UMDBulldogs.com Mercyhurst Preview

NO. 5 BULLDOGS TO CLASH WITH NO. 2 MERCYHURST IN NCAA QUARTERFINAL REMATCH AT THE DECC

Last Updated: Thursday, October 18, 2007 3:21 PM

Get ready to see some of the best hockey the college women's game has to offer. The No. 5 University of Minnesota Duluth and No. 2 Mercyhurst College will collide this weekend at the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center on Saturday at 3:07 p.m. and Sunday at 1:07 p.m. The highly anticipated rematch of last season's NCAA Quarterfinal game will no question feature two teams who will be playing deep into March of 2008.

THE SERIES: The one and only time the Bulldogs and Lakers have ever met was last season, when the two collided in Erie, Penn. in the NCAA Quarterfinals. On March 9, 2007, UMD bounced back from a 2-0 deficit in the second period to edge No. 2 Mercyhurst in overtime, 3-2. Then senior Jessica Koizumi scored the final two goals for the Bulldogs, including the game-winner, securing UMD’s fourth trip to an NCAA Final Four in program history.

LAST WEEK: UMD has now gone 36 games without a loss to Bemidji State after sweeping the Beavers 4-0 and 1-0 last weekend in the DECC. Karin Demeule scored three goals in two games to help lift the Bulldogs, who have yet to allow a goal this season. Sophomore Kim Martin and junior transfer Johanna Ellison split the series between the pipes, holding would-be scorers at bay for yet another week, and helping tie UMD’s all-time consecutive shutout record. The Bulldogs are 4-0 in the WCHA and overall, with 16 goals scored by the Maroon and Gold in those four wins.

The Lakers are off to the best start in the history of their program after sweeping Boston University last weekend in Erie, Penn. 6-5 Friday night and 4-1 Saturday night. Junior forward Valerie Choulnard scored the game-winner with three minutes left in regulation Friday night to hold off BU, while sophomore forward Meghan Agosta had a four-point game Saturday to lead Mercyhurst over the Terriers.

THE COACHES: Shannon Miller, who currently is the only coach in the WCHA to have racked-up 204 wins, is in her ninth season behind the Bulldog bench.

As the only head coach UMD has ever employed, Miller has amassed an impressive overall record of 204-57-24 and has led the Bulldogs to six NCAA playoff appearances and three straight NCAA Championship titles (2001, 2002 and 2003). She has led UMD into four NCAA Frozen Four berths, including the 2007 NCAA Championship game. No other hockey program in the country has won three consecutive NCAA titles.

For her efforts, Miller was named the 2000 and 2003 Western Collegiate Hockey Association Coach of the Year and the 2003 American Hockey Coaches Association (AHCA) Women’s Division I Coach of the Year. Along with the incredible NCAA runs, her Bulldogs have captured two WCHA regular season titles (2000 and 2003) and three WCHA playoff titles (2000, 2001 and 2003).

During Miller’s time at the Bulldog helm, UMD has produced eight first-team All-Americans, 11 Patty Kazmaier Award Finalists, two WCHA Players of the Year, three WCHA Student-Athletes of the year and one CoSIDA Academic All-American.

Lakers head coach Michael Sisti is in his eighth season, and last Saturday night against Boston University earned his 200th career win. Sisti overall coaching mark at Mercyhurst is 200-61-20.

DANGEROUS DEMEULE: Senior Karine Demeule was rewarded for her goal-scoring handiwork last weekend against Bemidji State when she was named this week’s WCHA Offensive Player of the Week. The native of Montreal, Quebec netted two goals on Saturday and her second game -winner of the series Sunday to help lead UMD over BSU. Demeule is averaging one goal per game, and just last season flexed her scoring muscle against the Beavers when she scored two goals on Oct. 20, 2006, to help beat Bemidji.

ON A ROLL: The Bulldogs are through the first four games of their season without allowing a goal for the first time in program history.

LEADING LINE: UMD's first line, which consists of sophomores Saara Tuominen, Elin Holmlov and freshman Iya Gavrilova, has accounted for 16 of the Bulldogs 41 points. The three have tallied five goals and 11 assists between them.

BEST OF THE REST: UMD freshmen Laura Fridfinnson and Iya Gavrilova are two of the top three rookies in the nation in points per game average. Fridfinnson is tied for first (1.50 PPG), while Gavrilova slides in at third with a 1.25 PPG average. Netminding sophomore Kim Martin leads the nation in goals against average (0.00 through 178:53 minutes played), and save percentage (78 saves for 1.00).

SOMETHING'S GOTTA GIVE: The Bulldogs are ranked No. 5 in scoring offense in the country, averaging 4.00 goals per game through four outings. The Lakers stand in at No. 4 in the same category, averaging 4.40 goals per game. However, UMD has yet to allow a goal so far this season, while Mercyhurst has allowed six in five games.

DOWN BUT NOT OUT: The Bulldogs will be without the services of junior forward Tawni Mattila and junior Samantha Hough this weekend due to injury. Freshman Haley Irwin is listed as day-to-day for the weekend series.

BULLDOG BITS: UMD is carrying a six game winning streak at the DECC into this weekend’s series...the Bulldogs may lead the nation in penalty minutes (82), but they also lead it in penalty kill, amassing a perfect 31-of-31 so far this season...the Bulldogs power play has somehwat struggled early on, connecting on only 2 of 22 man advantages...sophomore forward Saara Tuominen and freshman forward Laura Fridfinnson lead UMD in scoring with six points a piece through the first four games (3-3=6)...thirteen rostered players have registered at least on point through the first four games...the Bulldogs four-game clean sheet streak ties a UMD record set during the 2002-2003 season when the Maroon and Gold held up opponents for four blank scoresheets from Nov. 1-9, 2002...UMD has five players who are averaging at least a point or more a contest...this weekend’s series against Mercyhurst will be one of only two non-WCHA teams the Bulldogs will play, with St. Lawerence the other...UMD went 1-2-1 last winter in regular season games against non-conference opponents, but were 2-0 against non-WCHA foes in the NCAA Playoffs.

REMEMBER THE NAME: Sophomore Meghan Agosta, a current Canadian National Team member with UMD assistant coach Caroline Ouellette), leads Mercyhurst with nine points through its first five games (4-5=9). Agosta burst on the college scene a year ago, and has scored 42 goals and 41 assists (83 points) in just 40 games as a Laker.

LAKER NOTES: Head coach Michael Sisti earned his 200 win Saturday against BU...Mercyhurst was 6-for-12 on the power play last weekend against Boston University but did give up five power-play goals against the Terriers in Friday’s 6-5 win.

LAB RINK RATS: If it looks like there is an extra offical on the ice this weekend, you are not seeing things. The WCHA will use an experimental 2-and-2 system in approximately 60 games in both the women’s and men’s leagues this season.

Mercyhurst's series preview

Click the blog title to go view all four pages OF Mercyhurst's series preview!

Below are some highlights of their preview release:

Scouting Mercyhurst

Mercyhurst, 5-0, is off to its best start in the program’s history and has outscored the opposition 22-6. All six goals were scored by Boston University
last weekend. The Lakers began the 2002-03 season 4-0 before losing at St. Lawrence. Head coach Michael Sisti recorded his 200th career win in Saturday’s game. Mercyhurst allowed four power play goals to BU, the most given up in any one game in program history, in a wild 6-5 win last Friday. The Lakers finished 6-for-12 with the skater advantage in the two-game sweep.

Sophomore Meghan Agosta’s four-point game Saturday was the fifth in her career and first since a 5-2 win at Robert Morris in the conference playoffs last March. Junior Valerie Chouinard recorded her third career hat trick Friday. Freshmen Geena Prough (Friday) and Cassea Schols (Saturday) recorded their first collegiate goals. Sophomore defender Johanna Malmstrom recorded her first career point (an assist) in Friday’s 6-5 win. She was blanked last year in 28 games. Junior goalie Courtney Drennen picked up Friday’s win in relief and improved to 16-0-2 lifetime. The games against the Terriers were the first ever.

The Lakers have allowed only a combined 82 shots in their first five games, 16.4 per game. Senior goaltender Laura Hosier has 56 career wins and trails only Desi Clark’s 63. Sixteen different skaters have scored at least one point so far. The power play has proven to be lethal: 9-of-29 (.310).

Fun Facts
• Mercyhurst and Minnesota Duluth are meeting for the second and third times ever and first during the regular season. UMD defeated Mercyhurst 3-2 in overtime last March in Erie in the NCAA Quarterfinals. The loss was the lone setback at the Ice Center last season (17-1-2).

• Mercyhurst is ranked No. 2 in both USCHO.com and USA Today Polls; UMD is fifth in both.

• Head coach Michael Sisti picked up wins 199 and 200 last weekend. UMD coach Shannon Miller reached the 200-win plateau during the NCAA playoffs last March.

• Mercyhurst finished last season +42 in special teams’ play. The Lakers are +8 after five games this season.

• Senior forward Stephanie Jones is four points shy of 100. Sophomore Meghan Agosta now has 83 points in just 40 career games.

• Junior Hayley McMeekin is the first transfer to suit for the blue and green since Teresa Marchese came in 2003-04. She played in her 50th career game last Friday.

• Freshman Jesse Scanzano is the tallest player for the women’s program. At 6-0, she passed former Laker standout Seanna Murphy, who was 5-11.

• On the flip side, freshman Vicki Bendus (5-1) is the smallest player since Erin Finnerty (5-0) from the 1999-00 season.

• Mercyhurst has outscored its first five opponents 9-1 in the last 20 minutes.

Karine Demeule WCHA Offensive Player of the Week!

DEMEULE HARD TO MISS AS WCHA OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Last Updated: Tuesday, October 16, 2007 12:23 PM

Karine Demeule didn't miss too many chances on the goal step this past weekend, and now she is going to be even harder to miss on the ice.

The University of Minnesota Duluth women's hockey senior captain was named the Western Collegiate Hockey Association's Offensive Player of the Week for her three-goal performance against Bemidji State last Saturday and Sunday. Demeule netted two goals on Saturday to help lift UMD over the Beavers 4-0, and scored her second game winner of the series Sunday afternoon to elevate the Bulldogs 1-0 and extend their winning streak to four games.

A native of Montreal, Quebec, and the lone UMD senior, Demeule pushed her season goal-total to four, averaging one goal per game for the unbeaten Bulldogs. Just one season ago, Demeule flexed her scoring muscle against Bemidji by scoring two goals against the Beavers on Oct. 20, 2006.

The No. 5 Bulldogs return to the DECC ice this weekend for a clash with non-conference opponent No. 2 Mercyhurst. The first rematch of last season's overtime NCAA Quarterfinal game with start at 3:07 p.m. Saturday, while the second puck will drop at 1:07 p.m.

Incidentally, Emily Brookshaw, who stopped 81 of 86 UMD shots during the UMD sweep, was named the WCHA Defensive Player of the Week.

