MADISON, Wis. – Following a four-point weekend in the Border Battle at No. 2 Minnesota, Wisconsin women's hockey sophomore Kirsten Simms has been named the WCHA Forward of the Week, the league announced Monday.

Simms posted two goals and two assists during the No. 3 Badgers' split at Minnesota and her four points led all league skaters last weekend. 

A native of Plymouth, Michigan, Simms had a power-play goal and an assist in the Badgers' 5-3 setback on Friday before adding a goal and an assist in UW's 5-1 triumph on Saturday. 

The winger leads all WCHA skaters with 34 points this season and has already eclipsed her point total from last season as she recorded 32 points during her rookie campaign with the Badgers. 

Simms will join several of her Badger teammates this week on Team USA as the U.S. will play Canada on Thursday and Saturday as a part of the Rivalry Series. Puck drop on Thursday is set for 6 p.m. CT and Saturday's game begins at 4 p.m. CT and both games will air live in the U.S. on NHL Network.

The third-ranked Badgers will resume play on Jan. 5 and 6 with a series against Merrimack at LaBahn Arena. Puck drop on Friday is set for 7 p.m., while Saturday's series final will begin at 5 p.m. Both games are sold out.