Video
The University of North Dakota Women's team beat the No. 1 University of Minnesota 4-3. UND was led by Meghan Dufault (2g-1a—3pts) and Amy Menke (2g-0a—2pts). UND goalie Shelby Amsley-Benzie got the win in net and improved to (4-1-1).
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Showing posts with label UND Women's Hockey. Show all posts
Showing posts with label UND Women's Hockey. Show all posts
Friday, October 30, 2015
Friday, October 16, 2015
Shelby Amsley-Benzie with the Shutout
Coming into the weekend’s WCHA series between UND and the BSU Beavers, both teams knew that goals were going to be at a premium. Today was no different.
The game reminded me of a playoff game. There was little room to roam on the ice and the game was a tight-checking defensive battle. After the game, there were a few players wearing ice bags.
When it was all said and done, two goaltenders had shutouts and the only goal of the game came on a shootout. UND senior forward Becca Kohler scored the shootout winning goal giving UND a 1-0 win. The game will officially go down as a tie in the Pairwise Rankings, and UND will get the extra points.
If you're not following @Chips_Corner on twitter, you need to.
The game reminded me of a playoff game. There was little room to roam on the ice and the game was a tight-checking defensive battle. After the game, there were a few players wearing ice bags.
When it was all said and done, two goaltenders had shutouts and the only goal of the game came on a shootout. UND senior forward Becca Kohler scored the shootout winning goal giving UND a 1-0 win. The game will officially go down as a tie in the Pairwise Rankings, and UND will get the extra points.
Amy's hard hat is an easy pick tonight, Shelby with the shutouuuuut 💚💚 pic.twitter.com/l5RdJqYn3O— Chip Chipman (@Chips_Corner) October 16, 2015
If you're not following @Chips_Corner on twitter, you need to.
Saturday, April 18, 2015
New UND Women's Hockey Jersey
Here's the new jersey for the UND Women's Hockey team. And don't worry, Amy Menke will be wearing number 21 this season.
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
UND Women's Hockey Season Review
In a season of struggles during the first half of the season (9-9-2), the North Dakota Women's Hockey team managed to earn yet another 20 victory season, but once again are on the outside looking in when it comes to the NCAA tournament due to the automatic bid by CHA champion RIT.
Looking at the PairWise rankings, it made me think. Is it time to expand the NCAA tournament to 10 teams with two play in games between seeds 7-10? There are certainly questions that could be raised about this. Mercyhurst and Minnesota-Duluth were the two other 20 win teams that were on the outside looking in on selection Sunday and with the auto bid by RIT being a factor, let those four teams battle it out for seeds 7 and 8 and keep the rest of the tournament with the same structure it has now. Just a thought.
The story of the second half for UND had to be the play of Junior Goalie Shelby Amsley-Benzie, who set countless records for UND this season. She set the career victory record, eclipsing the 50 win mark with the two victories against Ohio State two weeks ago. She also holds the career shutout record at 14, single season shutout record at 9, but came just shy of the single season wins record, which she holds, with 18 victories on the season. Amsley-Benzie also would set the school shutout streak record at 297 minutes and 13 seconds.
This was also a season where the ladies in kelly green and white would play with heavy hearts. Early in the season, Sophomore Forward Lisa Marvin was struck by a wreckless driver while filling up her truck with gas on the side of the road after she had ran out. The injuries she would sustain forced her to have a few surgeries to help repair the damage, and would end her season, if not her hockey career. Since that moment, the team would pull the laces tighter and play for Lisa, which was a big motivating factor for their amazing second half run, that included 8 shutouts, one of which was against the Gophers.
Although the season didn't end the way they wanted to, there is still many positives to take from what looked like was going to be a very long season for UND.
TEAM AWARDS:
Most Valuable Player: Shelby Amsley-Benzie
Amsley-Benzie set numerous team records this season, and her 8 shutouts since the turn of the calendar to 2015 are nothing to laugh at. She ended the season with a 1.21 goals against average and a .952 save percentage. She was also a top 10 finalist for the Patty Kaz Memorial Award, women's hockey's version of the Hobey Baker, and the only goalie to make the list this season. She would also record an assist during a game this year too making just Goalie Lexie Shaw the only player who dressed and played to not record a point.
Rookie of the Year:
No freshman would dress in the line-up this season so this award will not be given.
Offensive Player of the Year: Josefine Jakobsen
Jakobsen led the team in goals this season at 16, one more then Sophomore Amy Menke, and was the driving force down the stretch for this team's offense. Some may ask why team point leader Meghan Dufault, Becca Kohler, or game winning goals leader Amy Menke isn't the winner of this award, but Jakobsen's niche to find the net helped UND finish off many games this season.
Defensive Player of the Year: Shelby Amsley-Benzie
Keeping pucks out of the net is a big part of team defense and although the defensive core for this UND squad is one of the most talented in the country, it is hard to not give this to Amsley-Benzie, especially with her just under 300 minute shutout streak to end the season and her 9 shutouts this season.
