February 24, 2023

The Two Minute Minor - An edition of the Penalty Box Post - Friday, February 24, 2023

February 24, 2023

The Two-Minute Minor
An edition of the Penalty Box Post
Friday, February 24th

GWH GAME DAY!! WCHA Quarterfinals, Game 1
Minnesota vs. St. Thomas
6:00 p.m. at Ridder Arena

We hope to see many of you at Ridder Arena tonight as the #2-seed Gopher Women's Hockey team hosts #7-seed St. Thomas in the WCHA First Round / Quarterfinals. Puck drop for Game 1 in the best-of-3 series is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here. If you cannot attend, live video will be streamed on the B1G+ subscription service; free, live audio is available on GopherSports.com, and live stats can be found here.

TRAFFIC ALERT!! Please note that the Gopher Men's Hockey team is also in action at home tonight, facing Ohio State at 8:00 p.m. at 3M Arena at Mariucci. If you are coming to the GWH game, you are encouraged to allow extra time for traffic and parking around the university.

We also remind fans that Minneapolis is currently in the midst of a snow emergency, with no parking on the ODD numbered side of non-Snow Emergency routes before 8 p.m. (if not fully plowed), and no parking on the EVEN numbered side of non-Snow Emergency routes after 8 p.m.

Six (6) Gophers named to 2022-2023 All-WCHA Teams!

The Western Collegiate Hockey Association yesterday announced its 2022-2023 All-WCHA Teams for their performances on the ice this season. We congratulate the six (6) Gopher players named to the teams:

First Team – Taylor Heise & Grace Zumwinkle
Third Team – Abigail Boreen, Abbey Murphy & Skylar Vetter
Rookie Team – Nelli Laitinen

Copyright © 2023 Power Play Club, All rights reserved.

Follow the Power Play Club online at www.powerplayclub.org, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PowerPlayClubMN, or on Twitter at twitter.com/powerplayclub.

Follow the Gopher women's hockey team and all Univ. of Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletics at gophersports.com. You can also find the Gopher women's hockey team on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GopherWomensHockey and on Twitter at twitter.com/GopherWHockey.

Power Play Club

February 22, 2023

The Penalty Box Post - Wednesday, February 22, 2023

Power Play Club

February 22, 2023

The Penalty Box Post
Wednesday, February 22nd

PPC All-Member Meeting – Tuesday, February 28 at 7:00 p.m.

Here's another reminder that the annual Power Play Club All-Member Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 28 at 7:00 p.m. This will be an online meeting on Zoom, with the link to be shared shortly before the meeting date. The primary agenda item will be the election of members to the club's Board of Directors, though there will also be time for providing thoughts and feedback as we continually strive for improvement and look forward to the 2023-2024 season.

Goals for a Goal: Gophers enter postseason with 152 goals!

The math checks out. For the second-straight year, the Gopher Women's Hockey lit the lamp 152 times during the regular season, though this year's total includes 30 power play conversions!!

We thank everyone who has pledged in our Goals for a Goal program, converting each of those goals into donations to the team for Ridder Arena improvements. Our counting is not complete, as goals scored during the post-season will be included in the final total. We also continue to accept new pledges, with the option to double the per-goal amount for power play tallies. To make a pledge, fill out this online form (preferred) or download the PDF version, print it, and mail it in to the listed address. Thanks, and GO GOPHERS!!

WCHA First Round / Quarterfinals – Best 2 out of 3 games
#2-seed Minnesota Golden Gophers (25-5-3, 22-3-3-1 WCHA)
vs. #7-seed St. Thomas Tommies (8-25-1, 3-24-1-1 WCHA)

Friday, February 24 at 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 25 at 2:00 p.m.
Sunday, February 26 at 2:00 p.m. (if necessary)
Ridder Arena

For the second-consecutive year, the Gopher Women's Hockey team will open the WCHA playoffs against the University of St. Thomas Tommies after having just faced them to conclude the regular season. The best two-out-of-three-game quarterfinal series at Ridder Arena starts Friday, February 24 at 6:00 p.m., then continues Saturday, February 25 at 2:00 p.m. and (if necessary) Sunday, February 26 at 2:00 p.m.

Ticket information – Season ticket holders should have received tickets for the quarterfinal series as part of their plan, and should contact the U. of M. ticket office at 1-800-U-GOPHER with any questions or concerns. Single-game tickets for Friday's and Saturday's games are available for purchase here. If a Game 3 on Sunday is necessary, tickets will be made available at the conclusion of Saturday's contest.

Recap: Gophers finish regular season with sweep of Tommies – UST netminder Saskia Maurer earned WCHA Goaltender of the Week award by making 53 saves, 50 in regulation, to force overtime on Friday, but Abbey Murphy scored 2:17 into the extra period to give Minnesota the 2-1 OT victory. Nicole Vallerio lit the lamp for the first time this season to put the Tommies up 1-0 in the third period, but Taylor Heise knotted the score 57 seconds later.

Abigail Boreen lit the lamp twice in Saturday's rematch, netting the game-winning goal. Heise (PP) and Murphy each tallied their second goal of the weekend as well, winning 4-2 despite having St. Thomas score a pair of goals off Gopher defenders. Alexa Dobchuk made 55 saves for the Tommies.

Skylar Vetter stopped 42 of 45 shots between the pipes for the Gophers, and also earned an offensive assist on Saturday on Heise's goal. Nelli Laitinen dished out 3 assists in the series, while Emily Oden recorded 2 helpers.

Tommies analysis update – Sophomore Maddie Clough (#2) remains the St. Thomas' leading scorer, dishing out her 7th assist this season to go with 6 goals of her own for 13 points. Graduate student Anna Solheim (#19) added her 4th goal to accompany her team-high 8 assists for 12 points. Gabby Billing (#18) remains at 10 points, tallying 5 goals & 5 assists, while senior Maija Almich (#5) still has a team-leading 8 goals plus an assist for 9 points.

Both sophomore Saskia Maurer (#29) and senior Alexa Dobchuk (#30) saw their season-long goals-against averages and save percentages improve slightly. Maurer is now 5-13-1 with 3 shutouts in 19 starts, posting a 2.92 goals-against average & .917 save percentage. Dobchuk has a 2-11-0 record this season, with a 4.43 GAA & .894 SV%. Freshman Maggie Malecha (#33) remains 1-1-0 in two starts and 3 relief appearances, with a 2.67 GAA and .924 SV%.

Grace Zumwinkle joins GWH 200-point club!!

With an assist last Friday night against St. Thomas, fifth-year forward Grace Zumwinkle became the tenth player in Gopher Women's Hockey program history to reach the career 200-point mark, coming on 106 goals and 94 assists!! Congratulations, Grace!!

Rivalry Series – Canada defeats U.S. in Game 6; Game 7 is tonight! (Wednesday, Feb 22)

Gopher Women's Hockey alumna Kelly Pannek lit the lamp for the U.S. Women's National Team, but Brianne Jenner tallied a goal & two assists and Marie-Philip Poulin netted a goal for her 200th point with the Canada Women's National Team as they defeated the Americans, 5-1, on Monday night (USA Hockey recap / Hockey Canada recap).

The Canadian win knotted the 2022-2023 Rivalry Series at three games apiece, with the Game 7 finale tonight (Wednesday, Feb. 22) in Laval, Quebec. Game time is set for 7 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. CT, with live television coverage on NHL Network.

Four incoming Gophers honored for H.S. senior year play

We send a shout-out to four members of the Gopher Women's Hockey freshman class of 2023-2024 who have been recognized for their senior year performances with their respective high school teams!

Lauren O'Hara (Centennial/Spring Lake Park) was named as one of five Minnesota Ms. Hockey finalists by Let's Play Hockey and East Metro Player of the Year by the Pioneer Press. O'Hara has 35 goals and 20 assists in 28 games, leading the team to Section 5AA Championship and a state tournament appearance.

Ava Lindsay (Minnetonka) was named Star Tribune's Metro Player of the Year, posting 41 points for the Section 2AA champion Skippers on 23 goals and 18 assists in 23 games. Joining Lindsay on the Star Tribune's All-Metro First Team are Isa Goettl of (Andover; 27 games, 22g-44a-66pts) and Josie Hemp (Minnetonka; 27 games, 9g-29a-38pts).

