UMD women's hockey advances to WCHA Final Face-off after home wins vs SCSU
The University of Minnesota Duluth women’s hockey team will be moving on to the semi-final round of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association Final Faceoff tournament after defeating Saint Cloud State University in two straight games for the second weekend in a row.
In Thursday’s quarterfinal game, second-ranked UMD defeated the Huskies by a final score of 5-0 to begin their WCHA playoff run.
“It’s encouraging when we’re playing our best hockey at the most important time of the year,” head coach Maura Crowell said of the team’s Thursday performance, “I’m pretty happy with every aspect of the game today.”
In addition to a team victory, the Bulldogs found out during Thursday’s game that team member Lara Stalder was one of ten finalists for the 2017 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award. When asked about her nomination, Stalder was insistent on pointing the spotlight towards her team rather than herself.
“It kind of reflects our team, we are number two in the country. It would be a great honor to win it, but in the end I’d rather put a trophy in the air.” Stalder said.
On Friday, the Bulldogs finalized their spot in the WCHA final faceoff with their sixth straight victory over the Huskies this season. Their 6-2 win also brought UMD their twenty-fourth win of the season, the most wins the program has seen since the 2009-10 season.
In Friday’s post game interview, team captains Ashleigh Brykaliuk and Katie McGovern both expressed that they’re ready to to see what their team can do going into the final faceoff for the second year in a row.
“It’s just a step along the way, but we are excited heading into next weekend and we’re ready to play some good hockey.” Brykaliuk said. “Last year it was awesome to go, and I think this year is even better because we feel more confident going into it” McGovern added.
The Bulldogs will face the University of Minnesota Gophers in the WCHA semi final matchup at Ridder Arena this upcoming Saturday, March 4th at 5:07pm.