New USCHO Poll October 15

1 Wisconsin (11) 5-0-1 143 1
2 Mercyhurst ( 4) 5-0-0 134 2
3 St. Lawrence 1-1-0 110 3
4 New Hampshire 2-1-0 108 3
5 Minnesota-Duluth 4-0-0 99 5
6 Harvard 0-0-0 75 6
7 Boston College 3-0-0 57 8
8 Dartmouth 0-0-0 33 9
9 Ohio State 1-2-1 21 10
10 Minnesota 2-1-1 19 7
Others Receiving Votes: Connecticut 17, St. Cloud State 4, Clarkson 2, Princeton 2, Colgate 1

I'm not sure how the formatting will look on here.. may tinker with it a bit again, taking out records and stuff to clean it up.

News Tribune Sunday Game Story

Click the blog title to view the DNT's page.

UMD 1, Bemidji 0
Andy Greder Duluth News Tribune
Published Monday, October 15, 2007

Minnesota Duluth goalie Johanna Ellison of Cloquet had a delightful homecoming in net Sunday against Bemidji State, but coach Shannon Miller had a somber postgame message.

“I told the team, ‘I hope you learn your lesson. You can’t take anyone for granted,’ ” she said.

Miller thought the Bulldogs came out flat in a1-0 win Sunday over Bemidji State in a Western Collegiate Hockey Association game before 586 fans at the DECC.

“We didn’t come out on our toes or ready to compete,” Miller said. “We had half a tank, half-enthusiasm.”

Ellison, a junior transfer from Boston College, didn’t lack zeal in stopping 16 shots for a shutout in her first game as a Bulldog.

“I was nervous and excited to be back, definitely more excited,” Ellison said. “I’m glad it went well. It will be in my memory bank for a long time.”

Yet UMD’s offensive start wasn’t memorable after only eight shots and no goals in a slow first period.

Forward Karine Demeule scored the Bulldogs’ lone goal at 6:48 of the second period.

In the third, Bemidji State goalie Emily Brookshaw stopped all 16 UMD shots to finish with 34 saves in the game and 81 in the series.

“[Brookshaw] was really good [Saturday] and better [Sunday],” Beavers coach Steve Sertich said. “She saw the puck really well and was right on it all night.”

The fifth-ranked Bulldogs (4-0, 4-0 WCHA) beat Bemidji State 4-0 Saturday, and UMD sophomore center Saara Tuominen believes they were nearly caught looking ahead to the series against second-ranked Mercyhurst of Erie, Pa., next Saturday and Sunday at the DECC.

“We didn’t show up,” Tuominen said. “You have to give credit to [Brookshaw], but [the upcoming Mercyhurst series] was part of the letdown.”

Miller tried to mix up the lines to rejuvenate the offense in the third period.

“Things didn’t click,” Miller said. “The first line [of Tuominen, Elin Holmlov and Iya Gavrilova] haven’t had the chemistry I’d seen in the last week, so I stirred up the lines.”

UMD suited up nine forwards for the second straight game after Haley Irwin encountered post-concussion dizziness during pregame warm-ups Sunday.

“We practiced all week with nine and you could tell that effected us,” Miller said. “Demeule blew out a skate and we were down to eight for a while.”

Ellison’s first game wasn’t UMD’s best game, but she believes in the caliber of their program.

“UMD was my first choice when I was looking at other schools,” Ellison said. “We have a great program and I’m glad to be part of it.”

Dogs Sweep, Win 1-0 over BSU

UMD finished the sweep, winning 1-0 behind Karine Demeule scoring and Johanna Ellison shutting the door on 16 Bemidji State shots. Bemidji played a much tighter fore-checking game, and better in the neutral zone today than Saturday's game.

Bemidji did get ripped off in the 2nd period today... While BSU had a 2 player advantage, UMD took a third penalty, for too many players on the ice. Sara O'Toole and Iya Gavrilova were in the penalty box, and Myriam Trepanier was in the box to serve the too many player penalty. When O'Toole's penalty ended, she was let out of the box during play.. which was the WRONG decision by the scorers table/penalty box crew. Trepanier's two minutes should have started immediately when O'Toole's penalty ended and she should have remained in the box herself until the next whistle. It cost Bemidji the chance of continuing to have a two player advantage for another 39 seconds.

When the referee (Chris Perrault) figured out something was wrong, he blew the play down and after 10 minutes of talking to both coaches and the scorers table, he STILL didn't get it right and UMD was down only one player for those 39 seconds.

Unless some rule has that's been around forever has been changed... Bemidji State's best oppurtunity to score on the weekend was thwarted by a mistake by the referee and scorers table.

Saturday's news tribune story

As always, click the blog title to go read the article

UMD women's hockey team defeats Bemidji State 4-0
Andy Greder Duluth News Tribune
Published Saturday, October 13, 2007

Karine Demeule discovered her character during her sophomore season on the Minnesota Duluth women’s hockey team.

The Montreal native saw little playing time in the 2005-06 season as fourth-line forward and needed to find another role.

“I saw a lot of ice as a freshman and then I didn’t play very much,” said Demeule, now a senior. “I learned a lot about myself. It was hard not to play, but I learned to be there for the team.”

Demeule was the lead performer Saturday with two goals as UMD beat Bemidji State 4-0 in a Western Collegiate Hockey Association game before 510 fans at the DECC. The final game of the home-opening series is at 3:07 p.m. today.

“[Demeule] seized the opportunity when she moved to the second line after all [of our] injuries,” said UMD coach Shannon Miller, whose team only has nine healthy forwards. “She was great. I thought her line was the best [Saturday].”

Demeule, a captain, and Samantha Hough are the only remaining members of the six-player 2004-05 recruiting class.

“There was a parting of the ways with the others,” Miller said. “Some were my choice, others were theirs, but [Demeule] has been successful because she has a good attitude, work ethic and represents the team well.”

Demeule scored seven points with two game-winning goals as a freshman, but registered only two points as a sophomore.

“You just have to keep going during the hard times,” said Demeule, who notched 17 points in all 39 games a year ago. “You’ve got to be there and accept your role.”

Sophomore defender Heidi Pelttari said Demeule directs team traditions.

“She leads us with not stepping on the [Bulldog] logo in the locker room and other things,” Pelttari said. “She has done this before and that is why she is our captain.”

Laura Fridfinnson, a second-line forward, scored a goal and assisted on both of Demeule’s goals.

UMD (3-0 overall, 3-0 WCHA) held a 51-17 shot advantage over Bemidji State (0-2-1), but didn’t score until Demeule’s goal at the 17-minute mark in the first period.

“[Bemidji State put] a lot of players in front of the net,” Miller said. “We had the puck all game, but we couldn’t get many through.”

Beavers goalie Emily Brookshaw stopped 47 shots, including 19 in the second period.

“We knew [UMD] was awfully talented,” Bemidji State coach Steve Sertich said. “[Brookshaw] stopped a lot of shots and did her best to keep us in it.”

WISCONSIN SETS NCAA MARK

Wisconsin beat Ohio State 4-0 Saturday to set the NCAA unbeaten streak record at 31 games.

The Badgers are 28-0-3 since a 2-0 loss to UMD on Nov. 24.

Wisconsin, the two-time defending NCAA champions, had won 26 straight before the loss to the Bulldogs.

The 2005-06 New Hampshire team previously held the record.

Dogs Shut Down (and out) Bemidji State

Below is my own view on the game today...

UMD outshot Bemidji State by a HUGE margin of 51-17 (had 3 times as many shots for those math deficient ;).)

Laura Fridfinnson, Saara Tuominen, and Karine Demeule (Demeule scored TWICE, including the first of the game, and game winner) all scored their 3rd goals of the season .. IN as many games. Jaime Rasmussen picked up 2 assists as well.

Bemidji really never looked like they were in this game.. UMD skated circles around them all night.

Erin Olson definitely has found her game in this her junior season. She hasn't scored yet but the way she's come out this season, in great hockey shape and flying around the ice.. she has a chance for a good handfull of goals. (hasn't scored since her first career goal, October 14, 2005 against St. Cloud at the DECC) Just as important as scoring, is she's winning faceoffs in her own zone when she's on the ice taking them.

With all of the injuries among forwards, another freshman, Libby Guzzo even spent a good deal of time on the ice, after only playing a few shifts in St. Cloud.

Tomorrow afternoon (or after tomorrow's game 2) I'll post the News Tribune story and link.

News Tribune Pre-Bemidji Series Story

College women's hockey: UMD kills 22 St. Cloud State penalties
Andy Greder Duluth News Tribune
Published Saturday, October 13, 2007

Minnesota Duluth coach Shannon Miller said sophomore center Saara Tuominen flawlessly fulfills her role on the penalty-kill unit.

“[Tuominen’s] discipline and ability to take away passing lanes makes her exceptional,” Miller said. “She anticipates what the other team is going to do very well. She sets the example and does exactly what you’re supposed to do.”

Behind Tuominen’s defensive lead, UMD was impeccable in killing all22 penalties in its Oct. 5-6 sweep at St. Cloud State. The Bulldogs will take their penalty-killing prowess into their season-opening home series against Bemidji State at 3:37 p.m. today and 3:07 p.m. Sunday at the DECC.

In UMD’s 3-0 win onOct. 5, the Bulldogs killed off 13 power plays.

“The main thing was that it was our first game and we needed to get the little kinks out,” junior forward Sara O’Toole said. “We were able to be successful in getting it together the next game.”

The Bulldogs then killed all nine St. Cloud power plays in Saturday’s 8-0 triumph.

“Friday was more read and react because it was our first game, but the second game we had a lot more direction and little adjustments that made a big difference in the level of play,” Miller said.

Goalie Kim Martin stopped 61 shots against St. Cloud, including 25 saves on penalty kills.

“We’ve worked a lot on penalty kill in practice, and the defense has done a perfect job in front of me,” said Martin, who was named the Western Collegiate Hockey Association defensive player of the week.

Last season, UMD killed 87 percent of its penalties (199-for-228).

UMD, the fifth-ranked team in the USCHO.com poll, mainly uses forwards Tuominen, Haley Irwin, Iya Gavrilova, Karine Demuele and all six defenders during penalty kills.

Injured list grows

The Bulldogs are down to nine forwards after two more injuries this week.

Irwin, the second-line center, is out after getting a concussion in Monday’s practice.

Third-line center Tawni Mattila is inactive after spraining her left shoulder in Wednesday’s practice, while wingers Emmanuelle Blais (high ankle sprain) and Samantha Hough (knee) remain out of the lineup.

Martin suffered a concussion late in the Oct. 6 St. Cloud game, but felt no repercussions during the week and will start in net today.

WISCONSIN ties NCAA RECORD

Wisconsin, the two-time defending NCAA champion and preseason WCHA favorite, tied the NCAA women’s unbeaten streak at 30 games on Oct. 6.

The top-ranked Badgers have gone 27-0-3 to tie New Hampshire’s streak set during the 2005-06 season.

Wisconsin (4-0-0) hosts Ohio State at 2:05 p.m. today.

UMDBulldogs.com Bemidji Preview Up

The weekend series preview is up:

The University of Minnesota Duluth women's hockey team returns to the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center Saturday and Sunday afternoon when it hosts Western Collegiate Hockey Association rival Bemidji State University. Game-time will start at 3:37 p.m. on Saturday, while the puck will drop at 3:07 p.m. on Sunday.