Around the WCHA...

Buckeyes claim WCHA title with 4 points at Wisconsin – Jesse Compher tallied two goals & an assist, and Casey O'Brien added a goal & an assist as the Badgers took a 4-0 lead after the first period on Friday, but Ohio State came back with two goals each from Jenn Gardiner & Emma Maltais, sending the game to overtime tied 5-5; however, Gardiner was whistled for covering the puck in her own crease in OT, and Kirsten Simms scored on the resulting penalty shot for the 6-5 Wisconsin victory. After two scoreless periods to open Saturday's rematch, Lalya Edwards put the Badgers ahead 7:17 into the third stanza, but Maltais knotted the score on a power play with 4:17 to play, Madison Bizal put the Buckeyes ahead with 55.5 seconds remaining, and Bizal added an insurance goal on another power play 30 seconds later for a 3-1 victory, clinching the Ohio State's first WCHA Regular-Season Championship and the Julianne Bye Cup.

Bulldogs sweep Beavers in Bemidji – Gabbie Hughes recorded a goal & 5 assists, Ashton Bell added a goal & 3 assists, Maggie Flaherty dished out 4 helpers, and Naomi Rogge tallied two goals and an assist as Minnesota Duluth swept Bemidji State at the Sanford Center, 6-0 and 5-1. Reece Hunt scored for the Beavers. Emma Soderberg claimed UMD's career shutout record on Friday, earning her 21st with a 12-save performance.

Huskies sweep Mavericks on home ice – Taylor Lind recorded a goal & 5 assists, Courtney Hall and Addi Scribner each lit the lamp three times, and Klára Hymlárová added two goals & an assist as St. Cloud State swept Minnesota State 6-3 and 5-2 at the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center. Jamie Nelson and Alexis Paddington each tallied a goal & two assists for MSU.

Final regular-season standings:
1. Ohio State – 70 points (.857 pts%), 23-4-1-1, 3-2 in OT (28-4-2 overall)
2. Minnesota – 68 points (.810 pts%), 22-3-3-1, 2-0 in OT (25-5-3 overall)
3. Wisconsin – 60 points (.726 pts%), 19-7-2-1, 2-2 in OT (23-9-2 overall)
4. Minn. Duluth – 54 points (.690 pts%), 17-8-3-2, 4-2 in OT (23-8-3 overall)
5. St. Cloud State – 36 points (.429 pts%), 11-16-1-0, 0-2 in OT (18-16-1 overall)
6. Minnesota State – 30 points (.357 pts%), 9-18-1-0, 0-2 in OT (15-18-1 overall)
7. St. Thomas – 12 points (.143 pts%), 3-24-1-1, 0-1 in OT (8-25-1 overall)
8. Bemidji State – 6 points (.071 pts%), 2-26-0-0, 0-0 in OT (5-28-1 overall)

Other WCHA Quarterfinal Pairings...
Best 2-out-of-3 / Friday, Saturday, and (if necessary) Sunday, February 24-26

#5-seed St. Cloud State University at #4-seed University of Minnesota Duluth
Friday at 3:00 p.m. CT / Saturday at 5:00 p.m. CT / Sunday at 3:00 p.m. CT

#8-seed Bemidji State University at #1-seed Ohio State University
Friday at 6:00 p.m. ET / Saturday & Sunday at 3:00 p.m. ET

#6-seed Minnesota State University at #3-seed University of Wisconsin
Friday at 7:00 p.m. CT / Saturday at 3:00 p.m. CT / Sunday at 3:30 p.m. CT

Power Play Club

February 20, 2023

The Two-Minute Minor - An edition of the Penalty Box Post - Monday, February 20, 2023

Power Play Club

February 20, 2023

The Two-Minute Minor
An edition of the Penalty Box Post
Monday, February 20th

Ohio State claims WCHA Championship & Julianne Bye Cup;
Gophers to face St. Thomas in best-of-three quarterfinal series

With a 3-1 victory over Wisconsin yesterday, the Ohio State Buckeyes women's hockey team won their first WCHA Regular-Season Championship and the Julianne Bye Cup for 2022-2023.

Minnesota finished as the #2 seed for the WCHA Playoffs, posting a 22-3-3-1 conference record (2-0 in OT). As a result, the Gophers will face St. Thomas again in a best-of-3 conference quarterfinal series at Ridder Arena next weekend, marking the second-straight year that the two teams will square off in the first round after playing each other at the end of the regular season.

Game times are set for...

Friday, February 24 at 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 25 at 2:00 p.m.
Sunday, February 26 at 2:00 p.m. (if necessary)

We'll have more details with our full series preview in our regular Penalty Box Post later this week.

Season ticket holders should have received tickets for the quarterfinal series as part of their plan, and should contact the U. of M. ticket office at 1-800-U-GOPHER with any questions or concerns. Fans looking to purchase tickets for any of the three contests are encouraged to watch the team's social media accounts – Facebook and Twitter – for updates on availability.

All-Session tickets for the 2023 WCHA Final Faceoff at Ridder Arena are on sale through the U. of M. Ticket Office. The tickets are $37 for reserved chairback seats, $27 for adult general admission bench seating, and $20 for senior and student/youth general admission seats. Groups of 10 or more can also get general admission seating for $10 per person.

Game times are set as follows:

Semifinal Game 1: Friday, March 3 at 1:00 p.m. CT
Semifinal Game 2: Friday, March 3 at 5:00 p.m. CT (approximately)
Championship Game: Saturday, March 4 at 2:00 p.m. CT

Tickets can also be purchased in-person at the 3M Arena at Mariucci Box Offices or by phone at 1-800-U-GOPHER. All tickets purchased in advance will be issued electronically. Single-day tickets will go on sale next Monday, February 27.

Rivalry Series resumes tonight, concludes Wednesday

We provide a reminder that the final two games of the 2022-2023 Rivalry Series between the U.S. and Canada Women's National Hockey Teams are scheduled for tonight (Monday, Feb. 20) and Wednesday (Feb. 22) in Quebec. Both games are scheduled for 7 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. CT, with live television coverage on NHL Network.

We again send wishes of good luck to the six Gopher Women's Hockey alumnae called up to the national team rosters for these two contests: Hannah Brandt (USA), Emily Brown (USA), Amanda Kessel (USA), Kelly Pannek (USA), Sarah Potomak (CAN), and Lee Stecklein (USA).

Gopher alumna Taylor Wente signs with MN Whitecaps

We also send congratulations and wishes of good luck to Gopher Women's Hockey alumna Taylor Wente, who signed with the Minnesota Whitecaps of the Premier Hockey Federation for the remainder of the 2022-2023 season.

Wente becomes the fifth Gopher playing in the PHF this year, all with the Whitecaps, joining Sydney Baldwin, Olivia Knowles, Amanda Leveille, and Patti Marshall (though, as noted in the press release, Leveille was placed on long-term injured reserve).

Other WCHA Quarterfinal Pairings...

Best 2-out-of-3 / Friday, Saturday, and (if necessary) Sunday, February 24-26

#5-seed St. Cloud State University at #4-seed University of Minnesota Duluth
Friday at 3:00 p.m. CT / Saturday at 5:00 p.m. CT / Sunday at 3:00 p.m. CT

#8-seed Bemidji State University at #1-seed Ohio State University
Friday at 6:00 p.m. ET / Saturday & Sunday at 3:00 p.m. ET

#6-seed Minnesota State University at #3-seed University of Wisconsin
Friday at 7:00 p.m. CT / Saturday at 3:00 p.m. CT / Sunday at 3:30 p.m. CT

More information from the league is available here.

Power Play Club

February 16, 2023

Penalty Box Post Quick Hit - Thursday, February 16, 2023

Power Play Club

February 16, 2023

Penalty Box Post Quick Hit
Thursday, February 16th

Following Tuesday's announcement of their All-Academic Team, the WCHA named 89 players as 2022-2023 Scholar-Athletes yesterday. Included in that list were Gopher Women's Hockey's Peyton Hemp, Olivia King, Maggie Nicholson, Emily Oden, Gracie Ostertag, Catie Skaja, Skylar Vetter, Audrey Wethington, Madeline Wethington, and Grace Zumwinkle.

We give a special shout-out to Ostertag, who was honored for the fourth time! Additionally, King, Oden, Skaja and Madeline Wethington were recognized as three-time honorees.