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Most Improved: Amy Menke
The sophomore forward had a year she will probably remember for a very long time. She was third in team scoring with 28 points, and would lead the team with 5 game winning goals. She would set career highs in goals (15), assists (13) and points (28). With her willingness to go to the net, I can only see these numbers going up in the future.
Looking at the PairWise rankings, it made me think. Is it time to expand the NCAA tournament to 10 teams with two play in games between seeds 7-10? There are certainly questions that could be raised about this. Mercyhurst and Minnesota-Duluth were the two other 20 win teams that were on the outside looking in on selection Sunday and with the auto bid by RIT being a factor, let those four teams battle it out for seeds 7 and 8 and keep the rest of the tournament with the same structure it has now. Just a thought.
The story of the second half for UND had to be the play of Junior Goalie Shelby Amsley-Benzie, who set countless records for UND this season. She set the career victory record, eclipsing the 50 win mark with the two victories against Ohio State two weeks ago. She also holds the career shutout record at 14, single season shutout record at 9, but came just shy of the single season wins record, which she holds, with 18 victories on the season. Amsley-Benzie also would set the school shutout streak record at 297 minutes and 13 seconds.
This was also a season where the ladies in kelly green and white would play with heavy hearts. Early in the season, Sophomore Forward Lisa Marvin was struck by a wreckless driver while filling up her truck with gas on the side of the road after she had ran out. The injuries she would sustain forced her to have a few surgeries to help repair the damage, and would end her season, if not her hockey career. Since that moment, the team would pull the laces tighter and play for Lisa, which was a big motivating factor for their amazing second half run, that included 8 shutouts, one of which was against the Gophers.
Although the season didn't end the way they wanted to, there is still many positives to take from what looked like was going to be a very long season for UND.
TEAM AWARDS:
Most Valuable Player: Shelby Amsley-Benzie
Amsley-Benzie set numerous team records this season, and her 8 shutouts since the turn of the calendar to 2015 are nothing to laugh at. She ended the season with a 1.21 goals against average and a .952 save percentage. She was also a top 10 finalist for the Patty Kaz Memorial Award, women's hockey's version of the Hobey Baker, and the only goalie to make the list this season. She would also record an assist during a game this year too making just Goalie Lexie Shaw the only player who dressed and played to not record a point.
Rookie of the Year:
No freshman would dress in the line-up this season so this award will not be given.
Offensive Player of the Year: Josefine Jakobsen
Jakobsen led the team in goals this season at 16, one more then Sophomore Amy Menke, and was the driving force down the stretch for this team's offense. Some may ask why team point leader Meghan Dufault, Becca Kohler, or game winning goals leader Amy Menke isn't the winner of this award, but Jakobsen's niche to find the net helped UND finish off many games this season.
Defensive Player of the Year: Shelby Amsley-Benzie
Keeping pucks out of the net is a big part of team defense and although the defensive core for this UND squad is one of the most talented in the country, it is hard to not give this to Amsley-Benzie, especially with her just under 300 minute shutout streak to end the season and her 9 shutouts this season.
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Most Improved: Amy Menke
The sophomore forward had a year she will probably remember for a very long time. She was third in team scoring with 28 points, and would lead the team with 5 game winning goals. She would set career highs in goals (15), assists (13) and points (28). With her willingness to go to the net, I can only see these numbers going up in the future.
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Amsley-Benzie Patty Kaz Top 10 Finalist
Goalie Shelby Amsley-Benzie is currently on a shutout streak of roughly 268 consecutive minutes |
Amsley-Benzie has had a season to remember for North Dakota as she is making history in the UND record books. She now holds the UND goaltending records in wins with 49, career and single season shutouts (14 career and 9 this season), and needs just three more victories to tie her previous single season wins record of 19.
With a 1.15 goals against average, and a .955 save percentage, Amsley-Benzie has been the constant since the turn of the calender to 2015. She is also currently on a school record shutout streak of just under 268 consecutive minutes dating back to the second game of the Minnesota series in early February.
However, much like the Hobey Baker, the voters also look at their off ice activities to take into account on how they vote. With Shelby Amsley-Benzie in her fourth year in the UND Engineering program and started to work for her Masters Degree, her 4.0 GPA is something that the committee will take into great consideration come voting time.
Here is the list of the top 10 finalists and where they go to school:
1. Shelby Amsley-Benzie University of North Dakota
2. Hannah Brandt University of Minnesota
3. Dani Cameranesi University of Minnesota
4. Rachel Ramsey University of Minnesota
5. Alex Carpenter Boston College
6. Emily Pfalzer Boston College
7. Haley Skarupa Boston College
8. Marie-Philip Poulin Boston University
9. Brianne Jenner Cornell
10. Kendall Coyne Northeastern
This is a pretty big name list with a few Olympians, and probably future Olympians on the list. However, one thing Amsley-Benzie does have going for her is that she is the only goaltender to make the list, so one could say that she is the best goalie in the NCAA. I'd say her numbers are able to back that statement up as well. The award will be announced Frozen Four weekend, just like the Hobey Baker is.
UND Takes on OSU in WCHA First Round
The regular season is now over in NCAA Women's Hockey as conference playoff first rounds begin to fire up this weekend. For North Dakota, the stars seemingly are starting to get together and making the NCAA tournament a near reality this season.