THE SERIES: UMD owns a 33-0-1 all-time record over its closest conference counterparts, with its one and only tie coming back during the 2001-02 season when the Bulldogs and Beavers stepped off the ice with a 3-3 OT stalemate. UMD currently holds a 23-game winning streak against BSU, including a telling two series sweep of the Beavers a season ago. The Bulldogs crushed the BSU 6-2 and 6-0 in the DECC back on Oct. 20 & 21, and then again in Bemidji on Jan. 20 & 21, 5-0 and 3-1.

LAST WEEK: The Bulldogs scored 11 goals in two games to sweep St. Cloud State in St. Cloud, Minn. over the past weekend. Sophomore goaltender Kim Martin made 61 saves in 119:27 minutes of action for the fourth and fifth shutouts of her collegiate career. Nine UMD players scored over the course of the two games, with two goals and three assists courtesy of newly named sophomore captain Saara Tuominen. Freshman forward Laura Fridfinnson started her career in the Maroon and Gold jersy with two goals and an assist, while sophomore Elin Holmlov joined Tuominen and freshman Iya Gavrilova on UMD’s most productive line by adding a goal to accompany her team-leading four assists. The two wins bring head coach Shannon Miller to 202 career Bulldog victories, and a 202-57-24 record overall in nine seasons behind the bench.


The Beavers responded to a 3-1 loss at home to Minnesota State last Friday night by staying even with the Mavericks Saturday evening in a 2-2 OT tie. BSU responded to two early first period goals by Minnesota State by netting two of its own in the second stanza of play. Freshman Julie Rising scored a goal in each contest.

THE COACHES: Shannon Miller, who currently is the only coach in the WCHA to have racked-up 202 wins and is 33-0-1 against Bemidji State in her career, will began her ninth season last weekend behind the Bulldog bench.

As the only head coach UMD has ever employed, Miller has amassed an impressive overall record of 202-57-24 and has led the Bulldogs to six NCAA playoff appearances and three straight NCAA Championship titles (2001, 2002 and 2003). She has led UMD into four NCAA Frozen Four berths, including the 2007 NCAA Championship game. No other hockey program in the country has won three consecutive NCAA titles.


For her efforts, Miller was named the 2000 and 2003 Western Collegiate Hockey Association Coach of the Year and the 2003 American Hockey Coaches Association (AHCA) Women’s Division I Coach of the Year. Along with the incredible NCAA runs, her Bulldogs have captured two WCHA regular season titles (2000 and 2003) and three WCHA playoff titles (2000, 2001 and 2003).

During Miller’s time at the Bulldog helm, UMD has produced eight first-team All-Americans, 11 Patty Kazmaier Award Finalists, two WCHA Players of the Year, three WCHA Student-Athletes of the year and one CoSIDA Academic All-American.

Beaver Head Coach Steve Sertich is in his second season with BSU after a 11-21-6 record in his coaching debut a year ago. He is 9-16-5 in 30 regular season games against WCHA opponents.

MAGICAL MARTIN: Sophomore netminder Kim Martin was named the WCHA’s Defensive Player of the Week after posting two clean-sheets against St. Cloud State last weekend. Martin did not allow a goal, despite the Bulldogs skating 60 minutes with at least one player in the penalty box, and turned away 61 shots in the two contests. It is the third time in Martin’s young career that she has earned the WCHA honor.

FRIEND OR FOE: The Beavers are the only remaining team in the WCHA that the Bulldogs have stayed undefeated against. UMD, which posts a winning percentage of .985 against BSU, has outscored the Beavers 219-38 through 34 all-time games. The Bulldogs have also set five of their all-time team records against Bemidji, including most goals in a period (8, Oct. 22, 1999), fastest three goals (1:13, Oct. 22, 1999), and most points in a period (21, Oct. 22, 1999).

OPENING SERIES SUCCESS: The Bulldogs thrashing of St. Cloud State last weekend marked the first time in program history that UMD has opened its season with back-to-back shutouts. The Bulldogs have now averaged 9.7 goals in nine seasons in opening series over their program history.

LEADING LINE: UMD's first line, which consists of sophomores Saara Tuominen, Elin Holmlov and freshman Iya Gavrilova, accounted for nine points in all during the Bulldogs series with the Huskies. The three tallied four goals and nine assists between them to help the Maroon and Gold score 11 goals in the two games.

DOWN BUT NOT OUT: The Bulldogs will be without the services of sophomore Emmanuelle Blais this weekend, who sustained an injury in UMD's exhibition clash with the Whitecaps.

BULLDOG BITS: UMD is carrying over a four game winning streak at the DECC into this weekend’s series...After two weekends of play, the Bulldogs are the highest scoring offense in the WCHA...UMD is perfect on the penalty kill so far, going 21-of-21 against the Huskies...Saara Tuominen and Elin Holmlov lead the WCHA in point scoring with five points a piece...in all, the Bulldogs are in the first four slots of points scoring, respectively,


LAB RINK RATS: If it looks like there is an extra offical on the ice this weekend, you are not seeing things. The WCHA will use an experimental 2-and-2 system in approximately 60 games in both the women’s and men’s leagues this season.

BEAVER NOTES: Freshman forward Julie Rising was named the WCHA Rookie of the Week for her two goals in two games against Minnesota State this past weekend. Rising’s shorthanded goal on Friday night was only BSU’s third shorthanded goal in the last three years...the Beavers are 0-33-1 all-time against the Bulldogs, with their one and only tie coming on February 3, 2002 when both teams settled in overtime on a 3-3 score...BSU returns 16 letterwinners from a squad that went 11-20-5 overall last season, including both goaltenders...Tara Hiscock is the Beavers leading returning scorer, having tallied 11 points last winter (8-3-11)...Senior captain Emily Brookshaw started in 35 games for BSU last season, making 985 saves...Brookshaw’s GAA was 3.03.

Bemidji State Universities Online Game Preview (.pdf)

The UMDBulldogs.com website doesn't have the weekend preview up yet, so below is the Bemidji State website preview for this weekend's DECC series. I've posted the first page+1/2, click the blog title to go visit the complete preview!

This Week’s Story lines
• The Beavers began their 2007-08 season last weekend and came
away with an 0-1-1 record against Minnesota State University,
Mankato. Bemidji State skated to a 3-1 loss in Friday’s matchup
with the Mavericks, but came back from a 2-0 deficit in Saturday’s
game to tie MSU 2-2.
• Julie Rising (Fr., Millbrae, Calif.) began her BSU career with
a bang last weekend. She scored two goals (one short-handed)
in two games, and was named WCHA Rookie of the Week for
her efforts. She is the fourth Beaver in four years to earn the
honor, and will look to continue her scoring ways against the No.
5-ranked Bulldogs.
• Bemidji State will hit the road for the first time this season and
look to build off last week’s 0-1-1 performance against Minnesota
State. Three freshmen (Rising, Eva Schwaerzler (Dornbirn,
Austria) and Erin Cody (Roseville, Minn.)) contributed on the
scoreboard with Rising leading the way. She scored two goals,
Schwaerzler notched one and Cody had an assist for BSU.
• The BSU women’s hockey team has begun Year Two of the
Steve Sertich era. He led the Beavers to an incredible 11 overall
wins and nine conference wins in just his first year at the helm.
After having a full year to bring in recruits, he has added much
scoring to a team that lost most of that after last seasons’ seniors
graduated.
The Coaches
•Bemidji State’s Steve Sertich (Colorado College ‘74) is in his
second season with the Beavers and has an overall record of
11-21-6 in 38 games coached. He is 9-16-5 in 30 regular-season
games against Western Collegiate Hockey Association opponents.
Coach Sertich’s club is currently in 3rd place in WCHA
action after going 0-1-1 to start the season.
• Minnesota Duluth’s Shannon Miller (Saskatchewan ‘85) is in
her eighth season with the Bulldogs and has a career record of
200-57-24 and currently has a season record of 2-0-0 overall
and a 2-0-0 record in WCHA. Miller currently has her team in
first place in the conference.
WCHA play
• Bemidji State prepares for its first road WCHA matchup of
the season as the Beavers travel to Duluth, Minn., to take on the
University of Minnesota Duluth. The last time BSU traveled to
Duluth, the Beavers were shut out in two games. Bemidji State
went 0-4-0 last year against UMD and was outscored 3-20.
• Bemidji State is 5-11-0 all-time in opening road series’ versus
WCHA competition and is 0-6-0 all-time in opening road conference
games at Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center.

My eBay listings, sports cards, beanie babies for now.

As part of my part time eBay consignment business, see some of the stuff I've got listed, between sports cards I own and beanie babies that are on consignment right now ... they're cheap too.



This is a new application eBay is offering, you can click on top of the box on my store name then click on view store if anything might be of interest.

Watch *ALL* UMD Home Hockey Games LIVE ONLINE!

Today, UMD announced that all men's and women's home hockey games will be availble LIVE on B2 Networks:

University of Minnesota Duluth Athletics and B2 Networks today announced a three-year partnership that will bring Bulldogs men's and women's ice hockey to the premier provider of broadband broadcasting. The partnership will begin this fall with all UMD home games being shown live on B2 Networks.

With the addition of UMD, B2 Networks has partnerships with four members of the men's Western Collegiate Hockey Association: UMD, Colorado College, St. Cloud State University and Minnesota State University-Mankato. For women's ice hockey, UMD is the second member of the WCHA to partner with B2 Networks. UMD's away games at B2 partner institutions will also be broadcast live and be available to fans worldwide.

"We are extremely excited about our partnership with B2 Networks and the additional exposure it will bring to our men's and women's ice hockey programs," said UMD Athletic Director Bob Nielson. "It's a great way for the thousands of Bulldog alumni and supporters throughout the world to stay in touch with UMD hockey."

By teaming with B2 Networks, UMD ice hockey will be available for viewing by a worldwide audience. Live hockey games will be aired through the school's athletic website http://www.umdbulldogs.com/ as well as http://www.b2livetv.com. Fans wanting to watch Bulldogs hockey via B2 Networks will need a high-speed Internet connection and a current version of Microsoft Windows Media Player. Games will be sold on an individual basis for $6 (US), and a season pass to view all Minnesota Duluth men's and women's ice hockey games broadcast on B2 Networks for $50 (US) will become available in the near future.

"We are thrilled to announce the addition of Minnesota Duluth to the B2 Networks family, and we are excited that they will increase the amount of WCHA hockey we broadcast," stated Richard Brosal, B2 Networks Executive Vice President for Business Operations and Marketing. "Bulldogs fans will be able to follow their team like never before, especially the women's hockey team that was National Runner-Up last year."

B2 Networks is a premier provider of reliable and secure international television and pay-per-view broadcasting systems. Our worldwide network of arenas, stadiums, local venues and data centers are currently in use to distribute live sports and events to personal computers, television screens, mobile devices and commercial venues around the world. Working with organizations such as the AHL, ECHL, NLL, IHL, USHL, NAHL, Arena Football Leagues, Fitness Universe and selected NCAA and NAIA conferences and member institutions, B2 Networks has established itself as a leader in innovative global direct to home, mobile and television broadcasting. For the B2 Networks' Programming Guide visit www.b2livetv.com, or for information about B2 Networks, visit www.b2now.com.