As noted in the announcement, WCHA Scholar-Athletes must have completed at least one year of residency at their present institution prior to the current academic year and must also have a grade point average of at least a 3.50 on a 4.0 scale for their previous two semesters or three quarters. Student-athletes may also qualify if their overall GPA is at least a 3.50 for all terms at their present institution.

Congratulations, ladies!! Keep up the great work!!

Power Play Club

February 16, 2023

The Penalty Box Post - Wednesday, February 15, 2023

Power Play Club

February 16, 2023

The Penalty Box Post
Wednesday, February 15th

PPC All-Member Meeting – Tuesday, February 28 at 7:00 p.m.

SAVE THE DATE!! The annual Power Play Club All-Member Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 28 at 7:00 p.m. This will be an online meeting on Zoom, with the link to be shared shortly before the meeting date. The primary agenda item will be the election of members to the club's Board of Directors, though there will also be time for providing thoughts and feedback as we continually strive for improvement and look forward to the 2023-2024 season.

Goals for a Goal – Count climbs to 146 goals

Entering the final weekend of the 2022-2023 regular season, the Gopher Women's Hockey has lit the lamp 146 times – including 29 power play conversions!!

As the playoffs loom, we provide a reminder that goals scored during the post-season will be included in the count for our Goals for a Goal program, converting each of those goals into donations to the team for Ridder Arena improvements. We thanks everyone who has pledged so far and we continue to accept new pledges, with the option to double the per-goal amount for power play tallies. To make a pledge, fill out this online form (preferred) or download the PDF version, print it, and mail it in to the listed address. Thanks, and GO GOPHERS!!

Regular Season Finale!
#4 Minnesota Golden Gophers (23-5-3, 20-3-3-1 WCHA)
at University of St. Thomas Tommies (8-23-1, 3-22-1-1 WCHA)

Friday and Saturday, February 17 & 18 - Both games at 6:00 p.m.
St. Thomas Ice Arena, Mendota Heights

The Gopher Women's Hockey team concludes the 2022-2023 regular season with a trip across town for a road series against the Univerity of St. Thomas Tommies. The teams square off at the St. Thomas Ice Arena in Mendota Heights on Friday and Saturday, February 17 & 18, with both games at 6:00 p.m.

Television coverage – Saturday's game will be televised on FOX 9+ in the Twin Cities. To find your FOX 9+ channel number, click here. Both games will also have video streaming available on the B1G+ subscription service.

Last time against St. Thomas – Seven different Gopher Women's Hockey players lit the lamp and Skylar Vetter stopped 28 of the 29 shots she faced as Minnesota swept St. Thomas five weeks ago at Ridder Arena, 5-0 & 4-1. In the opener, Grace Zumwinkle netted two first-period goals, Abbey Murphy recorded 3 points on a goal & two assists, Nelli Laitinen dished out two helpers, and Peyton Hemp & Josefin Bouveng also found the back of the net. Also having recorded an assist on Friday, Taylor Heise tallied the game-winning goal and two helpers in the rematch, hitting the 200 career points mark. Abigail Boreen lit the lamp twice and Ella Huber also scored. For the Tommies, Maddy Clough netted the lone goal while Alexa Dobchuk made 41 saves Friday and Saskia Maurer stopped 38 shots Saturday.

Analyzing the Tommies – Coming to the close of their second season at the Division I level, St. Thomas has racked up 8 overall wins, including sweeps of Lindenwood, RIT, and Bemidji State. They currently sit seventh in the conference standings after winning a third game over the Beavers and also earning a tie and shootout win against UMD back in December.

Sophomore defender Maddie Clough (#2) is the Tommies' leading scorer with 12 points, recording 6 goals and 6 assists. Graduate student Anna Solheim (#19) has a team-high 8 assists plus 3 goals of her own for 11 points. Another graduate student, Gabby Billing (#18) is the third UST player with 10 points, tallying 5 goals & 5 assists. Senior Maija Almich (#5) has a team-leading 8 goals plus an assist for 9 points.

Sophomore netminder Saskia Maurer (#29) is 5-12-1 with 3 shutouts in her 18 starts, posting a 2.98 goals-against average & .912 save percentage. Senior Alexa Dobchuk (#30) has a 2-10-0 record this season, with a 4.45 GAA & .889 SV%. Freshman Maggie Malecha (#33) is 1-1-0 in two starts and has also made 3 relief appearances; she has a 2.67 GAA and .924 SV%.

Last weekend for St. Thomas – The Ohio State Ice Rink in Columbus was not hospitable to the Tommies as they were swept by the Buckeyes, 6-1 & 5-0. OSU's Makenna Webster & Gabby Rosenthal each recorded two goals and an assist, Emma Maltais tallied a goal and 4 helpers, and Jenna Buglioni dished out 5 assists. Maija Almich lit the lamp for UST, and Alexa Dobchuck & Saskia Maurer each made 46 saves.

Gophers drop five points to Wisconsin at sold-out Ridder

Despite back-to-back nights of Ridder Arena record crowds of 3,539 spectators, the Gopher Women's Hockey team was only able to earn one WCHA standings point against Wisconsin, earning a 2-2 tie but losing the subsequent shootout and dropping the rematch by a wild 7-5 score.

The Badgers took a pair of one-goal leads on Friday when Katie Kotlowski and Jesse Compher lit the lamp. However, Abbey Murphy and Taylor Heise each scored to draw the Gophers even. But, despite a 24-5 shot advantage after the second intermission, Minnesota could not find a go-ahead tally and the game finished knotted up. In the shootout, Wisconsin's Britta Curl netted the only goal in the third round for the bonus point.

The Gophers took a 2-0 lead in the rematch on Heise's 4th short-handed goal of the season and a power-play tally by Catie Skaja. The Badgers responded with the next four goals, including two by Kirsten Simms, to go up by two in the third period, but Murphy netted her second goal of the weekend and Heise tallied her third to knot the score at 4-4. However, the game flipped back in Wisconsin's favor inside the final five minutes as Carolyn Harvey, Casey O'Brien, and Compher (empty net) scored to take a 7-4 lead. Grace Zumwinkle lit the lamp with 57 seconds remaining, but it wasn't enough and the Gophers fell.

Between the pipes, Skylar Vetter made a combined 57 saves for Minnesota, while Cami Kronish stopped 80 shots for Wisconsin.

Zumwinkle, Heise continue climbs in Gopher record books – Grace Zumwinkle's late goal on Saturday was the 106th of her career, moving her into a tie with Minnesota legend Krissy Wendell for fourth on the program's all-time list; after also dishing out 3 assists against the Badgers, she moved into sole possession of 10th place on the career points list, reaching a total of 199 to activate another milestone watch. Heise's 88th, 89th, and 90th career goals moved her into ninth on the list, surpassing Ambria Thomas, and she also passed Thomas for fourth in career short-handed goals with 9.

Minnesota lands 18 on WCHA All-Academic Team

Our congratulations to the eighteen (18) Gopher Women's Hockey players who have been named to the 2023 WCHA All-Academic Team, as announced by the league yesterday: Abigail Boreen, Taylor Heise, Peyton Hemp, Crystalyn Hengler, Ella Huber, Olivia King, Sadie Lindsay, Abbey Murphy, Maggie Nicholson, Savannah Norcross, Emily Oden, Gracie Ostertag, Catie Skaja, Skylar Vetter, Audrey Wethington, Madeline Wethington, Emily Zumwinkle, and Grace Zumwinkle!!

As shared in the press release from the league, the WCHA All-Academic Team includes student-athletes who have completed one year of eligibility at their present institutions, prior to the academic year, and have a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in their previous two semesters or three quarters.

Around the WCHA...

Bulldogs take 5 points from Huskies – A power-play goal by Gabbie Hughes put Minnesota Duluth up 1-0 in their opener against St. Cloud State, but Huskies goaltender Jojo Chobak stopped the other 43 shots she faced and Emma Gentry knotted the score with 3:12 to play in regulation. After a scoreless overtime, Maggie Flaherty netted the only goal of the shootout – the second-straight UMD game in which that occurred – to take the bonus point. The Bulldogs followed that up with a 2-0 shutout in the rematch, getting goals from Ashton Bell (PP) & Taylor Anderson. Emma Soderberg stopped a combined 35 of 36 shots for the Bulldogs; Sanni Ahola made 30 saves on Saturday for SCSU.