With UND being the third seed, they get the advantage of home ice yet again this season in the first round with their opponent being Ohio State this weekend. Last time against OSU, goaltender Shelby Amsley-Benzie pitched back to back shutouts and now has eight since the turn to 2015, one of which was a 3-0 shutout against the "mighty" Minnesota Gophers.
One added bonus for UND this season is the WCHA Final Faceoff is at Ralph Engelstad Arena this season. The UND ladies need to take advantage of this bonus home ice if they wish to sneak into the NCAA tournament.
Along with the stout goaltending of Shelby Amsley-Benzie, the depth of scoring on the roster is quite remarkable. Every player who has suited up for one game this season has recorded at least one point, and this includes goalie Amsley-Benzie who has one assist on the season. There are also five players above the 20 point mark on the season. Both senior forwards, Captain Andrea Dalen, and Josefine Jakobsen are among the top five in scoring. Jakobsen does hold the team lead in goals with 15.
In order for UND to advance to the Final Faceoff next weekend, North Dakota needs to continue to have great goaltending, and they also need their seniors to lead the way and keep the sense of urgency alive, although still showing some composure by staying out of the penalty box.
UND wins this series 2 games to 0, but both wins are one goal games, two if an empty net goal is scored.
With UND being the third seed, they get the advantage of home ice yet again this season in the first round with their opponent being Ohio State this weekend. Last time against OSU, goaltender Shelby Amsley-Benzie pitched back to back shutouts and now has eight since the turn to 2015, one of which was a 3-0 shutout against the "mighty" Minnesota Gophers.
One added bonus for UND this season is the WCHA Final Faceoff is at Ralph Engelstad Arena this season. The UND ladies need to take advantage of this bonus home ice if they wish to sneak into the NCAA tournament.
Along with the stout goaltending of Shelby Amsley-Benzie, the depth of scoring on the roster is quite remarkable. Every player who has suited up for one game this season has recorded at least one point, and this includes goalie Amsley-Benzie who has one assist on the season. There are also five players above the 20 point mark on the season. Both senior forwards, Captain Andrea Dalen, and Josefine Jakobsen are among the top five in scoring. Jakobsen does hold the team lead in goals with 15.
In order for UND to advance to the Final Faceoff next weekend, North Dakota needs to continue to have great goaltending, and they also need their seniors to lead the way and keep the sense of urgency alive, although still showing some composure by staying out of the penalty box.
UND wins this series 2 games to 0, but both wins are one goal games, two if an empty net goal is scored.
Sunday, January 25, 2015
(X2) Circle of Sticks - UND Blasts Beavers 5-1
A photo posted by Eric J. Burton (@eric.burton.94801) on
It was a good weekend for UND hockey. The men and the women both secured series sweeps.
Monday, October 20, 2014
UND Women 9th in USCHO.com Division I Women's Poll
October
20, 2014
Team
|
(First
Place Votes)
|
Record
|
Points
|
Last
Poll
|
|
1
|
Minnesota
|
(15)
|
5-
0-1
|
150
|
2
|
2
|
Wisconsin
|
6-
2-0
|
128
|
1
|
|
3
|
Boston College
|
3-
0-1
|
115
|
4
|
|
4
|
Harvard
|
0-
0-0
|
103
|
3
|
|
5
|
Cornell
|
0-
0-0
|
91
|
5
|
|
6
|
Boston University
|
3-
1-0
|
87
|
6
|
|
7
|
Quinnipiac
|
4-
0-1
|
51
|
9
|
|
8
|
Mercyhurst
|
4-
1-1
|
33
|
8
|
|
9
|
North Dakota
|
4-
2-0
|
20
|
10
|
|
10
|
Clarkson
|
3-
3-0
|
19
|
7
|
|
Others receiving votes:
Minnesota-Duluth 12, Northeastern 10, St. Lawrence 6.
|
Thursday, October 16, 2014
Canada is About to get Krzyznasty
Earlier today Hockey Canada announced their women's hockey roster that will be competing in this year's IIHF Four Nations Cup this November and UND sophomore defender Halli Krzyzaniak was one of the seven defenders named to the roster.
In her first season at UND, the Neepawa, Manitoba native did not miss a single game for UND on the blue line and was a huge factor when it came to positive plays. With 10 points and a plus 12 rating, the very disciplined defender is a key point to the UND blue line and will likely be the same for Canada as well.
The IIHF Four Nations Cup Will start on November 4 and will take place in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada. Congratulations to Halli and best of luck to you on your first stint with the big club in Canada.
In her first season at UND, the Neepawa, Manitoba native did not miss a single game for UND on the blue line and was a huge factor when it came to positive plays. With 10 points and a plus 12 rating, the very disciplined defender is a key point to the UND blue line and will likely be the same for Canada as well.
The IIHF Four Nations Cup Will start on November 4 and will take place in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada. Congratulations to Halli and best of luck to you on your first stint with the big club in Canada.