WCHA Defensive Player of the Week Kim Martin

Click on the blog TITLE to see the other WCHA players of the week, below is the text for Kim Martin's defensive player of the week award!

Kim Martin, a sophomore goaltender from Stockholm, Sweden, stood between the pipes for 119:27 without allowing a goal in the University of Minnesota Duluth's WCHA season-opening series sweep at St. Cloud State last weekend.

She made 27 saves in a 3-0 series opening victory last Friday then came back to make 29 stops in the 8-0 victory over the host Huskies last Saturday. Martin withstood 60 minutes of shorthanded play by the Bulldogs at St. Cloud. The shutouts were numbers four and five of her collegiate career.

Also nominated this week: Anya Miller, D, UM; Holly Snyder, D, MSU; Brittany Kirkham, G, UND; Tessa Bonhomme, D, OSU.

This week's new Rankings/Polls

USCHO.COM Poll released Monday:

1 Wisconsin (14)
2 Mercyhurst
3 St. Lawrence
- New Hampshire
5 Minnesota-Duluth
6 Harvard
7 Minnesota
8 Boston College
9 Dartmouth
10 Ohio State

Others Receiving Votes: Connecticut 10, Clarkson 3, Colgate 3, Providence 2, Princeton 1


The USA TODAY Poll is out today:

1. Wisconsin
2. Mercyhurst
3. St. Lawrence
4. New Hampshire
5. Minnesota Duluth
6. Minnesota
7. Harvard
8. Boston College
9. Dartmouth
10. Ohio State

Others receiving votes: Connecticut, Clarkson, Providence, Princeton

News Tribune Sweep Story

UMD women's hockey team sweeps St. Cloud State
Duluth News Tribune
Published Sunday, October 07, 2007

Eight Minnesota Duluth women’s hockey players scored goals as the Bulldogs swept the season-opening Western Collegiate Hockey Association series with a 8-0 win Saturday at the National Hockey Center in St. Cloud, Minn.

Sara O’Toole, Myriam Trepanier and Iya Gavrilova each scored in the first period as UMD took a 3-0 lead.

Haley Irwin scored the lone goal for the Bulldogs in the second period.

In the third, the Bulldogs (2-0, 2-0 WCHA) scored four goals with one each from Elin Holmlov, Karine Demeule, Laura Fridfinnson and Sarah Murray.

UMD goalie Kim Martin stopped 29 shots and held the Huskies scoreless on nine penalty plays. In the series, Martin stopped 61 shots in two shutouts and St. Cloud was 0-for-22 on power plays. UMD won 3-0 Friday.

The Bulldogs, No. 5 in the USCHO.com poll, had 17 penalties Saturday and finished with 30 for the series.

The Huskies (0-2, 0-2) were held scoreless for the fourth straight home game against the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs also held a 38-29 shot advantage Saturday.

St. Cloud freshman goalie Ashley Nixon stopped 24 shots in her first collegiate start.

In the last minute of the game, there were eight players, four from each team, in the penalty box.

UMD will host Bemidji State (0-1-1) in the home opener at 3:37 p.m. Saturday at the DECC. The WCHA series will conclude at 3:07 p.m. Sunday.

UMD Finishes the sweep, 8-0 @ SCSU

UMD beat St. Cloud 8-0 in a game that sounded on the radio like it finished kinda physically emotional, with penalties abound for both teams. Sarah Murray got her first career goal, in this her second season. Iya Gavrilova scored HER first goal of what should be MANY...and Laura Fridfinnson scored her second goal and added an assist. Haley Irwin also scored HER first goal, along with taking 3 more penalties. The game was a big hard to follow on the radio, dunno if it was the station or the weather but the game seemed to cut in and out a little for me, but it did go how I expected the weekend to. UMD won a tough 3-0 game yesterday and a much more lopsided score in the second game of the series.

UMD ended up with 17 penalties for 34 minutes, which once again means they need to stay OUT of the penalty box. Somehow in their 9 times shorthanded they didn't give up a goal.. UMD **DID** score on the powerplay, but that still only makes them 1 of 12 on the weekend.

SCSU started a freshman goaltender Ashley Nixon, for her first career game but teams won't normally make excuses like that for a loss, since she had to see ice time anyway so why not now?.

The game's box score is available on collegehockeystats.net
and IF I remember I'll try and link to that box score for each game. Also, as with Friday's game, I'll post the News Tribune story/link the day after the game, when they have the game story online. (If there's no story I'll use the UmdBulldogs.com story)

DNT Friday Game Story

As always, click the title to go TO the website WITH the article..

UMD women's hockey: Bulldogs top St. Cloud 3-0
Duluth News Tribune
Published Saturday, October 06, 2007
Minnesota Duluth goalie Kim Martin passed the first test of the 2007-08 season.

The sophomore stopped 32 shots and held St. Cloud State scoreless on 13 power plays as the Bulldogs beat the Huskies 3-0 in a Western Collegiate Hockey Association women’s opening game Friday before 412 at the National Hockey Center in St. Cloud, Minn.

“[Martin] got a lot of action,” UMD coach Shannon Miller said. “When you’re on the penalty kill all that time, the goalie has to be instrumental in your success.”

Sophomore captain Saara Tuominen scored two goals and added an assist for the Bulldogs (1-0, 1-0 WCHA), who have shut out St. Cloud State three straight games on the road. Martin has four career shutouts overall.

“I thought it was fitting that after [Tuominen] got named captain [Thursday], she has a good night [Friday],” Miller said.

St. Cloud (0-1, 0-1) outshot UMD 22-16 through two periods, but the Huskies couldn’t score.

“All our defenders stood out tonight,” Miller said. “Everyone got a lot of work with how many times we were down a player.”

With UMD ahead 1-0, the Bulldogs outshot the Huskies 18-10 and scored two goals in the third period. At 12:31, Tuominen stole the puck from a Huskies player and set up freshman Laura Fridfinnson for her first career goal. Iya Gavrilova and Elin Holmlov assisted on Tuominen’s second goal with 3:52 to play.

Martin, an Olympian from Sweden, will be goalie again today as UMD finishes the series with St. Cloud State at 7:07 p.m.

“She got a lot of work, and she deserves to be in there [today],” Miller said.

Dogs win 3-0 @ SCSU

UMD did indeed win, 3-0 over St. Cloud State. Saara Tuominen took a penalty at the end of the first period, and then one 2 minutes into the 2nd period, and that seemed to throw an 'internal' switch and turn her game on. She scored the first goal of the game (that was allowed, SCSU had one disallowed for directing the puck off a skate), 1 minute and 1 second after getting out of the penalty box the 2nd time.

UMD took 13 penalties (26 minutes) with the 'rookie' Freshmen taking 8 of those 13. Most definitely weren't good penalties, not having much to do with the actual flow of the game.

I figured they'd need a feeling out period the first game, and the first two periods were just that, getting outshot 22-16, before outshooting the Huskies 18-10 in the third period.

I'll post the News Tribune story and link the day after games when there is one to post .. if there isn't one I'll get the Umdbulldogs.com recap instead.

News Tribune Season Preview

UMD women's hockey offense unleashed
Andy Greder Duluth News Tribune
Published Friday, October 05, 2007

Shannon Miller believes players possessing offensive creativity should enjoy a lot of freedom.

The Minnesota Duluth women’s hockey coach saw the goal-scoring ingenuity that warrants liberty in 2002-03, and her laissez faire coaching produced a 31-3-2 season and a third-straight national championship.

Miller sees a similar team this season.

“We are going to put in fewer [offensive] systems and let them freelance more,” said Miller, beginning her ninth season as coach. “We have enough talent to do that. Our forwards are creative and offensively gifted. The worst thing I can do at this point is get in the way.”

UMD’s top line includes three Europeans — freshman Iya Gavrilova of Russia and sophomores Saara Tuominen of Finland and Elin Holmlov of Sweden.

“Those three have been magical so far,” Miller said. “They have gelled fantastically.”

Tuominen, who had 12 goals and 28 assists last season, will be the catalyst and safety net.

“[Tuominen] isn’t a flashy player,” Miller said. “She is going to come out and set up [Gavrilova and Holmlov]. Defensively, Tuominen is very strong and will allow those other two to be very offensive and take risks.”

While UMD’s first line hasn’t played in a game together, the players are used to the European style that emphasizes puck movement.

“It’s really easy to communicate on ice because we play the same style,” Tuominen said. “We like to share the puck and all of us see the ice well.”

The Bulldogs will have to replace 46 percent of their goal scoring from last season with the departures of Noemie Marin, Jessica Koizumi and Michaela Lanzl. Marin and Koizumi graduated, while Lanzl ran out of eligibility.

The Bulldogs (24-11-4 in 2006-07) lost to Wisconsin 4-1 in the NCAA Division I national championship game. UMD’s lone senior is forward Karine Demeule

“We had a great team last year and we will have a great team this year,” said Holmlov, who had 26 points last season. “We’re younger, but we have more freedom.”

Miller will put the scorers in advantageous positions.

“We’re going to use four attackers a lot,” Miller said. “That is risky defensively because you can get 2-on-1 against you, but when we have strong goaltending, I’d like to take risks to score goals.”

Sophomore goalie Kim Martin is the top goalie for the Bulldogs, who are No. 5 in the USCHO.com poll and picked to finish second to Wisconsin in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association.

Last season, Martin had a 1.58 goals-against average while splitting time with Riita Schaublin. This year, Boston College transfer and Cloquet native Johanna Ellison will spell Martin in net.

Injury Trend remains

The Bulldogs dealt with multiple injuries last season and the trend has continued this year.

“Last year, we had a ton of injuries,” Miller said. “It was ridiculous. We were joking that after an injury-ridden season like that ‘it’s never going to happen like that again.’ Well, it has.”

The Bulldogs started practice Sept. 24 with 14 forwards. Now they have 11.

Second-line winger Emmanuelle Blais is out three-to-four weeks with a high ankle sprain and bone bruise.

Forward Samantha Hough has suffered a setback in her recovery from knee surgery, and freshman Chantal Larocque quit the team Sept. 28.

Season Preview continued

Click the title of this entry to view a very nice .PDF season preview that includes the SCSU stuff also.

UMDBulldogs.com SCSU Series Preview

The series preview is up, and contains SOME information already given but here's the entire preview anyway:

The University of Minnesota Duluth women's hockey team starts its 2007-08 season Friday in St. Cloud, Minn. when it visits St. Cloud State University for the Bulldogs first WCHA series of the year. Game-time for both contests is slated for 7:07 p.m.

THE SERIES: UMD, currently ranked No. 5 in the latest USCHO national poll, will take a dominant 30-6-1 advantage into this weekend's series, including a 12-4 record in the confines of the National Hockey Center. The Bulldogs swept the Huskies last season in St. Cloud, and held them winless in regular season WCHA play.

St. Cloud visited UMD at Mars Lakeview Arena last February for the first round of the WCHA Playoffs. The Bulldogs held on to a 4-3 win in the first outing (Feb. 23), after two third-period goals in the final five minutes by the Huskies erased UMD's three-goal lead.

The Bulldogs were less fortunate in the second game, (Feb. 24) after two first-period goals put UMD into debt for the rest of the contest. St. Cloud forced a third and final game by dropping the Bulldogs 3-1 for the Huskies first win over the Maroon and Gold since Jan. 28, 2006.