Mavericks sweep Beavers in Mankato – Kelsey King recorded two goals and an assist, Madison Mashuga lit the lamp twice, and Alexa Berg posted a 22-save shutout on Saturday as Minnesota State earned a home sweep over Bemidji State, 3-2 and 4-0. Reece Hunt and McKayla Zilisch scored for BSU.

This weekend – Minnesota Duluth and Bemidji State will get the action underway with a Friday-Saturday matinee series in Bemidji. St. Cloud State hosts Minnesota State in the battle for 5th place in the league standings on Friday evening and Saturday afternoon (MSU holds the tiebreaker after sweeping the earlier series against SCSU). Finally, Ohio State visits Wisconsin in the conclusion of the regular season, with games on Saturday and Sunday afternoon.

Standings (* indicates team has clinched home ice for WCHA quarterfinals):
1. Ohio State* – 66 points (.872 pts%), 22-3-1-1, 3-1 in OT (27-3-2 overall)
2. Minnesota* – 63 points (.808 pts%), 20-3-3-1, 1-0 in OT (23-5-3 overall)
3. Wisconsin* – 58 points (.756 pts%), 18-6-2-1, 1-2 in OT (22-8-2 overall)
4. Minn. Duluth* – 48 points (.654 pts%), 15-8-3-2, 4-2 in OT (21-8-3 overall)
5. St. Cloud State – 30 points (.385 pts%), 9-16-1-0, 0-2 in OT (16-16-1 overall)
Minnesota State – 30 points (.385 pts%), 9-16-1-0, 0-2 in OT (15-16-1 overall)
7. St. Thomas – 11 points (.141 pts%), 3-22-1-1, 0-0 in OT (8-23-1 overall)
8. Bemidji State – 6 points (.077 pts%), 2-24-0-0, 0-0 in OT (5-26-1 overall)

Power Play Club

February 8, 2023

The Penalty Box Post - Wednesday, February 8, 2023

Power Play Club

February 8, 2023

The Penalty Box Post
Wednesday, February 8th

Goals for a Goal – Gophers light lamp 139 times

With another 5 goals scored last weekend against Ohio State, one coming on a power play, the Gopher Women's Hockey has lit the lamp 139 times – including 28 power play conversions – with two weekends to go in 2022-2023 regular season!!

We again thank everyone who has committed to turn each Gopher goal scored during the regular season & postseason into donations to the team for Ridder Arena improvements through our Goals for a Goal program. We continue to accept pledges as the playoffs approach, with the option to double the per-goal amount for power play tallies. To make a pledge, fill out this online form (preferred) or download the PDF version, print it, and mail it in to the listed address. Thanks, and GO GOPHERS!

Senior Weekend / Border Battle

#3 Minnesota Golden Gophers (23-4-2, 20-2-2-1 WCHA)
vs.
#8 Wisconsin Badgers (21-8-1, 17-6-1-0 WCHA)

Friday, February 10 at 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 11 at 7:30 p.m.
Ridder Arena

The Gopher Women's Hockey team hosts its final home series of the 2022-2023 regular season with a critical WCHA matchup, hosting the Wisconsin Badgers in the Border Battle! The rivals square off at Ridder Arena on Friday, February 10 at 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, February 11 at 7:30 p.m.

Senior Day recognition and a GOLD OUT on Saturday – We join the Gophers in encouraging fans to arrive by 7:15 p.m. on Saturday for the pregame recognition of the senior class: Olivia King, Makayla Pahl, Madeline Wethington, and a special recognition for Grace Zumwinkle. Additionally, fans are urged to wear gold-colored apparel as we cheer on the team in its regular-season home finale.

Tickets for this weekend are limited with less than 200 remaining for each game. We encourage fans to order tickets in advance at z.umn.edu/8duy.

Television coverage this weekend – In case you cannot make it to Ridder Arena or you wish to record the action for replay viewing, both games this weekend will be televised live. Friday's game will be shown on Bally Sports North Extra (channel guide) while Saturday's game will be on Big Ten Network (channel guide). As always, online video streaming of both games is also available on the B1G+ subscription service.

Last time against Wisconsin – The Gophers were able to only earn two points in the WCHA standings when they faced the Badgers in Madison in November; the squads played to a 3-3 tie in the opener with Minnesota earning the shootout bonus point, but Wisconsin took game two, 4-1. Vivian Jungels and Laila Edwards gave the Badgers 1-0 and 2-1 leads in the first game but Peyton Hemp responded both times to knot the score, her first coming shorthanded. Grace Zumwinkle put the Gophers up 3-2 in the second period, but Britta Curl tied it up with a late extra attacker goal. Following a scoreless overtime period, Abbey Murphy netted the only goal of the subsequent shootout. Wisconsin's Nicole LaMantia and Minnesota's Taylor Heise traded first-period power-play goals in the rematch, but the Badgers rattled off the next three goals, coming from Sarah Wozniewicz, Kirsten Simms & Jesse Compher. Between the pipes, Skylar Vetter made a combined 76 saves for the Gophers; Wisconsin's Cami Kronish stopped 64 shots, though she entered Sunday's game in relief after starter Jane Gervais left with an injury only 3½ minutes into the contest.

Analyzing the Badgers – Following a 16-2-1 start to the season, Wisconsin has been a sub-.500 team, going 5-6-0, since the calendar flipped to 2023, scoring only a cumulative 2 goals in the six losses. Though they remain third in the WCHA standings with a 10-point lead over Minnesota Duluth, they are ranked #8 in the national polls and are 7th and 8th in the two mathematical rankings.

Junior Casey O'Brien (#26) leads Wisconsin in total scoring with 36 points on 14 goals & 22 assists. Redshirt sophomore Lacey Eden (#6) and redhsirt senior Britta Curl (#17) are tied with a team-high 16 goals apiece; Eden has dished out 18 assists for 34 points, while Curl has 12 helpers for 28 points. Freshman defender Caroline Harvey (#4) has recorded a team-leading 23 assists while lighting the lamp 9 times herself for 32 points. Graduate player Sophie Shirley (#9) is the fourth Badgers with 30 points, tallying 10 goals and 20 assists.

Redshirt senior Cami Kronish (#30) has seen a majority of the action between the pipes this season; including her relief appearance against the Gophers, she has a 13-6-1 record with 6 shutouts and leads the WCHA with a 1.25 goals-against average & .936 save percentage. Redshirt sophomore Jane Gervais (#1) is 8-2-0 with two shutouts and one no-decision, posting a 1.59 GAA and .926 SV%. Freshman Chloe Baker (#32) has yet to see any official action.

Last weekend for Wisconsin – A Kohl Center "Fill the Bowl" crowd of 14,430 saw the visiting St. Cloud State Huskies earn their first win over the Badgers in nearly 8 years; SCSU netminder Jojo Chobak stopped all 39 shots she faced and Jenniina Nylund scored in the first period for the 1-0 shutout upset. The Huskies took another 1-0 lead in the rematch on a Courtney Hall goal, but Wisconsin responded with Jesse Compher, Caroline Harvey, and Laila Edward lighting the lamp. St. Cloud State closed to 3-2 on a Taylor Lind short-handed goal, but they could not find an equalizer and the Badgers salvaged the split.

Gophers split with top-ranked Ohio State

Minnesota Women's Hockey retained the top spot in the WCHA standings entering the final two weeks of the regular season, getting a split against the nationally top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes at Ridder Arena.

The Gophers withstood an early attack by the Buckeyes in the opener and took a 1-0 lead in the first period when Peyton Hemp netted a pass from Josefin Bouveng. Abigail Boreen scored another backdoor goal on a Taylor Heise feed, and Abbey Murphy lit the lamp on the power play to push the lead to 3-0. Ohio State closed within one early in the third after goals by Gabby Rosenthal and Jenn Gardiner (PP), but Murphy was the recipient of Taylor Heise's third assist of the night, burying the puck to put the Gophers back up by two. Skylar Vetter stymied OSU the rest of the way, finishing with 31 saves and earning the 4-2 victory. Raygan Kirk made 23 saves for the Buckeyes.