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Dufault, Kohler, Krzyzaniak UND's Now, Canada's Future
The UND Women's Hockey Team has had its fair share of dynamic players and probably none better than two time Olympic silver medalists Jocelyne and Monique Lamoureux. However, there are three players on the roster who are leading the way for UND and are the future of Canadian Women's Hockey. Becca Kohler, Meghan Dufault, and Halli Krzyzaniak have done everything to solidify them in Hockey Canada's future plans.
This past weekend, the trio put their skills on display in UND's sweep against Mankato. Kohler tallied up five points this weekend and was named WCHA offensive player of the week. Her play out front of the net is some of the best in the country and look for her to do big things this season as UND looks to charge back into the NCAA tournament.
As for Meghan Dufault, she has been getting big line minutes since coming to UND, showing that size isn't everything, it's heart. Her hat trick this past Friday night is just a little example of her big time play on the ice. She is always someone you expect to produce and no matter what you throw in front of her, she usually gets at least one point out of a weekend.
Dufault also put on a show at Canada's development camp this past summer, stealing the show on offense and turning the heads of the women's hockey community, all be it no surprise to me.
Halli Krzyzaniak is the workhorse on the blue line for UND. Although Tanja Eisenschmid may be seen as the top defender in a UND uniform right now, Krzyzaniak is much to UND as Ryan Suter is to the Minnesota Wild. You will always find her on the ice at key points of the game, and will rarely take a penalty or make a costly mistake. She does not score often, but that's not her role with UND. She does have that ability, which is a nice added bonus with her, but her strength to play big minutes will only make the UND
blue line that much better.
These three have what it takes to take their games to the next level. Hockey Canada should be put on alert because there is a green wave about to take over in the likes of Dufault, Kohler, and Krzyzaniak, in the very near future.
This past weekend, the trio put their skills on display in UND's sweep against Mankato. Kohler tallied up five points this weekend and was named WCHA offensive player of the week. Her play out front of the net is some of the best in the country and look for her to do big things this season as UND looks to charge back into the NCAA tournament.
As for Meghan Dufault, she has been getting big line minutes since coming to UND, showing that size isn't everything, it's heart. Her hat trick this past Friday night is just a little example of her big time play on the ice. She is always someone you expect to produce and no matter what you throw in front of her, she usually gets at least one point out of a weekend.
Dufault also put on a show at Canada's development camp this past summer, stealing the show on offense and turning the heads of the women's hockey community, all be it no surprise to me.
Halli Krzyzaniak is the workhorse on the blue line for UND. Although Tanja Eisenschmid may be seen as the top defender in a UND uniform right now, Krzyzaniak is much to UND as Ryan Suter is to the Minnesota Wild. You will always find her on the ice at key points of the game, and will rarely take a penalty or make a costly mistake. She does not score often, but that's not her role with UND. She does have that ability, which is a nice added bonus with her, but her strength to play big minutes will only make the UND
blue line that much better.
These three have what it takes to take their games to the next level. Hockey Canada should be put on alert because there is a green wave about to take over in the likes of Dufault, Kohler, and Krzyzaniak, in the very near future.
Tuesday, October 07, 2014
Women's Hockey Week One: What We Learned
As the regular season opened last weekend for the UND Women's Hockey Team, we saw a lot of things that are needing to be addressed, some good and some bad. With a split on the weekend, the team would take an early big hit in the pairwise rankings seeing as both games were non-conference.
Friday night the offense was put on display as they fired seven goals past the RPI goaltender. Becca Kohler showed a net front presence once again, leading the team with a hat trick. Sophomore Marissa Salo finally was able to find the net Friday night too. The hard working Salo not only would net her first goal, but get two as well. This was a long time coming for her and it showed UND's depth off very well.
The downside to Friday was the penalties. However, as UND Women's Hockey fans, we should be used to this right? Although they did not surrender a power play goal on the 11 opportunities that RPI was given, still 11 penalties is something that no team wants to have. When it comes to WCHA play, there needs to be a stress on discipline, or it could be a very long season that will have an early end.
Shelby Amsley-Benzie looked like she was in mid season form already, making 20 saves on 21 shots against. She was square to the puck, didn't leave out many rebounds, and seemed very relaxed in her junior season opener. Playing like this, she could be stealing a lot of games for UND this season.
There wasn't many good things to say about Saturday night. It looked as if a completely different team was on the ice. Not many passes were being completed. Terrible turnovers in the defensive zone were committed and the offense looked powerless. I am not docking the play of Vermont because they played very well, but if UND was playing their best game, the score would have likely been very different.
Not one player stood out as excellent Saturday night and very few stood out as decent at that. The top line of Becca Kohler, Meghan Dufault, and Josefine Jakobsen did combine for the lone UND goal, but that would be about all they had to offer. They did have a couple of very late scoring chances, however were not able to put one in. Gracen Hirschy is the player who stood out the most for me, playing the most consistent game out of everyone.
Two of the three Vermont goals were the cause of two very terrible defensive zone turnovers giving goalie Lexie Shaw no chance what so ever to make a save. Breakouts were sloppy and passing was way off target in the Saturday night loss.
If we learned anything from opening weekend, is that game play consistency between nights needs to be way better, or this season could be a very long one up in Grand Forks.
