this season for both the Lakers and the German U18 National Team. The Oakville, Ontario native started both games this past weekend against Lindenwood. She made 41 total saves and allowed just two goals. One of these saves was a crucial one to prevent the Lions from scoring a game-winner in overtime. Bach has now won her last three starts with the Lakers and is 4-1 on the season with two shutouts.  
 
Nuutinen was named the AHA Forward of the Week for the first time this season and second time in her career. Nuutinen is no stranger to AHA awards. She has been named Rookie of the Week four times, Rookie of the Month twice, Rookie of the Year, and Forward of the Month once. This past weekend, the Vantaa, Finland native led all AHA skaters with four points. This featured a goal and assist in each game. One of those assists was on the game-winning goal in the dying seconds of the team's 2-1 overtime win. Nuutinen (6G, 13A, 19 PTS) is fourth on the team in goals, third in assists, and third in points. 

Ljung won the AHA Defenseman of the Week for the first time in her career. Her only other AHA recognition was Rookie of the Week in January of 2024. Ljung is coming off a three-point weekend, which led all AHA blueliners. The Hudiksvall, Sweden native scored a goal and added two assists in the game one of the Lindenwood series. On Saturday, she skated in her 100th career game with the Lakers. Ljung (2G, 4A, 6 PTS, 27 BLKS) is currently fourth on the team in blocks. 

To view the full release from the AHA, please click here.