ALBANY, NY -- After being tabbed as the ECAC Hockey Rookie of the Month following a stellar December, Union College freshman forward Eli Lichtenwald has been named the Hockey Commissioners' Association National Division 1 Rookie of the Month for December.

Lichtenwald led all freshmen in points (seven) and tied for most goals with four, while guiding the Dutchmen to a 5-0-1 record. He compiled three points (2g, 1a) in a 6-4 win over then fifth-ranked Quinnipiac on Dec. 7 to help Union move into sole possession of first place in the ECAC Hockey standings.

The Saskatoon, Saskatchewan native excelled in three ECAC Hockey games, in which Union was 3-0-0, tying for the lead among all league freshmen in total points (5), while leading rookie his counterparts with plus/minus rating of +6, and number of face-offs won (36).

Lichtenwald is currently riding a five-game point streak (4g, 3a), which has seen him tally a goal in three of his last four games, giving him a point in nine of his last 10 games. For the year, he has totaled seven goals and 6 assists for 13 points in 11 overall games. - good for third in among all freshmen averaging 1.18 points per game.

Union, 12-3-3 overall, is ranked #5 in the latest USCHO.com poll (December 30) and #7 in the USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine poll. The Dutchmen are 8-1-0 in ECAC Hockey and leads the league with 16 points. Union is undefeated in the last 10 (9-0-1) and returns to action January 10 at #8/#8 Quinnipiac.