Friday night the offense was put on display as they fired seven goals past the RPI goaltender. Becca Kohler showed a net front presence once again, leading the team with a hat trick. Sophomore Marissa Salo finally was able to find the net Friday night too. The hard working Salo not only would net her first goal, but get two as well. This was a long time coming for her and it showed UND's depth off very well.
The downside to Friday was the penalties. However, as UND Women's Hockey fans, we should be used to this right? Although they did not surrender a power play goal on the 11 opportunities that RPI was given, still 11 penalties is something that no team wants to have. When it comes to WCHA play, there needs to be a stress on discipline, or it could be a very long season that will have an early end.
Shelby Amsley-Benzie looked like she was in mid season form already, making 20 saves on 21 shots against. She was square to the puck, didn't leave out many rebounds, and seemed very relaxed in her junior season opener. Playing like this, she could be stealing a lot of games for UND this season.
There wasn't many good things to say about Saturday night. It looked as if a completely different team was on the ice. Not many passes were being completed. Terrible turnovers in the defensive zone were committed and the offense looked powerless. I am not docking the play of Vermont because they played very well, but if UND was playing their best game, the score would have likely been very different.
Not one player stood out as excellent Saturday night and very few stood out as decent at that. The top line of Becca Kohler, Meghan Dufault, and Josefine Jakobsen did combine for the lone UND goal, but that would be about all they had to offer. They did have a couple of very late scoring chances, however were not able to put one in. Gracen Hirschy is the player who stood out the most for me, playing the most consistent game out of everyone.
Two of the three Vermont goals were the cause of two very terrible defensive zone turnovers giving goalie Lexie Shaw no chance what so ever to make a save. Breakouts were sloppy and passing was way off target in the Saturday night loss.
If we learned anything from opening weekend, is that game play consistency between nights needs to be way better, or this season could be a very long one up in Grand Forks.
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
UND Women's Hockey Season Preview
With Fan Fest just four short days away, and the unofficial opener for the women's hockey season just 10 days away, it's that time to let you know what to expect for the upcoming season with who we added, who we subtracted, player predictions, and where we stand in the rest of the WCHA.
Starting off, it's time to look at who will not be in uniform for UND this season. UND graduated two seniors last year, senior captain Michelle Karvinen, and Fargo native Kayla Berg. However, there was also one big subtraction in would have been sophomore Susanna Tapani. She had decided to give up the UND uniform and stay in Finland to compete with her national team. This hit to the offense will be very noticeable with the losses of Karvinen and Tapani, but this just gives room for someone else to take charge and fill that offensive vacancy.
There are two additions to the team this season, and one red shirt freshman to add into the picture. Red shirt sophomore transfer out of Northeastern, Jordan Hampton, was granted a medical red shirt after only playing six games with a minus three rating. She has experience with the USA U18 team, winning a silver medal at the 2012 World Championships. Her addition to the blue line should be one to keep an eye on if she is able to stay healthy. The only true freshman addition is that of Kara Tupa out of Fargo. She helped Fargo South High School complete an undefeated season in 2011-2012 and lead them to a state championship that year as well. She also earned all-state honors in 2012-2013. Finally, red-shirt freshman Nicole Novak. A native of Grand Forks, Red River High School, was named first team all-state in 2013 and second team in 2012. Was named team MVP in 2011 and 2013 for the Knightriders (combined women's high school team from Central and Red River) and recorded 60 points (24 goals, 36 assists) in her senior season there. The forward is ready to show her hometown what she can provide for the university, and I'd expect nothing more then a 100% effort every chance she gets to play.
For returning players, the team is going to be lead by their three seniors, Andrea Dalen, Josefine Jakobsen and Tori Williams. Although Williams saw limited playing time last season, she showed why she was deserving of the time she got whenever she got the chance to hit the ice. As for the two European players, Josefine Jakobsen has consistently been around that 35-40 point mark for each of her three seasons at UND. Last season she set a career high in plus minus with an amazing plus 21 ranking, putting her three year totals at an outstanding plus 50. Whenever Jakobsen is on the ice, you know the team is a threat to put the puck in the net, whether it is her, or a teammate, doing it. Finally, we have Andrea Dalen. A great team leader and a very hard worker on the ice. Has not put up the big points so far in her career at UND, but her play away from the puck is what you will mostly notice about her play. However, when Dalen gets the chance to show off her offensive skills, she will.
The Junior class holds an Olympian, a future Olympian, in my opinion, and the most consistent playing returning class to UND. Being lead by Meghan Dufault on offense, Tanja Eisenschmid on defense, and Shelby Amsley-Benzie in goal, this Junior class has a lot to offer. Dufault recently was at the Canadian U22 development camp, and was one of the best players during the intersquad scrimmages tallying three goals in two games. Eisenschmid is coming off of her first, of many, Olympic games with the German National Team. Paired with now sophomore Halli Krzyzaniak on the blue line, she has become a solid defensive machine for UND with a plus 10 rating in her sophomore campaign last season. Also don't forget about Sam Hanson and Sam LaShomb on the blue line either. Both are not afraid to step in front of shots and they have the post game ice packs and bruises to prove it. One can't forget about Becca Kohler either. Her play in the offensive zone, controlling the front of the net and the corners, is some of the best in the country. She is one player not afraid to get the dirty goals by camping right on top of the blue paint, a goalie's nightmare.