UMD responded unkindly to St. Cloud's series extension, exploding for five goals and routing the Huskies 5-1(Feb. 25) behind two goals and two assists from then senior forward Noemie Marin. Freshman netminder Kim Martin made 21 saves to end the Huskies season.

TO VIEW THE FULL PDF VERSON OF THIS RELEASE CLICK HERE:
UMD-St. Cloud State Notes


LAST WEEK: The Bulldogs swamped the Minnesota Whitecaps of the Western Women's Hockey League 7-2 on the ice of the Schwan's Super Rink, in Blaine, Minn., Saturday afternoon. Sophomore forward Saara Tuominen and freshmen forwards Haley Irwin and Iya Gavrilova led UMD with two goals each, while Irwin added an assist for good measure. Eight Bulldogs got in the scoring column overall.

THE COACHES: Shannon Miller, who currently is the only coach in the WCHA to have racked-up 200 wins and is 30-6-1 against St. Cloud in her career, will begin her ninth season this weekend behind the Bulldog bench.

As the only head coach UMD has ever employed, Miller has amassed an impressive overall record of 200-57-24 and has led the Bulldogs to six NCAA playoff appearances and three straight NCAA Championship titles (2001, 2002 and 2003). She has led UMD into four NCAA Frozen Four berths, including the 2007 NCAA Championship game. No other hockey program in the country has won three consecutive NCAA titles.

For her efforts, Miller was named the 2000 and 2003 Western Collegiate Hockey Association Coach of the Year and the 2003 American Hockey Coaches Association (AHCA) Women’s Division I Coach of the Year. Along with the incredible NCAA runs, her Bulldogs have captured two WCHA regular season titles (2000 and 2003) and three WCHA playoff titles (2000, 2001 and 2003).

During Miller’s time at the Bulldog helm, UMD has produced eight first-team All-Americans, 11 Patty Kazmaier Award Finalists, two WCHA Players of the Year, three WCHA Student-Athletes of the year and one CoSIDA Academic All-American.

Jeff Giesen begins his second season as the head coach of the Huskies after guiding them to a 12-18-7 mark overall last year, and a seventh place finish in the WCHA with a 7-16-5 record. Giesen is 1-6 against the Bulldogs all-time.

TAMING THE HUSKIES: Junior forward Sara O'Toole enjoyed her first collegiate hat trick and then some last season against St. Cloud (Oct. 28. 2006), leashing the Huskies for a career-high four goals in the contest.

DOWN BUT NOT OUT: The Bulldogs will be without the services of sophomore Emmanuelle Blais this weekend, who sustained an injury in Saturday's clash with the Whitecaps.

BULLDOG BITS: Four of UMD's all-time team records have been set against St. Cloud, including largest margin of victory (15-0, Nov. 6, 1999), fastest two goals (0:06, Oct. 15, 2005) and most shots on goal in a game (72, Dec. 17, 1999).

SEASON OUTLOOK--UP FRONT: At first glance, the Bulldogs offense seems to have taken a hit with the graduation of Jessica Koizumi, Noemie Marin and Michaela Lanzl, who combined for 48 percent of UMD’s goals last season. But a closer look reveals a crop of offensive talents that may instantly turn the Bulldogs into a perennial firepower. Sophomore forwards Saara Tuominen and Emmanuelle Blais, two of seven currently rostered UMD players to skate in all 39 games last winter, will suit up for their second season of collegiate play as the Bulldogs top returning offensive fixtures. Tuominen, a strong defensive forward with a knack of placing the puck, handed out 28 assists last year while adding 12 goals. Her 40 points during the 2006-07 campaign ranks first among returnees, and her ability to win face-offs will unquestionably make her one of the nation’s most dominant centers.

Blais steps into her second season after proving she could carry some of the offensive load as a rookie. Blais, who will reign as the second highest returning point grabber with 35 (14-21=35), will be expected to be a key offensive contributor with her uncanny mix of speed, hands and toughness. Another key sophomore, Elin Holmlov, who suffered through a nagging injury last season, is looking to build on her 26-point (6-20=26) freshman performance. Junior Sara O’Toole, one of several Bulldogs bitten by the injury bug in 2006-07, will set her sights on leading an offensive charge, and attempt to top her 21 points (7-14=21) in 29 games one year ago.

Injecting some instant offense into the Bulldog ranks will be freshmen Haley Irwin, Laura Fridfinnson, members of the U-22 Canadian National Team, and Russian Olympian Iya Gavrilova. Irwin, a talented forward with the ability to set-up teammates and score big goals, is expected to be an impact player right away. Fridfinnson, a 5-8 forward with speed and vision will immediately yield offensive results, while the addition Gavrilova adds international experience and another threat to the Bulldogs arsenal as a strong skater with great hands and a talent for netting goals in important games.

ON DEFENSE: Despite losing three key defensemen to graduation, UMD will reload the blueline with a mixture of experience and the excitement of youth. The Bulldogs retain the services of junior Myriam Trepanier, the top point-getting defenseman last season (5-12=17), and one of two returning blueliners to skate in all 39 games in 2006-07. Heidi Pelttari, who only played the second half of the 2006-07 campaign, will anchor the ice as one of the Bulldogs strongest and most experienced players on the backline. Pelttari, who infuses a wealth of international experience courtesy of Team Finland, will also be joined on the blueline by freshman Jocelyn Laroque. Larocque, a member of the U-22 Canadian National team, possess the ability to skate and handle the puck that will instantly make her one of UMD’s top defensemen. Tara Gray, another one of the Bulldogs five players invited to Team Canada’s U-22 camp, will enhance UMD’s depth on the blueline with a great shot from the point and ability to play all three zones.

IN GOAL: After splitting time between the pipes last season with Riitta Schaublin, sophomore Kim Martin, one of the premier netminders in all of women’s hockey, will look to handle the brunt of UMD’s puck-stopping duties. Martin complied an 11-7-2 record in 21 games as a freshman, and was cited as an All-WCHA Rookie Team and All-WCHA Second Team honoree. Following a debut season laced with injuries, a healthy Martin will be pivotal in a Bulldog run down championship lane. Joining UMD to assist Martin in goaltending duties will be Boston College transfer Johanna Ellison. Ellison, who was a Cloquet High School (Minn.) standout will be familiar with the confines of the Bulldogs home DECC ice, and will provide experience and some quality depth to the internationally renown Martin. Rounding out the trio of capable backstoppers, is Junior Amie Meyer, who finished the 2006-07 season with a perfect save percentage in four relief outings.

USCHO D-1 Poll

USCHO.COM released their first women's rankings poll of the season today(Oct-1st):

Team (1st Votes) Record Points Last Poll
1 Wisconsin (10) 36- 1-4 100 1
2 Mercyhurst 32- 2-3 77 2
3 St. Lawrence 29- 8-3 76 5
4 New Hampshire 28- 4-5 75 4
5 Minnesota-Duluth 24-11-4 58 8
6 Harvard 23- 8-2 53 6
7 Minnesota 23-12-1 38 9
8 Boston College 24-10-2 32 7
9 Dartmouth 27- 5-2 18 3
10 Ohio State 20-13-4 15 10
Others Receiving Votes: Connecticut 3, Colgate 2, Princeton 2, Providence 1

My Photo Blog

If you haven't yet checked it out, I have another blog, which I've called, 'The View Through My Lens,'
where I put sometimes random photos up, of just about anything... including food, fishing, and other outdoors pictures. It's great to live in Minnesota and be able to enjoy being outside most of the year.

Normally I can send people copies of a picture if they want, but I just got a new computer and literally forgot to make a backup cd of my blog photos.. oops :) You can though, click on any picture to see it in a larger size and even right click and save the photo small or large :)

Jessica Koizumi on UMD Coaching Staff

I was just browsing the UMD coaching staff on UMDBulldogs.com and:

After helping captain the Bulldogs all the way to the 2007 national title game last season, Jessica Koizumi begins her first year with the UMD coaching staff.

Koizumi ended her Bulldog career with a bang, scoring two goals and notching one assist to help lift UMD over Boston College in double-overtime at the 2007 Frozen Four. Her game-winning-goal secured the Bulldog’s fourth appearnace in a national championship game, and landed her on the 2007 Frozen Four All-Tournament Team.

A native of Simi Valley, Calf., Koizumi finished her career ranked No. 7 on the UMD career scoring list with 155 points (84-71=155). The 2006-07 All-WCHA Third team selection scored a team-high six game-winning goals as a senior, finding the net 22 times and passing the puck for 18 assists. In September 2007, Koizumi was chosen by Team USA to compete in the upcoming Four Nations Cup, which will be held in Leksand, Sweden November 4 through the 22. Koizumi was previously named to the U-22 national team the past three years (2006, 2005, 2004), and won a gold medal at the roller hockey world championships with Team USA in July, 2006.

Koizumi graduated in May of 2007 from UMD with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in coaching. She was awarded the NCAA Post Graduate Scholarship and is currently working on her Masters of Education degree at UMD.

UMD Beats Mn. Whitecaps 7-2

Visit the original article by clicking the blog title.

BULLDOG WOMEN OVERTURN WHITECAPS 7-2 IN EXHIBITION TUNE-UP

Last Updated: Saturday, September 29, 2007 6:17 PM

If exhibition games are meant to get rid of some off-season rust and preview the season to come, the University of Minnesota Duluth women's hockey team is ready for next Saturday's Western Collegiate Hockey Assocationa opener.

The Bulldogs swamped the Minnesota Whitecaps of the Western Women's Hockey League 7-2 on the ice of the Schwan's Super Rink, in Blaine, Minn. Satuday afternoon. Sophomore forward Saara Tuominen and Freshmen Haley Irwin and Iya Gavrilova led UMD with two goals each, while Irwin added an assist for good measure. Eight Bulldogs got in the scoring column overall.

"We played very well," said head coach Shannon Miller after the contest. "It was really more like a 4-2 game because we got a couple of soft goals, but it was a good early showing for us."

UMD got on the board first when Tuominen found the back of the net, courtsey of Irwin and Freshman Jocelyn Larocque. The Bulldogs took a 1-0 lead into the end of the first period.

That molehill of an advantage was quickly made into a mountain, with UMD scoring three goals in the second stanza. Irwin, showing why she was second in voting for the WCHA preseason Rookie of the Year, scored off an assist from the Bulldogs lone senior Karin Demeule. Tuominen struck again unassisted to make it 3-0 for UMD, and Irwin netted her second of the game off a pass from fellow U-22 Team Canada member Laura Fridfinnson and junior Sara O'Toole. The Whitecaps finally got past the Bulldogs backstopper Kim Martin when former UMD alum Jenny Potter scored, with help from from former teammate and current assistant coach Caroline Ouellette and second UMD assistant Julie Chu to make the score 4-1 after two periods of play.

Gavrilova scored her first goal of the game on an assit from Tuominen and Larocque to start the third period, while Fridfinnson pushed the score to 6-1 off of passes from Tawnii Mattilla and Demeule. Gavrilova netted her second goal of the game from Demeule's third assist of the game, ending UMD's scoring spree at seven. Chu connected on a pass from Potter late in the third, to wrap the final score up at 7-2. Boston College transfer Johanna Ellison played between the pipes for UMD in the final twenty minutes.

