PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Freshman center Frank D'Ancona (Fort Myers, Fla.) of the Norwich University men's ice hockey team has been named Little East Conference (LEC) Rookie of the Week, as announced by the league office Monday afternoon in its Thanksgiving week honors.

D'Ancona turned in a standout performance over the weekend during the LayerEight Shootout, earning Tournament MVP honors after a clutch two-day stretch.  He recorded assists on both Norwich goals in the opening period of Friday's win over Stevenson, including the primary helper on Colin Elliott's (Peterborough, Ont.) eventual game-winner.

In Saturday's championship tilt against Middlebury, D'Ancona picked up another assist on Devon Thibodeau's (Pelham, Ont.) game-tying goal in the third-period, then secured the tournament title by netting the shootout winner, capping an all-around effort that earned him top individual honors.

Through the first half of the season, D'Ancona has emerged as one of the Cadets' most dynamic first-year contributors, tied for the team in total points and pacing the squad in assists.  He also ranked second in the LEC in faceoff win percentage, trailing only teammate Ben van Waterschoot (Whitby, Ont.).

The honor marks Norwich's first Rookie of the Week selection in men's hockey since Sami Molu (Toronto, Ont.) was tabbed New England Hockey Conference (NEHC) Co-Rookie of the Week on Jan. 15, 2024.  It also continues a run of recognition from the LEC this season, after Elliott and Molu were named LEC Player and Goalie of the Week, respectively, on Nov. 10.

D'Ancona and the Cadets will return from winter break on Jan. 2, opening the Northfield Savings Bank Holiday Tournament against Nazareth before taking on regional rivals Plattsburgh State and Vermont State University Castleton in early January action.