The now sophomore class was very impressive in their rookie seasons last year as well. Blue liner Gracen Hirschy was probably the most impressive of all the freshman with her outstanding two way play from the back end. Her 22 points (9 goals, 13 assists) and a plus 19 rating are something great to build off of for this upcoming season. Just think, she was a second line defender last season too. Then you had Halli Krzyzaniak, who is probably one of the best fundamental defenders in the entire WCHA, if not the NCAA. Usually square to the puck, Krzyzaniak does not leave many lanes open for their opponents to slide the puck through. On the offensive side, Amy Menkie was a forward not afraid to get to the front of the net. With that mentality, you will see her point totals continue to grow on last season's. When you talk about this class, you can't help but mention Lexie Shaw in net. With a goals against average of 1.92 in her rookie year, things look promising for this young, talented goalie. Her first collegiate win came against St. Cloud in late October, but perhaps the game everyone will remember is when she was in net for a 3-2 victory over the Minnesota Gophers, snapping their 62 game winning streak.
As for where I see this team compared to the rest of the WCHA? Well, I see them in the top half, but can rank anywhere between 2nd and 4th. Minnesota is the clear favorite to win once again, but between Wisconsin, UND, and UND, I see things tightening up and becoming very competitive down the stretch run standings wise.
This season should be a fun, and competitive one, for the North Dakota Women's Hockey team. Will they make a return to the NCAA playoffs after just missing last season? Only time will tell, but I think they make the return with a vengeance.
Starting off, it's time to look at who will not be in uniform for UND this season. UND graduated two seniors last year, senior captain Michelle Karvinen, and Fargo native Kayla Berg. However, there was also one big subtraction in would have been sophomore Susanna Tapani. She had decided to give up the UND uniform and stay in Finland to compete with her national team. This hit to the offense will be very noticeable with the losses of Karvinen and Tapani, but this just gives room for someone else to take charge and fill that offensive vacancy.
There are two additions to the team this season, and one red shirt freshman to add into the picture. Red shirt sophomore transfer out of Northeastern, Jordan Hampton, was granted a medical red shirt after only playing six games with a minus three rating. She has experience with the USA U18 team, winning a silver medal at the 2012 World Championships. Her addition to the blue line should be one to keep an eye on if she is able to stay healthy. The only true freshman addition is that of Kara Tupa out of Fargo. She helped Fargo South High School complete an undefeated season in 2011-2012 and lead them to a state championship that year as well. She also earned all-state honors in 2012-2013. Finally, red-shirt freshman Nicole Novak. A native of Grand Forks, Red River High School, was named first team all-state in 2013 and second team in 2012. Was named team MVP in 2011 and 2013 for the Knightriders (combined women's high school team from Central and Red River) and recorded 60 points (24 goals, 36 assists) in her senior season there. The forward is ready to show her hometown what she can provide for the university, and I'd expect nothing more then a 100% effort every chance she gets to play.
For returning players, the team is going to be lead by their three seniors, Andrea Dalen, Josefine Jakobsen and Tori Williams. Although Williams saw limited playing time last season, she showed why she was deserving of the time she got whenever she got the chance to hit the ice. As for the two European players, Josefine Jakobsen has consistently been around that 35-40 point mark for each of her three seasons at UND. Last season she set a career high in plus minus with an amazing plus 21 ranking, putting her three year totals at an outstanding plus 50. Whenever Jakobsen is on the ice, you know the team is a threat to put the puck in the net, whether it is her, or a teammate, doing it. Finally, we have Andrea Dalen. A great team leader and a very hard worker on the ice. Has not put up the big points so far in her career at UND, but her play away from the puck is what you will mostly notice about her play. However, when Dalen gets the chance to show off her offensive skills, she will.
The Junior class holds an Olympian, a future Olympian, in my opinion, and the most consistent playing returning class to UND. Being lead by Meghan Dufault on offense, Tanja Eisenschmid on defense, and Shelby Amsley-Benzie in goal, this Junior class has a lot to offer. Dufault recently was at the Canadian U22 development camp, and was one of the best players during the intersquad scrimmages tallying three goals in two games. Eisenschmid is coming off of her first, of many, Olympic games with the German National Team. Paired with now sophomore Halli Krzyzaniak on the blue line, she has become a solid defensive machine for UND with a plus 10 rating in her sophomore campaign last season. Also don't forget about Sam Hanson and Sam LaShomb on the blue line either. Both are not afraid to step in front of shots and they have the post game ice packs and bruises to prove it. One can't forget about Becca Kohler either. Her play in the offensive zone, controlling the front of the net and the corners, is some of the best in the country. She is one player not afraid to get the dirty goals by camping right on top of the blue paint, a goalie's nightmare.
