News Tribune Gopher preview

What: Western Collegiate Hockey Association women’s regular-season finale

When: 3:07 p.m. today, Sunday

Where: Mars Lakeview Arena (1,500)

Rankings: UMD is seventh in the PairWise Rankings; the Gophers are eighth in PairWise. The Bulldogs have a two-point advantage over the Gophers for second in the conference. If UMD ties both or wins at least one game, it seals the No. 2 spot for next week’s WCHA playoffs.

Radio: WDSM 710 AM today; KDAL 610 AM Sunday.

Series: UMD is 13-18-4 against the Gophers and were swept 5-3, 1-0 earlier this season.

coaches

* UMD’s Shannon Miller is 184-54-24 in her eighth season.

* Minnesota’s Laura Halldorson is 275-64-22

gophers update

Minnesota split last weekend’s series against Bemidji State when it was upset in the opener 2-0, which it followed with a 5-3 win. The Gophers are 6-4 in the past 10 games. Offensive leaders include So. F Gigi Marvin (17 goals, 18 assists), Jr. F Bobbi Ross (15-12—27) and Jr. F Whitney Graft (7-18—25). Marvin was recently named to the U.S. National team’s preliminary roster for April’s World Championships. So. G Brittony Chartier (.899 GAA, 2.24 save percentage) and So. G Kim Hanlon (.914; 2.04) split time in goal. The Gophers’ power play is at 23.2 percent and penalty kill is at 86.1 percent.

bulldogs update

UMD swept North Dakota last weekend 4-0, 5-1 and is 7-1-2 in the past 10 games. The Bulldogs are led by Sr. F Noemie Marin (19-17—36), Sr. F Jessica Koizumi (16-15—31); Fr. F Saara Tuominen (7-20—27). Fr. G Kim Martin (.949; 1.41) and Sr. G Riitta Schaublin (.932; 1.66) have recently split time in goal. Martin is expected to start today, Sunday’s starter is TBA. The Bulldogs’ power play is at a lackluster 17.9 percent. Fr. F Elin Holmlov (4-18—22) is the WCHA Rookie of the Week after registering two assists against the Fighting Sioux.