The Bulldogs take their show on the road next weekend when they head to St. Cloud State to officially kick-off the 2007-08 season. Game-time is slated for 7:07 p.m.

First NEWS Tribune UMD Women's Article for Season

As always, click the title to visit the article...

The article is Dated for Tuesday 9/25 so I'm sharing it now as it's on the News Tribune Website b4 they put it in print:

Puck starts here
Andy Greder Duluth News Tribune
Published Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Minnesota Duluth women’s hockey coach Shannon Miller often used “talented, but young” to describe her 2007-08 team at its first practice Monday.

The Bulldogs have one senior and lost 46 percent of their goal scoring with the departures of Noemie Marin, Jessica Koizumi and Michaela Lanzl.

“There is no question that we’ll miss them,” Miller said.

Yet, UMD returns four standout sophomores in forwards Saara Tuominen, Emmanuelle Blais, Elin Homlov and goalie Kim Martin from a team that went 24-11-4 and advanced to the NCAA Division I national championship game.

Miller has compiled 200 career wins and three national championships at UMD, but the 11 losses last year were second-most next to 12 defeats in 2003-04.

“We had bad stretches with five scholarship players out with injuries at once,” said Miller, in her ninth season as coach. “But we showed that it doesn’t matter and the rest of us can do it.”

Miller expects freshmen forwards Haley Irwin, Laura Fridfinnson, Iya Gavrilova and defender Joss Larocque to contribute immediately.

“Again, we’re talented, but young,” Miller said. “They are experienced at the international level, but not with us.”

Julie Chu, who as a senior at Harvard won the 2007 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award as the top player in Division I, joined Miller’s coaching staff this season.

“[Chu] is a natural leader and when you’re a natural leader, you’re a natural coach,” Miller said. “She has a positive perspective and that, coupled with leadership ability, you have a good role model and coach.”

Wisconsin ended UMD’s season with a 4-1 win in the championship game, and Miller said she expects the Badgers, Bulldogs and Mercyhurst, in Erie, Penn., to be the top three teams in the nation this season.

UMD will play an exhibition game against the Minnesota Whitecaps at 12:30 p.m. Saturday in Blaine, Minn., before opening the regular season at St. Cloud State on Oct. 5-6.

Online Roster Profiles

UMDBulldogs.com has updated player profiles, including photos OF incoming freshmen AND Johanna Ellison. Click the blog title to go to the online roster, then click on a player's name for their profile!

Below are the new players profiles in case you'd rather not go click around:

Johanna Ellison--

BEFORE UMD:Played in 5 games for 253:29 last season as a sophomore for Boston College..racked up 62 saves and a 1.18 GAA in four wins...Saw the ice in eight games for the Eagles as a freshman, averaging almost 60 minutes a game...Played six seasons of varsity hockey at Cloquet High School...named AP Player of the Year for Minnesota, Duluth News Tribune Player of the Year and Let's Play Hockey Senior Goalie of the Year with a 1.28 GAA and 887 saves...was an AP First Team All-State selection three times...Pioneer Press First Team All-State selection twice...two-time All-State MGHCA selection...three-time First Team All-Area/Duluth News Tribune and garned First Team Lake Superior Conference three years running...picked as one of Sports Illustrated Faces in the Crowd (March 21, 2005).

PERSONAL: Born Johanna Ellison on August 23, 1986...is the daughter of David and Terri Ellison...has one sibbling...is a history major at UMD.
--

Jocelyne Larocque

BEFORE UMD: Is a 2006 graduate of College Lorette Collegiate…played hockey and basketball (2002-04) as a prep…became first female to appear in the Winnipeg High School Boy’s League in 2003-04…skated for Team Manitoba from 2003-06…completed one year of junior college at the University of Calgary…participated in the Canadian National Team Fall Festival that ran from Aug. 31-Sept. 9, 2007…is a Team Canada U-22 member and was crowned as an Air Canada Cup Champion in 2005-06 and 2006-07.

PERSONAL: Born Jocelyne Dawn Marie Larocque on May 19, 1988, in Ste. Anne, Manitoba…goes by the name Joss…is the daughter of Andy and Nancy Larocque…Has one sister, Chantal, who also plays for the UMD hockey team…is undecided on a major at UMD.
--

Iya Gavrilova

BEFORE UMD: Ranked no. 5 in goals at the 2007 IIHF World Championships in Winnipeg, Canada after netting four goals in four games and adding one assist for Team Russia...Skated the 2006-07 season with the Moscow Torandoes, tallying 32 points (19-13=32), second-best in scoring for the club...was a member of Team Russia for the 2006 Olympics in Turin...Spent four years (2002-06) with the Moscow Skif...started playing with the Krasnoyarsk Lokomotive as an 11-year-old, staying with the club four seasons (1998-2002)...played for Russia in the 2005 IIHF World Championships in Linkoping, Sweden, and previously in the 2004 IIHF World Championships in Halifax, Canada.

PERSONAL: Born Iya Viktorovna Gavrilova on September 3, 1987 in Krasnoyarsk, Russia...is the daughter of Viktor and Ludmila Gavrilova...before attending UMD, studied athletic training at a special college for Olympic athletes in Shelkovo, Russia for three years (2004-07)...is majoring in exercise science at UMD.
--

Chantal Larocque

BEFORE UMD: Graduated from College Lorette Collegiate in 2004...also played basketball as a prep (2000-01)…Team Manitoba member from 2001-04 and won the Western Shield Championship in 2002-03...completed one year of junior college at the University of Manitoba…took part in the 2007 U-22 Canada-US series in Lake Placid, NY…is a Team Canada U-22 member.

PERSONAL: Born Chantal Lynn Larocque on December 22, 1986, in Ste. Anne, Manitoba…goes by the name Chanti…is the daughter of Andy and Nancy Larocque…has one sister, Jocelyne, who also plays for the UMD hockey team…is undecided on a major at UMD.
--

Haley Irwin

BEFORE UMD: Was a member of Team Ontario, the undefeated 2003 Canada Winter Games Gold Medalists and the 2005 Canadian National U18 Champions...played for the Mississauga Aeros in the National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL)...was captain of the Toronto Jr Aeros team that went undefeated in regular season in 2005-06, and finished with back-to-back Ontario Provincial Gold Medals and PWHL League championships in 2005 and 2006...won a national championship and NWHL Championship with the Senior Aeros in 2005...invited by Hockey Canada to attend National Team U-22 Camps in 2005 and 2006 and the Senior Camp in 2006...has also competed with Team Ontario, wining a national championship in February 2005 in Salmon Arm, British Columbia...participated in the Canadian National Team Fall Festival that ran from Aug. 31-Sept. 9, 2007 as well as the U-22 Canada-US series in Lake Placid, NY...is a Team Canada U-22 member.

PERSONAL: Born Haley Lyn Irwin on June 6, 1988 in Thunder Bay, Ontario...is the daughter of James and Kerry Irwin...has one older sister (Kirstyn) and an older brother (Brent)...is a pre-business major at UMD.
--

Tara Gray

BEFORE UMD: Suited up for the National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL) champion Toronto Aeros in 2006-07, finishing the season with 20 points (6-14=20), a +37 plus/minus ratio and 44 PIM…was a June 2007 Fitness Evaluation Camp and August 2007 Final Selection Camp invitee for Team Canada’s U-22 squad...skated with the Toronto Junior Aeros (Provincial Women’s Hockey League) in 2004-05 thru 2005-06, and, while doing so, won back-to-back PWHL titles…recorded 38 points (12-26=38) and was rated as a +113 during those two Junior Aero regular season campaigns...is a 2006 graduate of Earl Haig Secondary (Toronto) where she handled the hockey team captaincy role, participated in track and field (2002), was voted team MVP of the basketball team (2003) and also played field hockey (2005).

PERSONAL: Born Tara Sharron Gray on June 7, 1988, in Toronto, Ontario…is the daughter of Donald and Jodie Gray…has one older sister (Alexa) and one younger brother (Gordon)...is majoring in business at UMD.
--

Libby Guzzo

BEFORE UMD: Graduated from William M. Kelley (Minn.) High School in 2007…rotated between the center and right wing positions for the Silver Bay Mariners prep hockey team...was a five-year starter and five-time letter winner…was an all-area selection in 2004-05, 2005-06 and 2006-07…led team in scoring twice (2004-05, 2005-06)…named the team’s best offensive player for 2006-07…also participated in volleyball and softball as a prep…selected as an all-area volleyball performer in 2006-07 and was voted the team’s Most Valuable Player…garnered all-area honors in softball during 2006 and 2007, in addition to all-state and team MVP recognition in 2006...will also suit up for the Bulldogs fastpitch team in the spring.

PERSONAL: Born Libby Danielle Guzzo on September 20, 1988, in Duluth, Minnesota…is the daughter of Mike and Mary Guzzo…has three sisters (Sheena, Kenzie and Taylor)…is undecided on a major at UMD.
--

Laura Fridfinnson

BEFORE UMD: Is a 2006 graduate of Arborg Collegiate Institute…skated for Team Manitoba from 2003-05 and handled the captaincy duties during final season with club…also played volleyball (2002), badminton (2003) and track and field (2003) as a prep…completed one year of junior college at the University of Calgary…participated for a second straight year in the Canadian National Team Fall Festival that ran from Aug. 31-Sept. 9, 2007 as well as the U-22 Canada-US series in Lake Placid, NY, where she netted a goal in each of the first two contests ...is a Team Canada U-22 member, and participated and won the Air Canada Cup in 2007.

PERSONAL: Born Laura Beth Fridfinnson on February 2, 1988, in Arborg, Manitoba…is the daughter of Brian and Heather Fridfinnson…has one older brother (Joel)…is undecided on a major at UMD.
--

All credit of course goes to UMDBulldogs.com, all I did was copy/paste.

UMD Starts Practice

UMDBulldogs.com FINALLY has a Women's Hockey update, and it confirms the 12:30 MN Whitecaps game.

The University of Minnesota Duluth women's hockey team will open 2007-08 preseason practice on this Monday (Sept. 24) at the UMD Sports and Health Center arena on the UMD campus. The media is welcome to interview coaches and players from 3:45 p.m. until 4:15 p.m. A team photo will be taken at 3:45 p.m., followed by individual ice shots. The first official practice of the season will begin sharply at 4:15 p.m.

With 15 returners lacing up, the Bulldogs are skating off a 24-11-4 2006-07 season in which they earned their fourth trip to the NCAA Frozen Four in program history. UMD played in the Frozen championship game after knocking out Boston College in double-overtime 4-3.

The Bulldogs will play their first exhibition game of the year against the Minnesota Whitecaps for a second straight season. That contest will take place September 29 at the Schwan Super Rink, in Blaine, Minn. The puck will drop at 12:30 p.m.

UMD Women Playing Minnesota Whitecaps Again

UMD and the MN Whitecaps women's professional team played last year, with UMD coming out on the victorious side at the DECC.. the following came via email from Suzanne Boley:

I've heard that UMD is to play MN Whitecaps in an exhibition game -- while its not posted on the UMD site, it is posted on the MN Whitecaps site (don't have the URL handy..) I also heard this at last Friday's UMD Women's Volleyball game -- some of the players were there, as well as the assistant coaches -- supposedly the game is at 12:30pm at the Blaine National Sports Center - Schwans Super Rink.