The now sophomore class was very impressive in their rookie seasons last year as well. Blue liner Gracen Hirschy was probably the most impressive of all the freshman with her outstanding two way play from the back end. Her 22 points (9 goals, 13 assists) and a plus 19 rating are something great to build off of for this upcoming season. Just think, she was a second line defender last season too. Then you had Halli Krzyzaniak, who is probably one of the best fundamental defenders in the entire WCHA, if not the NCAA. Usually square to the puck, Krzyzaniak does not leave many lanes open for their opponents to slide the puck through. On the offensive side, Amy Menkie was a forward not afraid to get to the front of the net. With that mentality, you will see her point totals continue to grow on last season's. When you talk about this class, you can't help but mention Lexie Shaw in net. With a goals against average of 1.92 in her rookie year, things look promising for this young, talented goalie. Her first collegiate win came against St. Cloud in late October, but perhaps the game everyone will remember is when she was in net for a 3-2 victory over the Minnesota Gophers, snapping their 62 game winning streak.
As for where I see this team compared to the rest of the WCHA? Well, I see them in the top half, but can rank anywhere between 2nd and 4th. Minnesota is the clear favorite to win once again, but between Wisconsin, UND, and UND, I see things tightening up and becoming very competitive down the stretch run standings wise.
This season should be a fun, and competitive one, for the North Dakota Women's Hockey team. Will they make a return to the NCAA playoffs after just missing last season? Only time will tell, but I think they make the return with a vengeance.
Saturday, August 16, 2014
Dufault Remains Hot with Two Goal Performance
Game two in the Canadian Women's Hockey Development Camp saw much of the same from game one, and that is team Yellow beating team Blue by a multiple goal margin with a score of 4-1. Team Blue would score the game's first goal, but Yellow came storming back, scoring four unanswered.
UND junior forward, Meghan Dufault, is showing why she belongs at this camp by scoring two more goals, helping solidify another team Yellow victory. She is showing all of Canada that size isn't everything in women's hockey, it's heart and a want to win the game. Halli Krzyzaniak also played once again, but held off the score sheet as she was in the previous game.
With the outstanding summer play of the two athletes, especially Dufault being able to find the net more and more, just makes the upcoming season look that much more promising for UND. Now I know it takes more than two players to change the outcome of a team, but two dynamic players on each side of the puck might be just what the locker room needs to find themselves back in the NCAA tournament for the first time in the post Lamoureux era.
UND junior forward, Meghan Dufault, is showing why she belongs at this camp by scoring two more goals, helping solidify another team Yellow victory. She is showing all of Canada that size isn't everything in women's hockey, it's heart and a want to win the game. Halli Krzyzaniak also played once again, but held off the score sheet as she was in the previous game.
With the outstanding summer play of the two athletes, especially Dufault being able to find the net more and more, just makes the upcoming season look that much more promising for UND. Now I know it takes more than two players to change the outcome of a team, but two dynamic players on each side of the puck might be just what the locker room needs to find themselves back in the NCAA tournament for the first time in the post Lamoureux era.
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Dufault, Krzyzaniak Take Part in Canada Development Camp
Today saw team Blue, with Halli Krzyzaniak, go against team Yellow, with Meghan Dufault. Krzyzaniak was held relatively quiet on the stat sheet with zeros across the board today in her team's 3-1 loss to team yellow. However, Dufault
was able to find her way on the score sheet as she opened up the games scoring to put team yellow up 1-0.
Even though Kohler was unable to attend this camp, I believe that her, along with Dufault and Krzyzaniak, will be a big part of Canada's women's hockey future. These three have the talent to take their games to the next level after they are done with the NCAA squad. It is going to be very exciting to see how their games progress over the next two seasons for Kohler and Dufault, and three for Krzyzaniak.
Monday, July 15, 2013
UND Women's SID to leave
Professionally, Derek helped elevate the profile of our @UNDWHockey program. Personally, he was my first hire and he'll be missed. #GreatRun
— Jayson Hajdu (@UNDSID) July 15, 2013
I am saddened by the news that UND Women's Hockey Sid Derek Koenen is leaving UND, to be closer to his family, who's from Southern Minnesota. Derek is a class act and was very good about getting the players that the media wanted to interview, made available. It was a pleasure getting to know him and work with him in the press box during women's games, over the last two years. I would like to wish him good luck.
Tough week for the ol' media relations office as we say farewell on Friday to @derekkoenen, who has been with us since 2008-09. (1/2)
— Jayson Hajdu (@UNDSID) July 15, 2013
Bittersweet week as I leave a great athletics department, university and community for different adventures. (1/1)
— Derek Koenen (@derekkoenen) July 15, 2013
Related articles
- Fandom: blurring the lines (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
Friday, March 08, 2013
2012-13 WCHA WOMEN’S AWARD WINNERS
The University of North Dakota landed a five players on the All-WCHA teams. Congratulations to Jocelyne Lamoureux, Monique Lamoureux, Michelle Karvinen, Josefine Jakobsen and Meghan Dufault. All five players are very deserving. Goon's World would like to congratulate these five athletes.