The rematch started similarly, with Madeline Wethington tallying her second goal of the season for the 1-0 Gopher lead. However, things went downhill quickly for Minnesota as OSU's Sloane Matthews scored less than 3 minutes later and Hadley Hartmetz lit the lamp 19 seconds after that on a deflection off a defender. The Gophers remained within one through the second period, but the Buckeyes broke the game open in the third stanza on goals by Rosenthal, Kenzie Hauswirth, and Paetyn Levis, getting a 5-1 win and the series split. Vetter made another 27 saves, and Amanda Thiele stopped 32 shots for Ohio State. Gardiner dished out two assists to finish the weekend with 4 points (1g, 3a).

Zumwinkle garners national award for January play

Fifth-year co-captain Grace Zumwinkle earned another award for her play during the month of January, being named National Co-Player of the Month by the Hockey Commissioners Association. As we noted last week, Zumwinkle recorded a WCHA-high 16 points on 8 goals & 8 assists while posting a +14 plus-minus rating. She became the sixth Gopher to reach the career 100-goal mark and improved to fifth on the program's all-time goal list with 105; additionally, she took sole possession of 10th place on Minnesota's all-time career points list with 195 (105G, 90A). Congratulations, Grace!!

Around the WCHA...

Bulldogs earn 4 points in Mankato, clinch home ice – Minnesota State took a 3-1 lead on UMD in their series opener after goals by Kelsey King & Charlotte Akervik. However, Mary Kate O'Brien pulled the Bulldogs within one, Gabbie Hughes netted the unassisted, game-tying goal with 3:53 left in regulation, and Hughes tallied her third point of the game on Mannon McMahon's overtime gamewinner for the 4-3 victory. The teams played to a scoreless tie in the rematch; Emma Soderberg (UMD) and Alexa Berg (MSU) both earned shutouts, making 20 & 32 saves, respectively. Maggie Flaherty netted the only goal of the subsequent shootout to give Minnesota Duluth the bonus point, completing the four point weekend. With that result, the Bulldogs became the fourth and final team to clinch home ice for the WCHA best-of-3 quarterfinals.

Tommies, Beavers split in Bemidji – Allie Monrean, Lauren Stenslie & Anna Solheim lit the lamp and Saskia Maurer stopped all 32 shots she faced as St. Thomas shutout Bemidji State in their opener, 3-0. However, Khloe Lund tallied a goal and 3 assists in the rematch, Reece Hunt, Taylor Nelson & Claire Vekich also lit the lamp, and Abbie Thompson made 30 saves for the Beavers to earn their second conference win of the season, 4-1.

This weekend – All four league series this week include Friday evening and Saturday afternoon games. St. Thomas and Ohio State get things underway in Columbus, St. Cloud State visits Minnesota Duluth, and Minnesota State hosts Bemidji State in Mankato.

Standings (* indicates team has clinched home ice for WCHA quarterfinals):
1. Minnesota* – 62 points (.861 pts%), 20-2-2-1, 1-0 in OT (23-4-2 overall)
2. Ohio State* – 60 points (.833 pts%), 20-3-1-1, 3-1 in OT (25-3-2 overall)
3. Wisconsin* – 53 points (.736 pts%), 16-5-1-0, 1-2 in OT (21-8-1 overall)
4. Minn. Duluth* – 43 points (.597 pts%), 14-8-2-1, 4-2 in OT (20-8-2 overall)
5. St. Cloud State – 29 points (.403 pts%), 9-15-0-0, 0-2 in OT (16-15-0 overall)
6. Minnesota State – 24 points (.333 pts%), 7-16-1-0, 0-2 in OT (13-16-1 overall)
7. St. Thomas – 11 points (.153 pts%), 3-20-1-1, 0-0 in OT (8-21-1 overall)
8. Bemidji State – 6 points (.083 pts%), 2-22-0-0, 0-0 in OT (5-24-1 overall)

Power Play Club

February 6, 2023

The Two-Minute Minor - An edition of the Penalty Box Post - Monday, February 6, 2022

Power Play Club

February 6, 2023

The Two-Minute Minor
An edition of the Penalty Box Post
Monday, February 6th

GWH Senior Celebration – Sunday, February 12
RSVPs requested by end-of-day tomorrow (Tuesday, Feb. 7)

We provide a reminder that RSVPs are being accepted for the 2023 Gopher Women's Hockey Senior Celebration recognizing Minnesota's senior & 5th-year players. The event is scheduled for Sunday, February 12, in Club Cambria at Huntington Bank Stadium, with doors opening at 11:15 a.m. and the meal & program to occur at Noon. Tickets are $50 for adults and $20 for children 12 & under.

Due to the tight timeline, the registration form & payment can be submitted at the event, but RSVPs to Jess Scott are requested by tomorrow, Tuesday, February 7!! RSVPs can be submitted by calling or texting her at 763-443-4860, or by emailing her at jascott@umn.edu.

The registration form is available to download at bit.ly/GWH_Banquet_2023.

GOLD OUT planned for Saturday's Senior Day game - Puck drop scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

As we close out the home portion of the 2022-2023 regular season, Saturday's Border Battle contest against Wisconsin at Ridder Arena will be a GOLD OUT game. Fans are urged to wear gold-colored apparel as we cheer on the Gophers and their seniors and fifth-year players.

Due to television coverage on Big Ten Network, the game is scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. start time. That said, we encourage fans to arrive by 7:15 p.m. for the pregame recognition of the Gopher Women's Hockey senior class.

Tickets for both games this weekend are limited, and we encourage our fellow fans to purchase them in advance. Go to z.umn.edu/8d1c to order yours today!!

Potomak named to Canadian roster for Rivalry Series games

Gopher Women's Hockey alumna Sarah Potomak was named to the 24-player Team Canada roster for the final two games of the 2022-2023 Rivalry Series against the United States, as announced by Hockey Canada last Thursday. Potomak becomes the sixth Gopher participating in the contests as Hannah Brandt, Emily Brown, Amanda Kessel, Kelly Pannek, and Lee Stecklein were named to the American roster earlier last week.

The games are scheduled for Monday, February 20, at Colisée Vidéotron in Trois-Rivières, Quebec, and Wednesday, February 22, at Place Bell in Laval, Quebec; puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. CT for both, with live telvision coverage on NHL Network.

Congratulations on the call-up, Sarah, and good luck to all our Gophers!!

Goaltender Sophia Johnson added to 2022-2023 GWH roster

Gopher Women's Hockey added former Minnetonka High School goaltender Sophia Johnson as a freshman on the 2022-2023 roster last week, wearing #30.

Johnson was the goaltender of record in 27 of the Skippers' 30 games last season, posting a 20-7-0 record as she backstopped them to a runner-up finish in the Minnesota Class AA State Tournament. She finished with 5 shutouts, a 1.80 goals-against average, and a .914 save percentage. Following that effort, she was named YouthHockeyHub's 2022 Girls Goalie of the Year, joining past winners and now-Gophers Skylar Vetter (2018) and Olivia King (2019).

We send our warmest welcome to Sophia as she joins the Gopher Women's Hockey family!!

Power Play Club

February 3, 2023

The Two-Minute Minor - An edition of the Penalty Box Post - Friday, February 3rd

Power Play Club

February 3, 2023

The Two-Minute Minor
An edition of the Penalty Box Post
Friday, February 3rd

Gopher Women’s Hockey Senior Celebration - Sunday, February 12, 2023
Club Cambria – Huntington Bank Stadium
11:15 AM Doors Open
12:00 PM Meal & Program

Please join the Gopher Women’s Hockey team as we celebrate our 2022-2023 season, honor our senior and 5th year players, and get excited for a big playoff run! The meal will be a buffet, with vegetarian or children’s meal (12 & Under) also available.

Email, Text or Call in your RSVP(s) to jascott@umn.edu / 763-443-4860

RSVP’s must be submitted via email, text or phone call, no later than Tuesday, February 7th.

Due to the timeline, registration form & payment can be submitted at the event.
Adults: $50 per person. Children: $20 per person.
Check or cash accepted on site. Please make checks payable to: University of Minnesota

Bring this form, along with payment, to the venue on February 12.

Please contact Jess Scott with any questions – jascott@umn.edu / 763-443-4860.

