Sam Rinzel's first goal highlights a productive weekend for Blackhawks prospects

Another weekend down, another stretch of productive games for Blackhawks prospects in the NCAA hockey world. Over the weekend, we saw a pair of prospects facing off, as well as a few matchups between premier programs.

Defenseman Sam Rinzel of the Minnesota Gophers tallied his first collegiate goal on Friday night, then added one block on Saturday as the Gophers split a series with Penn State.

In addition to Rinzel's first goal, Oliver Moore picked up an assist on Friday night as the duo continues to be actively involved during their freshmen campaigns. Both have played in 16 games, with Moore having 11 points on two goals and nine assists, and Rinzel having 10 points on one goal and nine assists.

Sam Rinzel scores his first goal as a Freshman

Providing the lone series that saw a couple of Blackhawks prospects face off against each other was Frank Nazar III and the Michigan Wolverines, who hit the road to take on Landon Slaggert and Notre Dame.

Although the series ended in a split, both Nazar and Slaggert had good weekends by contributing directly to their team's success. Slaggert, however, had a slight edge by finishing the weekend with two goals that were both scored on Friday night.

Through 16 games this year, Slaggert continues to be dominant for Notre Dame. He has 16 points on 12 goals and four assists. His 16 points and 12 goals both lead the team.

Even though Nazar was held without a point on Friday night, he refused to stay quiet all weekend. On Saturday night, he broke the scoreless tie in the first by getting Michigan on the board with a goal. Through 18 games, Nazar has 18 points on eight goals and 10 assists.

Forward Aidan Thompson and the Denver Pioneers hosted the North Dakota Fighting Hawks in what was a thrilling series among two top programs in the NCAA.

Despite dropping the first game by a final of 7-5, Thompson helped the Pioneers bounce back and earn a split with a 3-2 win in overtime. In the win, Thompson scored a goal and added an assist to his line. After scoring his third goal of the year, Thompson now has 12 points on nine assists and three goals through 16 games.

Last but not least, Ryan Greene and the Boston Terriers swept Merrimack. On Friday night, Greene had two assists in a 4-1 win. Through 16 games, Greene has 16 points on six goals and 10 assists. His 16 points are tied for third on a very talented Terriers team.