WCHA Defensive Player of the Year: Megan Bozek, Sr., D, Minnesota (Buffalo Grove, IL)
WCHA Rookie of the Year: Hannah Brandt, Fr., F, Minnesota (Vadnais Heights, MN)
WCHA Scoring Champion: Amanda Kessel, Jr., F, Minnesota (Madison, WI)
WCHA Goaltending Champion: Noora Räty, Sr., Minnesota (Espoo, Finland)
WCHA Coach of the Year: Brad Frost, Minnesota
All-WCHA First Team
Forward - Amanda Kessel, Jr., Minnesota (Madison, WI); (25 gp, 34-41=75); Forward - Brianna Decker, Sr., Wisconsin (Dousman, WI) (28 gp, 20-18=38); Forward - Hannah Brandt, Fr., Minnesota (28 gp, 18-38=56); Defense - Megan Bozek, Sr., Minnesota (Buffalo Grove, IL) (28 gp, 14-23=37); Defense - *Monique Lamoureux, Sr., *North Dakota (Grand Forks, ND) (28 gp, 17-27=44); Goaltender- Noora Räty, Sr., Minnesota (Espoo, Finland) (27 gp, 27-0-0, 1.05 GAA, .950 Sv%).
All-WCHA Second Team
Forward - Jocelyne Lamoureux, Sr., North Dakota (Grand Forks, ND) (28 gp, 22-32=54); Forward - *Michelle Karvinen, Jr., North Dakota (Rodovre, Denmark) (20 gp, 14-21=35); Forward - Jenna McParland, So., Minnesota Duluth (Schreiber, ON) (27 gp, 10-15=25); Defense - Brigette Lacquette, So., Minnesota Duluth (Mallard, MB) (28 gp, 5-14=19); Defense - Jessica Wong, Sr., Minnesota Duluth (Baddeck, NS) (27 gp, 7-15=22); Goaltender - Alex Rigsby, Jr., Wisconsin (Delafield, WI) (28 gp, 17-9-2, 1.60 GAA, .940 Sv%).
All-WCHA Third Team
Forward - Lauren Smith, Sr., Minnesota State (Burnsville, MN) (28 gp, 17-9=26); Forward - Josefine *Jakobsen, So., North Dakota (Aalborg, Denmark) (26 gp, 11-15=26); Forward - Kelly Terry, Jr., Minnesota (Whitby, ON) (28 gp, 5-19=24); Defense - Mira Jalosuo, Sr., Minnesota (Lieksa, Finland) (28 gp, 6-13=19); Defense - Rachel Ramsey, So., Minnesota (Chanhassen, MN) (28 gp, 8-15=23); Goaltender - Kayla Black, Fr., Minnesota Duluth (Blyth, ON) (26 gp, 12-12-2, 2.37 GAA, .916 Sv%).
All-WCHA Rookie Team
Forward - Hannah Brandt, Fr., Minnesota (Vadnais Heights, MN) (28 gp, 18-38=56); Forward - Maryanne Menefee, Fr., Minnesota (Lansing, MI) (24 gp, 11-14=25); Forward - *Meghan Dufault, Fr., North Dakota (Winnipeg, MB) (27 gp, 12-12=24); Defense - Milica McMillen, Fr., Minnesota (St. Paul, MN) (22 gp, 8-6=14); Defense - Courtney Burke, Fr., Wisconsin (Albany, NY) (28 gp, 3-14=17); Goaltender - Kayla Black, Fr., Minnesota Duluth (Blyth, ON) (26 gp, 12-12-2, 2.37 GAA, .916 Sv%).
Saturday, December 01, 2012
UND Women vs. RIT game 2
UND Forward lines
3 Michelle Karvinen – 63 Josefine Jakobsen – 25 Leah Jensen
19 Meghan Dufault – 17 Jocelyne Lamoureux (C) – 51 Becca
Kohler
6 Allison Parizek – 2 Mary Loken – 15 Megan Gilbert
No Player – 11 Shannon
Kaiser –– 13 Layla Marvin
UND Defensive parings
22 Tanja Eisenschmid – 18 Monique Lamoureux (A)
7 Jordan Slavin – 8 Samantha Hanson
16 Tori Willaims – 9 Kayla Berg
4 Sam Lashomb
UND goalies
1 Shelby Amsley-Benzie
30 Jorid Dagfinrud
33 Michelle Bonapace-Potvin
RIT Tigers Forward lines
6 Tenecia Hiller (A) – 10 Kim Schlattman (C) – 23 Lindsay
Grigg
8 Ariane Yokoyama (A) – 26 Kortney Kunichika 24 Chelste
Brown
17 Carly Payerl – 20 Erin Zach – 22 Katire Hubert
27 Jess Paton – 18 Julie Hall – 19 Marissa Maugeri
Tiger Defensive Parings
4 Kristina Moss – 2 Danielle Read
3 Morgan Scoyne – 21 Emilee Bulleid
11 Ellesha Fortuna 28 Melissa Bromley
Tiger Goalies
39 Ali Binnington
35 Laura Chamberlain
Officials:
Referees: Robert Ludwig, Shawn Thiele
Linesmen: Aaron Story, Josh Brown
Game Time Keeper Erik Martinson (StatsonCrack)
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