While I knew the Whitecaps had UMD on their schedule again (it's on the Whitecaps website/schedule) UMDBulldogs.com has yet to make any mention of the game. Until UMDBulldogs.com makes it official I'd say the game is very likely to happen, although the Whitecaps website last year had a SECOND UMD game listed that didn't happen is why I hadn't made mention earlier. The game is scheduled to take place September 29th, and considering her source is players, pretty certain the game time would be correct as well. :)

WCHA,COM UMD Season Preview Article!

As always, click the blog title to go to the page the article came from!

Plenty of Incentive for UMD Bulldogs in 2007-08

UMD to Host both WCHA Championship and NCAA Women's Frozen Four

Sept. 17, 2007

DULUTH, Minn. - With no short cuts to be found, the University of Minnesota Duluth withstood an onslaught of regular season injuries last winter to position themselves for a brilliant post-season run. The late-healing Bulldogs earned their fourth appearance in an NCAA national title game after upending Boston College 4-3 in double-overtime fashion in the NCAA semifinals. Posting an overall record of 24-11-4 one year ago, UMD will no doubt take a cue from its storied past when all eyes set on the WCHA Final Four and NCAA Frozen Four, both of which will be held on the home ice of the Bulldogs this spring.

Returning 15 letterwinners from last year's team, including two members of the 2007 WCHA All-Rookie Team (Kim Martin and Saara Tuominen), the Bulldogs will also add instant impact players with the addition of seven newcomers. Boasting what could be one of the best recruiting classes in UMD program history, expectations will again be high for the three-time NCAA national champions, expectations traditionally assumed by those who wear the jersey.

Shannon Miller, now in her ninth season behind the Bulldog bench as the only head coach UMD has ever employed, will look to build on her 200 career-wins without the leadership of six seniors and one sophomore from last year's roster. Captain Noemie Marin, assistant captains Jessica Koizumi, Jill Sales and Ashly Waggoner, as well as Suvi Vacker and Riita Schaublin set sail after leading the Bulldogs to three NCAA Tournament appearances in four years. German forward Michaela Lanzl finished her NCAA eligibility, joining Marin and Koizumi in scoring almost half (59) of UMD's 128 goals. Marin and Koizumi were the Bulldogs top offensive threats last winter (Marin netting 24 goals and 29 assists, and Koizumi adding 22 goals and 18 dishes), while Schaublin leaves UMD as it's all-time winning goaltender (65-27-8).

Left to carry the maroon and gold mantle of success will be a strong youth movement, which will highlight the Bulldogs lone senior, Karine Demeule, and of wealth of underclass experience, including four 2006 Olympians and 10 players currently members of their respective national teams.





"Every year we are fortunate to get good student-athletes that represent our institution well and put us in the running for the NCAA tournament," head coach Shannon Miller said. "However, for the second time in the short eight-year history of our program, we have what I would call an exceptional recruiting class coming in. My prediction is that this will be one of the best recruiting classes UMD has ever showcased. They are freshmen, but they are very talented and experienced freshmen that will make an impact immediately. This 2007-08 team will be one of the strongest and most exciting teams we have ever had."

Up Front: At first glance, the Bulldogs offense seems to have taken a hit with the graduation of Koizumi, Marin and Lanzl, who combined for 48 percent of UMD's goals last season. But a closer look reveals a crop of offensive talents that may instantly turn the Bulldogs into a perennial firepower. Sophomore forwards Saara Tuominen and Emmanuelle Blais, two of seven currently rostered UMD players to skate in all 39 games last winter, will suit up for their second season of collegiate play as the Bulldogs top returning offensive fixtures. Tuominen, a strong defensive forward with a knack of placing the puck, handed out 28 assists last year while adding 12 goals. Her 40 points during the 2006-07 campaign ranks first among returnees, and her ability to win face-offs will unquestionably make her one of the nation's most dominant centers.

Blais steps into her second season after proving she could carry some of the offensive load as a rookie. Blais, who will reign as the second highest returning point grabber with 35 (14+21=35), will be expected to be a key offensive contributor with her uncanny mix of speed, hands and toughness. Another key sophomore, Elin Holmlov, who suffered through a nagging injury last season, is looking to build on her 26-point (6+20=26) freshman performance. Junior Sara O'Toole, one of several Bulldogs bitten by the injury bug in 2006-07, will set her sights on leading an offensive charge, and attempt to top her 21 points (7+14=21) in 29 games one year ago.

Injecting some instant offense into the Bulldog ranks will be freshmen Haley Irwin, Laura Fridfinnson, members of the U-22 Canadian National Team, and Russian Olympian Iya Gavrilova. Irwin, a talented forward with the ability to set-up teammates and score big goals, is expected to be an impact player right away. Fridfinnson, a 5-8 forward with speed and vision will immediately yield offensive results, while the addition Gavrilova adds international experience and another threat to the Bulldogs arsenal as a strong skater with great hands and a talent for netting goals in important games.

On Defense: Despite losing three key defensemen to graduation, UMD will reload the blueline with a mixture of experience and the excitement of youth. The Bulldogs retain the services of junior Myriam Trepanier, the top point-getting defenseman last season (5+12=17), and one of two returning blueliners to skate in all 39 games in 2006-07. Heidi Pelttari, who only played the second half of the 2006-07 campaign, will anchor the ice as one of the Bulldogs strongest and most experienced players on the backline. Pelttari, who infuses a wealth of international experience courtesy of Team Finland, will also be joined on the blueline by freshman Jocelyn Laroque. Larocque, a member of the U-22 Canadian National team, possess the ability to skate and handle the puck that will instantly make her one of UMD's top defensemen. Tara Gray, another one of the Bulldogs five players invited to Team Canada's U-22 camp, will enhance UMD's depth on the blueline with a great shot from the point and ability to play all three zones.

In Goal: After splitting time between the pipes last season with Schaublin, sophomore Kim Martin, one of the premier netminders in all of women's hockey, will look to handle the brunt of UMD's puck-stopping duties. Martin complied an 11-7-2 record in 21 games as a freshman, and was cited as an All-WCHA Rookie Team and All-WCHA Second Team honoree. Following a debut season laced with injuries, a healthy Martin will be pivotal in a Bulldog run down championship lane. Joining UMD to assist Martin in goaltending duties will be Boston College transfer Johanna Ellison. Ellison, who was a Cloquet High School (Minn.) standout will be familiar with the confines of the Bulldogs home DECC ice, and will provide experience and some quality depth to the internationally renown Martin. Rounding out the trio of capable backstoppers, is Junior Amie Meyer, who finished the 2006-07 season with a perfect save percentage in four relief outings.

Home of the Championships: Drawing on past conclusions, the simple fact that Duluth will host the WCHA Playoff Championships for the first time and the NCAA Frozen Four for a second showing will make the 2007-08 stakes even higher for the Bulldogs. The only other time UMD has hosted a Frozen Four (2003), the Bulldogs skated away the national champions in front of a record crowd of 5,167, with a 4-3 double-overtime thriller over Harvard (and current Bulldog assistant Julie Chu). The 2007-08 squad will inevitably draw comparisons to the 2002-03 champions (which included UMD first assistant Caroline Ouellette). Both teams exhibit multiple Olympians, a streak of international flare, experience, and grit; the ingredients the Bulldogs are counting on to bring them home to the DECC ice on March 20, 2008.

USAhockey.com Interviews Julie Chu

As always, click the blog title to go visit the website the article came from, usahockey.com

Sept. 13, 2007

By Cameron Eickmeyer
www.usahockey.com

When it comes to hockey, there isn't much Julie Chu hasn't accomplished or at least attempted.

Harvard University's all-time leader in assists and the 2007 Patty Kazmaier Award winner has an impressive college resume to go along with multiple tours with the U.S. Women's National Team. She was part of the silver medal-winning 2002 Olympic team, notching four points in five games, and looks to have a bright future as a player on Team USA.

A new challenge Chu intends to meet head on will involve heading off the ice for the first time in her hockey career. Beginning this season, Chu will serve as an assistant coach at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. Coaching helps fulfill a longtime dream for Chu and will keep her busy as she simultaneously prepares for Women's National Team events.

We sat down with Chu on a recent visit to Colorado Springs to talk about her future as a coach and player.

USA Hockey.com: What are your feelings about taking on the sport from a coach's perspective for the first time?

Chu: I'm just excited to be on the other side of things. Having both perspectives will help me grow as a player.

USAH: What from your playing career will you transfer to your coaching style?

Chu: I've gone through the whole experience of playing college hockey. It can be difficult to enjoy college life in the 'normal' experience so I can help my players adapt.

USAH: What from your playing days will you try to avoid in your coaching style?

Chu: Sometimes you have to let (the players) make mistakes...It's OK to let them make mistakes. Seeing how they react to mistakes is what counts.

USAH: How will you adapt to coaching and still competing as a Team USA member?

Chu: It will be a challenge compared to being in college and just being a student athlete. It will be a lot harder to find ice time...but I'll have the opportunity to be in the college atmosphere and with the team so I'll still get some ice time and training.

USAH: The UMD roster has quite the mix of players from all across the world, what is your outlook on that aspect of the team?

Chu: Now you've got a lot of international flavor and the cultures are melded together. I'm excited to learn and I'm going to pick their brains about life in their country.

USAH: Along those lines, some of your players will end up across the ice from you on the international stage (Such as Team Russia forward Iya Gavrilova), will that affect how you approach playing them or coaching?

Chu: When I'm with the UMD team my whole focus is on the UMD team. Hopefully we'll (Chu and opponents/players) will be able to teach each other a lot.

USAH: Moving into the coach's bench came pretty quickly for you. Was it something you were aiming toward as your college playing career wound down?

Chu: It was something I wanted to do for a while. I like interacting with players that 'get it.' Hopefully it all goes well and it's something I can do for many years.

USAH: Looking on to your still thriving National Team career, what does the U.S. Women's team need to do to succeed in the near future on the international stage?

Chu: We had a lot of turnover since the last Olympics. We definitely want to develop the younger players. I'm excited to see how the team is going to grow.

23 days until HOCKEY!

Yep, it's 23 days until the drop of the puck now!

In this post I am I am copying/pasting the roster from UMDBulldogs.com minus the players previous teams (for space allotment.)