Skylar Vetter named national Goalie of the Year semifinalist; Bouveng, Kaiser & Laitinen on Rookie of the Year ‘watch list’

Gopher sophomore Skylar Vetter earned more recognition yesterday as she was named one of 11 semifinalists for national Goalie of the Year by the Hockey Commissioners Association. Vetter was one of three WCHA netminders honored, joining Wisconsin's Cami Kronish and Minnesota Duluth's Emma Söderberg. As indicated in the HCA announcement, three finalists will be announced during conference championships and the winner will be announced during the NCAA Frozen Four in Duluth. Congratulations, Skylar!!

The HCA also published its 'watch list' for the national Rookie of the Year award, which included Gopher freshmen Josefin Bouveng, Madison Kaiser, and Nelli Laitinen among the 28 named players. The final selection will be chosen from the five conference Rookie of the Year winners, with a vote of Division I assistant coaches (one vote per school) used to identify the national honoree. Congratulations, Josefin, Madison, and Nelli!!

Power Play Club

February 1, 2023

The Penalty Box Post - Wednesday, February 1, 2023

Power Play Club

February 1, 2023

The Penalty Box Post
Wednesday, February 1st

Chalk Talk – this Saturday, February 4 at 12:30 p.m.

The third and final PPC Chalk Talk of the 2022-2023 season with a member of the Gopher Women's Hockey coaching staff is set for this Saturday, February 4, at 12:30 p.m., prior to the second game of the series against Ohio State. This member-exclusive event will take place in the Ridder Arena weight room (on the upper level) and include a discussion of team strategy & the previous night's game, plus time for a brief question & answer session.

Goals for a Goal – Gopher goal count continues to climb

After netting 7 goals against Minnesota Duluth, including one on the power play, the Gopher Women's Hockey has lit the lamp 134 times in 2022-2023, which includes 27 power play conversions!!

We continue to accept pledges to the Goals for a Goal program, converting each Gopher goal scored during the regular season & postseason into donations to the team for Ridder Arena improvements, with the option to double the per-goal amount for power play goals. To make a pledge, fill out this online form (preferred) or download the PDF version, print it, and mail it in to the listed address. Thanks, and GO GOPHERS!!

#3 Minnesota Golden Gophers (22-3-2, 19-1-2-1 WCHA)
vs.
#1 Ohio State Buckeyes (24-2-2, 19-2-1-1 WCHA)

Friday, February 3 at 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 4 at 2:00 p.m.
Ridder Arena

With three weekends to go in the regular-season, the top seed in the WCHA conference playoffs is potentially on the line as current standings-leading Minnesota Golden Gophers host the nationally #1-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes. The top-three battle at Ridder Arena is scheduled to start at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, February 3, and will continue at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 4.

Ticket information – Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance for both this weekend's contests against Ohio State and the Border Battle series against Wisconsin (Feb. 10 & 11). Go to z.umn.edu/8d1c to get yours today!!

Last time against Ohio State – On the road in Columbus at the end of October, Minnesota took 4 WCHA standings points from the Buckeyes, getting a 4-2 win before a 4-4 tie with OSU taking the shootout. After Nelli Laitinen opened the scoring for the Gophers, Jenna Buglioni (PP) & Sophie Jaques gave the Buckeyes a 2-1 second intermission lead. But Taylor Heise evened score 18 seconds into the third frame, Peyton Hemp reestablished the Gophers' lead with 9:51 to play, and Abigail Boreen added an insurance goal with 3:31 remaining for a 4-2 victory. In the rematch, Abbey Murphy (PP) and Josefin Bouveng scored 47 seconds apart for Minnesota, but Makenna Webster tallied for the Buckeyes to cut the Gopher lead to 2-1. Murphy pushed the lead back to two (3-1) early in the third period, but OSU rallied with goals by Jennifer Gardiner and Jaques (PP) to knot the score with 7:13 to play. Heise netted her second goal of the weekend, a short-handed tally 66 seconds later, but Jaques converted on the same OSU power play 33 seconds after that. The teams skated the through the remainder of regulation and a 5-minute overtime without additional scoring, completing the game tied 4-4. Going to a shootout, Jaques put the Buckeyes up 1-0 in the 2nd round, Grace Zumwinkle scored in the 3rd round to even things up, but Buglioni lit the lamp in round 4 to take the bonus point in the WCHA standings. Skylar Vetter played both games in net for the Gophers, making a combined 70 saves; Amanda Thiele stopped 28 shots for OSU in the opener, and Raygan Kirk made 27 saves in the rematch. Heise & Murphy finished the series with 3 points apiece (2g, 1a for each), while Catie Skaja and Gracie Ostertag each dished out 3 helpers.

Analyzing the Buckeyes – Ohio State has been the top-ranked team in both national polls since mid-November. Outside of their loss and tie against the Gophers, the only other blemishes on their record were a tie against Colgate and an overtime loss at Minnesota Duluth. They enter this weekend on their own 10-game winning streak.

The Buckeyes feature four veteran players who have each surpassed the 30-point mark this season. Senior Jennifer Gardiner (#12) leads OSU in total scoring with 42 points on 16 goals & 26 assists. Graduate player Sophie Jaques (#18) continues to post ridiculous numbers from a defensive position, tallying a team-high 19 goals while dishing out 18 assists for 37 points. Two other graduate players have each posted 32 points; Emma Maltais (#17) has a team-leading 27 assists while lighting the lamp 5 times herself, while Paetyn Levis (#27) has 18 goals & 14 assists.

Junior netminder Amanda Thiele (#30) has started 14 games for Ohio State this season, posting a 12-1-1 record with 3 shutouts; including one relief appearance, she has an .895 save percentage and a 1.94 goals-against average. Senior Raygan Kirk (#1) is 8-1-1 with two shutouts in her 10 starts, posting a .919 SV% and 1.83 GAA. Fellow senior Quinn Kuntz (#35) is 4-0-0 with two shutouts as a starter, recording a 0.75 GAA and .949 SV%. Freshman Lexington Secreto (#34) has yet to see any official action.

Last weekend for Ohio State – Paetyn Levis recorded 3 goals and an assist, Jennifer Gardiner lit the lamp twice, Sophie Jaques & Riley Brengman each added a goal and an assist, and Madison Bizal dished out 3 helpers at the Buckeyes swept Minnesota State, 6-2 & 4-2. Quinn Kuntz started for OSU on Friday and stopped 15 shots, while Amanda Thiele made 22 saves on Saturday. Claire Butorac led the Mavericks with a goal & two assists, and Lauren Barbro & Alexa Berg combined for 87 saves in the series.

Gophers' winning streak continues with sweep of Minn. Duluth

A two-goal performance by Abbey Murphy on Friday, two goals & an assist from Peyton Hemp and a key third-period tally by Abigail Boreen on Saturday, and a combined 55-save showing by Skylar Vetter fueled the Gopher Women's Hockey team to a weekend sweep of UMD, 3-1 & 4-3.

After a scoreless opening period Friday, Catie Skaja put Minnesota up 1-0 just past the midway point of the second stanza. UMD's Taylor Stewart knotted the score just 37 seconds into the third frame, but Murphy put the Gophers back ahead with 12:04 to play, then added an empty-net insurance goal with 1:21 left. Vetter stopped 31 of 32 shots.

Hemp tallied on a first-period power play on Saturday. The teams traded goals after that; Josefin Bouveng put the Gophers up 2-0 early in the 2nd, but Gabby Krause lit the lamp for the Bulldogs on a power play eight minutes later. Hemp scored again with 6 minutes left in the middle period, but Mannon McMahon again pulled UMD within one, 3-2, three-and-a-half minutes into the third. Boreen gave the Gophers their third two-goal lead, scoring unassisted with 10:29 to play; that was a necessary tally as the Bulldogs got a 6-on-4 power play goal with an extra attacker with 2:30 remaining. That was all that Vetter allowed, though, making 24 saves in total for the win and the weekend sweep.

Emma Soderberg made a combined 55 saves for Minnesota Duluth.

Vetter doubles up on league awards; Bouveng, Zumwinkle also honored

For the second time this season, Gopher sophomore Skylar Vetter was named both WCHA Goaltender of the Week and WCHA Goaltender of the Month at effectively the same time. Vetter posted a perfect 7-0-0 record in January, stopping 127 of 135 shots – including her 55 saves this past weekend against Minnesota Duluth – for a .940 save percentage and 1.20 goals-against average. The weekly award was her sixth this season, while the monthly honor was her third.

