March 27, 2015

· USCHO Release

MADISON, Wis. -- Wisconsin women's hockey freshman Annie Pankowski was named the U.S. College Hockey Online (USCHO) Rookie of the Year, the organization announced Wednesday.

It marks the second national honor for Pankowski, as she was named the National Rookie of the Year by the Women's Hockey Commissioners Association last week.

Pankowski, the WCHA Rookie of the Year, is the first player in program history to be named the USCHO Rookie of the Year, as she led the Badgers with 21 goals this season and 43 points.

Her 21 goals are the sixth-most in program history by a freshman, while her 43 points are the seventh-most in UW history by a freshman skater.

Pankowski became the first Wisconsin freshman since Sara Bauer during the 2003-04 season to lead the Badgers in goals and points.

The Laguna Hills, California, native also earned a spot on the USCHO All-Rookie Team, becoming only the second player in school history to earn a spot on the team, as Meghan Duggan was selected to the rookie squad in 2007.

Pankowski will suit up this week for Team USA at the 2015 International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Championships in Malmo, Sweden, as the U.S. opens the tournament against Canada on Saturday at 9 a.m. (CT).