1 Johanna Ellison G 5-8 Jr Cloquet, MN
3 Jocelyne Larocque D 5-6 FrWinnipeg, Manitoba
7 Jessica Hawkins F 5-5 Jr Orange, CA
8 Iya Gavrilova F 5-7 Fr Krasnoyarsk, Russia
9 Tawni Mattila F5-6 Jr Duluth, MN
10 Chantal Larocque F 5-4 Fr Winnipeg, Manitoba
12 Haley Irwin F 5-7 Fr Thunder Bay, ONT
13 Tara Gray D 5-10 Fr Toronto, ONT
14 Libby Guzzo F 5-7 Fr Silver Bay, MN
15 Erin Olson F 5-9Jr Elk River, MN
17 Samantha Hough F 5-7 Jr Marine on St. Croix, MN
19 Laura Fridfinnson F 5-8 Fr Arborg, Manitoba
21 Sara O'Toole F 5-5 Jr Burton, NB
22 Sarah Murray D 5-3 So Faribault, MN
23 Saara Tuominen F 5-6 So Ylojarvi, FINLAND
24 Amie Meyer G 5-8 Jr Deerwood, MN
26 Heidi Pelttari D 5-5 So Tampere, FINLAND
30 Kim Martin G 5-5 So Stockholm, SWEDEN
47 Emmanuelle Blais F 5-4 SoLasalle, QUE
48 Karine Demeule F 5-9 Sr Montreal, QUE
72 Elin Holmlov F 5-9 So Knivsta, SWEDEN
81 Myriam Trepanier D 5-8 Jr St-Michel-de-Bellechasse, QUE
88 Jaime Rasmussen D 5-8 SoGarden Grove, CA

Incidently there are 23 players ON the roster, which doesn't mean that much really just thought it was interesting with 23 days left I counted 23 players.

Save *BIG* Money From GNC!!!

Occasionally I'll share great deals with people who happen to read this blog :)

The latest great deal is a Save 10% *AND* get Free Shipping from GNC.com!


Click that banner and take a look, the sale expires October 31st so check it out, especially if you can't get to, or don't have a GNC store near you!

OK, Back to the HOCKEY news, it's 31 days from the drop of the first puck!

Johanna Ellison Transfers to UMD!

This is a huge move for UMD, landing Johanna Ellison as a Junior transfer! Johanna gives UMD the SIZE in net that they've been used to in the past, even if she is 4 inches shorter than Riitta, with the same good side to side range. I hope she brings confidence with her after sorta getting the short end of the stick at BC (bringing in Schaus was might have worked out for BC but had obvious ramifications for Johanna.)

She brings a 7-3-2 career record for her 2 years at BC. This brings up an interesting Thanksgiving weekend series with Mankato if Paige Thunder cracks the starting lineup for the 'Mad Cows.'

Emmanuelle Blais Playing U22 For Canada

Emmanuelle Blais is taking part in the Canadian U22 (Under-22 yrs old) 3 game series against Team USA's U22 at Lake Placid Thursday Friday and Sunday. I can't find a Team USA roster yet, but probably will be able to find one online Thursday if not before the first game after it.

50 Days

Continuing my countdown to the UMD season opener in St. Cloud, it's 50 days until the drop of the puck on the 07-08 hockey season!

Gopher's Women's Coach Resigns

ESPN.COM Reports:

Minnesota women's hockey coach resigns with three titles

MINNEAPOLIS -- Minnesota women's hockey coach Laura Halldorson is leaving after guiding the Golden Gophers to three national titles in 11 years.

Assistant Brad Frost will be the interim coach next season, with a search for a permanent coach coming after the season, athletic director Joel Maturi said Friday.

"Laura put Minnesota women's hockey on the map,'' Maturi said. "She started with a blank slate and built a national championship program.''

Halldorson was hired in 1996 and was the only coach of the Gophers' women's hockey team. The school said she had been considering this move for some time because of the demands.

"This job has been extremely time consuming, and now it will be nice to have more time to spend with family and friends,'' Halldorson said.

Minnesota won titles in 2000, 2004 and 2005. She was two years into a three-year contract extension awarded after the 2005 championship.

The Gophers lost to Wisconsin 3-0 in the NCAA women's championship in 2006. They finished last season 23-12-1.

Halldorson previously coached seven years at Colby College. Her overall record is 337-142-31. After 10 seasons at Minnesota -- the Gophers didn't play in 1996 -- she was 278-67-22.

-----
Gophersports.com article WITH a Halldorson statement.

07-08 Roster Released

The 07-08 roster has been released, I'm posting it without the hometowns because of space requirements in the blog... Click the blog title to go view it with their hometowns

1 Lana Steck G 5-6 Fr
3 Jocelyne Larocque D 5-6 Fr
7 Jessica Hawkins F 5-5 Jr
9 Tawni Mattila F 5-6 Jr
10 Chantal Larocque F 5-4 Fr
12 Haley Irwin F Fr
13 Tara Gray D Fr
14 Libby Guzzo F 5-7 Fr
15 Erin Olson F 5-9 Jr
17 Samantha Hough F 5-7 Jr
19 Laura Fridfinnson F 5-8 Fr
21 Sara O'Toole F 5-5 Jr
22 Sarah Murray D 5-3 So
23 Saara Tuominen F 5-6 So
24 Amie Meyer G 5-8 Jr
26 Heidi Pelttari D 5-5 So
30 Kim Martin G 5-5 So
47 Emmanuelle Blais F 5-4 So
48 Karine Demeule F 5-9 Sr
72 Elin Holmlov F 5-9 So
81 Myriam Trepanier D 5-8 Jr
88 Jaime Rasmussen D 5-8 So

58 Days Until Season Starts

Now that we're within 2 months of the first game of the season, I figured it's not too early to start a countdown to October 5/6 opening series in St. Cloud. Go Dogs!

07-08 schedule

Click the link for the UMDBulldogs.com website.

Oct 5 St. Cloud State* St. Cloud, MN 7:07 p.m.
Oct 6 St. Cloud State* St. Cloud, MN 7:07 p.m.
Oct 13 Bemidji State * Duluth, MN 3:37 p.m.
Oct 14 Bemidji State * Duluth, MN 3:07 p.m.
Oct 20 Mercyhurst Duluth, MN 3:37 p.m.
Oct 21 Mercyhurst Duluth, MN 3:07 p.m.
Oct 26 Minnesota* Minneapolis, MN 6:07 p.m.
Oct 27 Minnesota* Minneapolis, MN 3:07 p.m.
Nov 3 North Dakota* Grand Forks, ND 2:07 p.m.
Nov 4 North Dakota* Grand Forks, ND 2:07 p.m.
Nov 17 Minnesota* Duluth, MN 3:37 p.m.
Nov 18 Minnesota* Duluth, MN 3:07 p.m.
Nov 23 MSU-Mankato* Duluth, MN 7:07 p.m.
Nov 24 MSU-Mankato* Duluth, MN 7:07 p.m.
Nov 30 Wisconsin* Madison, WI 2:07 p.m.
Dec 1 Wisconsin* Madison, WI 2:07 p.m.
Dec 8 Ohio State* Duluth, MN 3:37 p.m.
Dec 9 Ohio State* Duluth, MN 3:07 p.m.
Dec 14 St. Lawrence Canton, NY 6:00 p.m.
Dec 15 St. Lawrence Canton, NY 6:00 p.m.
Jan 11 MSU-Mankato* Mankato, MN 7:07 p.m.
Jan 12 MSU-Mankato* Mankato, MN 7:07 p.m.
Jan 18 Bemidji State* Bemidji, MN 7:07 p.m.
Jan 19 Bemidji State* Bemidji, MN 2:07 p.m.
Jan 25 North Dakota* Duluth, MN 7:07 p.m.
Jan 26 North Dakota* Duluth, MN 7:07 p.m.
Feb 1 Ohio State* Columbus, OH 6:07 p.m.
Feb 2 Ohio State* Columbus, OH 3:07 p.m.
Feb 8 Wisconsin * Duluth, MN 7:07 p.m.
Feb 9 Wisconsin* Duluth, MN 7:07 p.m.
Feb 23 St. Cloud State* Duluth, MN 3:07 p.m.
Feb 24 St. Cloud State* (Senior Day) Duluth, MN 3:07 p.m.
Feb 29 WCHA Playoffs (First Round) TBA 3:07 p.m.
Mar 1 WCHA Playoffs (First Round) TBA 3:07 p.m.
Mar 2 WCHA Playoffs (First Round) TBA 3:07 p.m.
Mar 8 WCHA Playoff Championships Duluth, MN TBA
Mar 9 WCHA Playoff Championships Duluth, MN TBA
Mar 15 NCAA Regional TBA 3:07 p.m.
Mar 20 NCAA Frozen Four Duluth, MN TBA
Mar 22 NCAA Frozen Four Duluth, MN TBA

UMD Lands JULIE CHU as Assistant Coach

Kevin Pates Duluth News Tribune
Published Thursday, June 28, 2007
Julie Chu’s playing credentials are impeccable.

Now she’s going to add coaching to her resume.

The former Harvard hockey star and two-time Olympic medalist became an assistant coach with the Minnesota Duluth women’s program this week. She begins work Aug. 27.

Chu, 25, played four years at Harvard through 2006-07 and was named the 2007 Patty Kazmaier Award winner as the top player in Division I. She replaces Joakim Flygh, who, coincidentally, accepted an assistant coach position with Harvard.

“After graduating [June 7] I was looking at options and trying to decide what to do and where to go. Luckily the job at UMD opened up,’’ Chu said by phone Wednesday. “Coaching is something I’d like to get into and UMD fit the mold of what I’m looking for right now. It has a great hockey tradition.

“I will be able to get some great coaching experience and, at the same time, I’m going to continue to train to play at the national level. My goal is to play in the 2010 Winter Olympics.’’

Caroline Ouellette moves up to the No. 1 UMD assistant under head coach Shannon Miller, while Chu is No. 2.

Chu, a center from Fairfield, Conn., had 66 points in 30 games in 2006-07 as Harvard went 23-8-2 and lost to eventual Division I champion Wisconsin 1-0 in four overtimes in the NCAA quarterfinals in Madison. She finished third in school career scoring with 88 goals and 196 assists for 284 points in 129 games, and played on U.S. Olympic teams in 2002 (silver medal) and 2006 (bronze).

“Julie will be a fantastic role model for our players,’’ said Miller, working at a hockey camp this week in Steamboat Springs, Colo. “Like Caroline [Ouellette], she’s a high-performance athlete who knows how to be successful.’’

Miller said there were approximately 12 candidates for UMD’s assistant coaching job and Chu accepted the position Monday after a three-week search process.

Chu’s off-ice duties will include mentoring and team-building with UMD’s players, and assisting strength and conditioning coach Justin May, Miller said. On ice, she’ll provide individual player feedback. She earned a degree in psychology and was named Harvard’s 2007 woman athlete of the year.

In addition to coaching, Chu says she hopes to play part-time with the Minnesota Whitecaps of the Western Women’s Hockey League, and for the U.S. in the 2007 Four Nations Cup (Nov. 7-11 in Leksand, Sweden) and the 2008 World Championships (April 4-13 in Harbin, China.) She also plans to train with Ouellette, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and a candidate for the 2010 Canadian Olympic team.

Notes

* Flygh, 29, assisted with the Bulldogs for three seasons and was hired at Harvard as an assistant under coach Katey Stone. Melanie Ruzzi, formerly an assistant at Amherst (Mass.) College, also was hired as a Harvard assistant this week.

The Bulldogs were 72-26-9 during Flygh’s tenure, including a 2007 Division I second-place finish. The native of Tyringe, Sweden, played four seasons as a defenseman at New England College.

Former Harvard assistant Claudia Asano was named head women’s coach at Union College of Schenectady, N.Y., in April. Former UMD player Michelle McAteer, a Harvard assistant in 2006-07, might join Asano at Union, Miller said.

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