SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (December 1, 2025) – Western New England men's ice hockey first-year Stepan Kuznetsov has been named the Conference of New England (CNE) Men's Ice Hockey Co-Rookie of the Week, becoming the first Golden Bear this season to earn a weekly award at the conference level.

Kuznetsov scored a goal and added two assists last week in WNE's 4-3 win over Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, helping the Golden Bears pick up their first victory of the season. Kuznetsov's goal proved to be the eventual game-winner, marking his fifth goal of the year and seventh point overall (5G, 2A). The Yaroslavl, Russia, native took four shots in the game, posted a +1 rating on the ice, and recorded one blocked shot for the Golden Bears.

The Western New England men's ice hockey team returns to action this Friday, December 5, at 5:00 PM, traveling to Roger Williams University for Conference of New England play. The Blue and Gold continue a six-game road swing on Saturday, December 6, with a 3:00 PM faceoff at Wentworth Institute of Technology, also in CNE action.