Two other Gophers were honored by the league. Freshman Josefin Bouveng was named WCHA Rookie of the Week, the first honor her career, after recording two points – one goal & one assist – and a +2 rating against the Bulldogs. Fifth-year co-captain Grace Zumwinkle was recognized as WCHA Forward of the Month, her sixth monthly award and first this season, after recording a league-high 16 points (8G, 8A) and a +14 plus-minus rating. Zumwinkle became the sixth Gopher to reach the career 100-goal mark and she's now fifth all-time with 105, and her two assists this past weekend put her alone in 10th place on Minnesota's all-time career points list with 195 (105G, 90A).

We send our congratulations to Skylar, Josefin, and Grace on these honors!!

Brown, 4 other GWH alums named to U.S. Rivalry Series roster

Five Gopher Women's Hockey alumnae have been named to the Team USA roster for the final two games of the 2022-2023 Rivalry Series against Canada later this month.

Notably, defender Emily Brown will make her debut with the senior national team. After completing her collegiate career at Minnesota last season, Brown has been playing with Team Sonnet in the Professional Women's Hockey Players Association (PWHPA), where she has one assist in 11 games.

Brown will be joined by U.S. National Team veterans Hannah Brandt, Amanda Kessel, Kelly Pannek, and Lee Stecklein for the February contests. The games are scheduled for Monday, February 20, at Colisée Vidéotron in Trois-Rivières, Quebec, and Wednesday, February 22, at Place Bell in Laval, Quebec; puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. CT for both, with live telvision coverage on NHL Network.

We congratulate and send best wishes to our five Gophers!!

Halldorson honored as State of Hockey Legacy Award recipient

As announced last Wednesday and presented during Hockey Day Minnesota festivities on Saturday, inaugural Gopher Women's Hockey coach Laura Halldorson was named the recipient of the 2023 State of Hockey Legacy Award, given by the Minnesota Wild, Minnesota Hockey and Bally Sports North. As noted in the announcement, The State of Hockey Legacy Award recognizes individuals who have made extraordinary and long-term contributions to hockey in Minnesota.

In ten seasons on the Gopher bench, Halldorson led the team to a 278-67-22 record (.787), four WCHA regular-season titles (2001, 2002, 2004, 2005), three WCHA Tournament championships (2002, 2004, 2005), and three national championships (2000, 2004 & 2005). She was named American Hockey Coaches Association's Division 1 Coach of the Year three times (1997-98, 2001-02, and 2003-04) and was inducted into the university's M Club Hall of Fame in 2014.

Congratulations, Coach Halldorson!!

Around the WCHA...

All-session tickets for the 2023 Kwik Trip WCHA Final Faceoff, being held again at Ridder Arena on March 3 & 4, will go on sale tomorrow, Thursday, February 2, at 10 a.m. CT. Package prices are $37 for reserved chairback seating, $27 for adult general admission, $20 for general admission for seniors, students & youth, and $10 for general admission group seating (groups of 10+). Tickets can be purchased from the U. of M. Ticket Office here or by phone at 1-800-U-GOPHER.

Badgers roll in road sweep of Tommies – Maddy Clough scored for St. Thomas for an early 1-0 lead 4:24 into their series against Wisconsin, but the visitors from Madison netted the next 9 goals en route to a 6-1, 3-0 sweep. Casey O'Brien led the Badgers with 3 goals & 2 assists, Maddi Wheeler added 2 goals & 2 assists, and Cami Kronish & Jane Gervais combined to stop 30 of 31 shots. UST's Alexa Dobchuk made 50 saves on Friday, and Maggie Malecha stopped 36 shots Saturday.

Huskies sweep Beavers – Jenniina Nylund and Addi Scribner both scored on power plays and Jojo Chobak stopped all 32 shots she faced to give St. Cloud State a 2-0 shutout win Friday over Bemidji State. Claire Vekich put the Beavers up 1-0 early in the second period on Saturday, but Scriber knotted the score 7:24 in the third period, Courtney Hall lit the lamp with 3:47 to play, and Sanni Ahola made 25 saves in total for a 2-1 SCSU victory and the weekend sweep. Hannah Hogenson stopped a combined 50 shots for BSU.

This weekend – Bemidji State will host St. Thomas and Minnesota Duluth will visit Minnesota State in series starting with Friday afternoon matinees. St. Cloud State heads to Madison to face Wisconsin starting Friday evening. All three series continue on Saturday afternoon.

Standings (* indicates team has clinched home ice for WCHA quarterfinals):
1. Minnesota* – 59 points (.894 pts%), 19-1-2-1, 1-0 in OT (22-3-2 overall)
2. Ohio State* – 57 points (.864 pts%), 19-2-1-1, 3-1 in OT (24-2-2 overall)
3. Wisconsin* – 50 points (.758 pts%), 16-5-1-0, 1-2 in OT (20-7-1 overall)
4. Minn. Duluth – 39 points (.591 pts%), 13-8-1-0, 3-2 in OT (19-8-1 overall)
5. St. Cloud State – 26 points (.394 pts%), 8-14-0-0, 0-2 in OT (15-14-0 overall)
6. Minnesota State – 22 points (.333 pts%), 7-15-0-0, 0-1 in OT (13-15-0 overall)
7. St. Thomas – 8 points (.121 pts%), 2-19-1-1, 0-0 in OT (7-20-1 overall)
8. Bemidji State – 3 points (.045 pts%), 1-21-0-0, 0-0 in OT (4-23-1 overall)

Power Play Club

January 25, 2023

The Penalty Box Post - Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Power Play Club

January 25, 2023

The Penalty Box Post
Wednesday, January 25th

Chalk Talk – Saturday, February 4 at 12:30 p.m.

The third and final PPC Chalk Talk of the 2022-2023 season with a member of the Gopher Women's Hockey coaching staff is set for Saturday, February 4, at 12:30 p.m., prior to the second game of the series against Ohio State. The Chalk Talk is tentatively planned to be held in the Ridder Arena weight room (on the upper level). This member-exclusive event will include a discussion of team strategy and the previous night's game, plus time for a brief question & answer session.

Goals for a Goal – Gophers continue to light the lamp

With 11 goals scored against Bemidji State, including three tallied on the power play, the Gopher Women's Hockey has lit the lamp 127 times in 2022-2023, which includes 26 power play conversions!!

We continue to accept pledges to the Goals for a Goal program, converting each Gopher goal scored during the regular season & postseason into donations to the team for Ridder Arena improvements, with the option to double the per-goal amount for power play goals. To make a pledge, fill out this online form (preferred) or download the PDF version, print it, and mail it in to the listed address. Thanks, and GO GOPHERS!!

Upcoming schedule reminder – February 11 vs. Wisconsin

We provide a friendly reminder that the Saturday, February 11 game between Minnesota and Wisconsin at Ridder Arena is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. that evening. That game is Senior Night, so we hope to see many of you in attendance as we recognize and honor our Gopher seniors.

#3/3 Minnesota Golden Gophers (20-3-2, 17-1-2-1 WCHA)
at
#6/6 Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs (19-6-1, 13-6-1-0 WCHA)

Friday, January 27 at 3:00 p.m.
Saturday, January 28 at 3:00 p.m.
AMSOIL Arena – Duluth

After extending its active winning streak to 10 games, the Gopher Women's Hockey team heads to Duluth for a crucial WCHA battle against the UMD Bulldogs, who enter the series with their own 9-game undefeated streak. Action at AMSOIL Arena begins with another Friday afternoon matinee, January 27 at 3:00 p.m., and continues Saturday, January 28, also at 3:00 p.m.

Television coverage – Saturday's game will be televised on FOX 9+ in the Twin Cities. To find your FOX 9+ channel number, click here.

