EAST MEADOW, N.Y. — Forward Patriks Marcinkevics produced a nation-leading 11 assists in seven games with the LIU men's ice hockey team in December.

And on Thursday, Marcinkevics was recognized as the Hockey Commissioners Association Rookie of the Month.

It marked the first time in the program's three-season history that an LIU student-athlete has claimed a Hockey Commissioners Association national weekly honor.

Marcinkevics, a freshman from Riga, Latvia, also scored his first collegiate goal Dec. 4 against Brown, on first-period penalty shot.

His 11 assists lead the Sharks on the season.

"We are incredibly proud of Patriks for earning this great national recognition," coach Brett Riley said. "His production throughout December was nothing short of remarkable and a true testament to his offensive ability. We look forward to a strong second half for Patriks and our entire team."

LIU returns to action Jan. 13 at 7 p.m. at Princeton.