HAMILTON, Ont. – Western forward Zach Harnden has been named Pioneer Energy Ontario University Athletics (OUA) Male Athlete of the Week for the period ending March 4, 2012.

Harnden (Thunder Bay, Ont.) scored the series-winning goal for the Western Mustangs in a thrilling Game 3 of the OUA West Final against the Windsor Lancers on Sunday night (March 4). The first-year Mustang broke a scoreless tie 11 seconds into the third period, converting on a two-on-one to finally solve Windsor goaltender Parker Van Buskirk and propel the Mustangs to the series win. Harnden capped his night with an assist on another two-on-one for an insurance marker in the 2-0 win.

The 6-foot-3, 210-pound forward also had a goal and an assist in Western’s 5-2 victory in Game 2 of the OUA West Final on Friday night (March 2). Including his goal in Western’s 4-3 loss in Game 1 on Wednesday (Feb. 29), Harnden finished with a five-point series to help lead the Mustangs to the Queen’s Cup. The OUA’s Top Rookie in 2011-12 now has nine points in the playoffs, good for a tie for fifth in the conference.

The Mustangs are now set for a rematch against the McGill Redmen in the Queen's Cup on Saturday, March 10 at Thompson Arena. For tickets, click here.

Each Pioneer Energy OUA Athlete of the Week will receive a gift card and a dri-fit T-shirt, courtesy of Pioneer Energy.