Last time against Minnesota Duluth – The Gophers took 5 of 6 standings points from the Bulldogs when the teams met at Ridder Arena in early November. Ella Huber and Lizi Norton scored in the first 6:02 of opener, but UMD's Gabby Krause lit the lamp in the second period and Nina Jobst-Smith converted a 3rd-period power play to even the score at 2-2. With no further scoring in regulation, Taylor Heise netted the first 3-on-3 OT goal in Gopher program history on a give-and-go with Grace Zumwinkle 15 seconds into the extra period for a 3-2 victory. In the rematch, Catie Skaja & Abbey Murphy put the Gophers up 2-0 only 35 seconds into the contest, Maggie Flaherty tallied for the Bulldogs on a power play later in the first, but Skaja, Josefin Bouveng, and Abigail Boreen all lit the lamp in a 4-minute span of the second stanza for a 5-1 lead. Minnesota Duluth pulled back within two on third-period goals by Mannon McMahon and Clara Van Wieren (PP, extra attacker), but they ran out of time as the Gophers celebrated the 5-3 victory and the series sweep. Skylar Vetter made a combined 50 saves on the weekend; Emma Söderberg made 41 saves in a little over 4 periods for the Bulldogs, and Hailey MacLeod stopped all 12 shots she faced in relief.

Analyzing the Bulldogs – Minnesota Duluth has climbed back to sixth in the two national polls, partially due to their previously-mentioned 9-game undefeated streak which started with an overtime victory over Ohio State and includes a series sweep of Wisconsin in Madison three weekends ago. Their 13-6-1-0 WCHA record has them comfortably in fourth in the league standings.

Grad student Gabbie Hughes (#17) just became the 7th player in Bulldogs program history to reach the career 200-point mark; she leads UMD in total scoring the season with 34 points, dishing out a team-high 27 assists while scoring 7 times herself. Fifth-year forward Anneke Linser (#13) has a team-leading 17 goals with 10 assists for 27 points; she is on a six-game scoring streak (8g, 3a in those contests). Fifth-year blueliner Ashton Bell (#26) also has double-digit goals with 10 while adding 15 assists for 25 points. Two others – senior Mannon McMahon (#16; 7g, 17a) and junior Nina Jobst-Smith (#28; 4g, 17a) have also surpassed the 20-point mark for the season.

Fifth-year goaltender Emma Söderberg (#30) has started 22 of UMD's 26 games this season, posting a 16-6-0 record with 7 shutouts, a .932 save percentage, and a 1.50 goals-against average. Freshman Hailey MacLeod (#35) is 3-0-1 with one shutout as a starter; including two relief appearances, she has a 0.63 GAA and .961 SV%. Graduate transfer Blanka Škodová (#31) has yet to play for the Bulldogs.

Last weekend for Minnesota Duluth – Anneke Linser & Naomi Rogge each lit the lamp 3 times, Gabbie Hughes, Ashton Bell & Nina Jobst-Smith each dished out 3 assists, and Emma Söderberg needed only 30 saves combined for a weekend road sweep of St. Thomas, 3-0 & 5-1. Anna Solheim scored for the Tommies to prevent back-to-back shutouts, and Saskia Maurer made 73 saves.

Gophers extend win streak to 10 with sweep of Bemidji State

The Gopher Women's Hockey team went 3-for-7 on the power play and also scored short-handed while Skylar Vetter and Olivia King combined for a 16-save 7-0 shutout victory Friday at Bemidji State, then completed the sweep of the Beavers with a 4-1 Saturday win on goals from four different players and another 18 saves from Vetter.

Taylor Heise led Minnesota with a power-play tally, a short-handed goal (replay via Twitter), and three assists. Grace Zumwinkle recorded two goals and an assist Friday and followed it with her 3rd goal of the weekend on Saturday. Abbey Murphy and Abigail Boreen each added two goals & an assist, with one of Boreen's goals coming on the player advantage. Peyton Hemp converted a power play on Friday, Josefin Bouveng opened the scoring on Saturday, and Madison Kaiser dished out four assists – two in each game. King made her season debut in Friday's third period, stopping all 4 shots she faced.

Claire Vekich lit the lamp for Bemidji State, and netminder Hannah Hogenson made a combined 83 saves.

Zumwinkle continues to climb up the Gophers' all-time goal list; now with 105, she has pulled within one of Krissy Wendell for fourth place. Heise's shorty was the 8th of her career, tying her with Ambria Thomas for fourth in Minnesota program history; she has also reached the top-10 for overall goals, tying Gigi Marvin with 87, and her 120 career assists are now within two of Kelly Stephens for fifth place on that list. The pair of Grace and Taylor were the first two Division I players to reach the 20-goal mark for the season.

Looking at team statistics, Minnesota now has 8 short-handed goals this year, maintaining a tie with the Stonehill College Skyhawks (NEWHA) for the most in Division I. The Gophers' 26 power-play tallies put them atop that scoring category after this past weekend.

Heise, Kaiser earn weekly league recognition

Following their performances in Bemidji, Gopher fifth-year co-captain Taylor Heise and freshman Madison Kaiser were honored as the WCHA Forward & Rookie of the Week, respectively. The weekly awards are the fourth of the year for Heise and second of the season for Kaiser. Congratulations, Taylor & Madison!!

Game schedule announced for 2023 Women's Worlds

The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), Hockey Canada and the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association (OWHA) have released the game schedule for the 2023 IIHF Women’s World Championship, bring played April 5 through 16 at CAA Centre in Brampton, Ontario (press release here).

Though still listed as #3 in the world rankings, Finland will be playing in Group B due to their sixth-place finish at the 2022 tournament; they will face newly-promoted France in the opening game of the 2023 edition. Team USA will play the midday game on April 5 against Japan, while host Canada will begin its title defense that evening against Switzerland. Czechia from Group A and Germany, Hungary & Sweden from Group B will play their first games on April 6.

Preliminary round play will feature two or three games each day between April 5 and 11, including the U.S. versus Canada on April 10 at 7 p.m. ET. After an off-day for all teams on April 12, a quadruple-header of quarterfinals will take place on April 13. The two semi-finals are set for April 15, and the tournament will finish on April 16 with the 5th-place game, Bronze Medal Game, and Gold Medal Game. Tournament packages and group tickets go on sale to the public tomorrow (Thursday, January 26) at womensworlds.hockey.

Elsewhere around the WCHA...

Buckeyes defeat Huskies twice but drop a standings point – Paetyn Levis tallied two goals & an assist, and four other Buckeyes each added a goal & an assist as Ohio State defeated St. Cloud State, 6-2, in the opening game of their series. OSU took 1-0 and 2-1 leads in the rematch on goals by Sophie Jaques and Jenna Buglioni, but Svenja Voight and Addi Scribner knotted the score for the Huskies and Sanni Ahola made 46 saves in regulation (47 in total) to force overtime, swiping a league standings point in the process. Still, Jenn Gardiner scored in the extra period to give the Buckeyes the 3-2 victory, her 4th point of the weekend (2g, 2a). Emma Gentry (SCSU) recorded a goal & two assists in the series.

Wisconsin sweeps Minnesota State – Lacey Eden and Britta Curl each scored twice (once apiece in each game) and Cami Kronish stopped a combined 49 of 50 shots plus tallied an offensive assist to lead the Badgers to a weekend sweep of the Mavericks, 2-1 & 6-0. Kelsey King scored for MSU on a power play.

This weekend – The other three league series feature Friday evening and Saturday afternoon games. Ohio State hosts Minnesota State, St. Thomas hosts Wisconsin, and St. Cloud State hosts Bemidji State, with Saturday's 1 p.m. BSU-SCSU game televised on Bally Sports North Extra as part of Hockey Day Minnesota coverage.

Standings:
1. Minnesota – 53 points (.883 pts%), 17-1-2-1, 1-0 in OT (20-3-2 overall)
2. Ohio State – 51 points (.850 pts%), 17-2-1-1, 3-1 in OT (22-2-2 overall)
3. Wisconsin – 44 points (.733 pts%), 14-5-1-0, 1-2 in OT (18-7-1 overall)
4. Minn. Duluth – 39 points (.650 pts%), 13-6-1-0, 3-2 in OT (19-6-1 overall)
5. Minnesota State – 22 points (.367 pts%), 7-13-0-0, 0-1 in OT (13-13-0 overall)
6. St. Cloud State – 20 points (.333 pts%), 6-14-0-0, 0-2 in OT (13-14-0 overall)
7. St. Thomas – 8 points (.133 pts%), 2-17-1-1, 0-0 in OT (7-18-1 overall)
8. Bemidji State – 3 points (.050 pts%), 1-19-0-0, 0-0 in OT (4-21-1 overall)