Gophers forward Peyton Hemp named Rookie of the Year

A University of Minnesota women’s hockey player has been honored as the best freshman in the country.

Forward Peyton Hemp was named the Division I National Rookie of the Year, the Hockey Commissioners Association announced on Wednesday. She’s the third Gopher to win the award, joining Sarah Potomak in 2016 and Dani Cameranesi in 2014.

“We are very happy for Peyton to receive this honor,” head coach Brad Frost said in a statement. “She was consistent from the time she stepped onto our campus and had an incredible year.”

The Andover native and 2021 Minnesota Ms. Hockey Award-winner tallied 32 points (12+20=32) in her first collegiate season.

The Rookie of the Year award is given based on a vote of Division I assistant coaches.