Website Down For A Couple Days (At Most)

My website and photos should be down no longer than Thursday as I have some server stuff changed and taken care of by the webhost Hostgator. Everything should be back to normal by sometime Thursday as they said a couple days at most.

Erin Olson Youtube Video

I'd been looking for some type of capture of this since it happened last year...



I wasn't taking pictures last season so I had no actual record of it.

UMD/Bemidji Skate To 2-2 tie

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On Sunday (December 13) UMD and Bemidji skated to a 2-2 tie, and Bemidji took home the extra point via a 1-0 shootout win. UMD's Gina Dodge started the scoring by following her backhand shot with a second backhand that found it's way past Bemidji's Tomcikova into the net. Erin Cody and Erin Johnson scored second period powerplay goals for the Beavers and took a 2-1 lead into the third period.

UMD dominated the posession play in the third period, putting 18 shots on Tomcikova but only scoring once, a Mariia Posa powerplay goal that amounted to the final 2-2 score. Tomcikova stopped 44 of 46 shots, plus all three of UMD's chances in the shootout, while UMD's Jenny Harss stopped 26 of 28. Bemidji's Cody got the shootout winner to give Bemidji the extra WCHA conference point (though for overall purposes, it is an NCAA tie in the record books.)


Gina Dodge's backhand goal in the first period was her second goal of the season

Bemidji's Zuzana Tomcikova made a huge save on Katie Wilson as the third period was running out.

Beaver Erin Cody nets the shootout winner

The Bulldog women are now off on Winter break until hosting the Wisconsin Badgers January 16/17.

UMD Women Beats Bemidji 4-1

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The Bulldog women beat a much improved (over previous seasons) Beavers team 4-1 at the DECC, December 12, 2009. Tara Gray got UMD off on the right foot with a shot from the point midway through the first period, but was answered by Bemidji's leading scorer, Erin Cody, 7 minutes later. UMD had a multitude of scoring opportunities in front of the BSU goaltender Zuzana Tomcikova in the second period but couldn't get a bounce, while UMD's Jenny Harss also kept the puck out of her net. UMD put the game away in the third period, on goals by Emmanuelle Blais, Katie Wilson, and Kacy Ambroz. Laura Fridfinnson picked up two assists for UMD, while Ambroz, Blais, and Vanessa Thibault all got an assist in the game. Former Cloquet/Esko/Carlton center Sadie Lundquist and Grand Rapids/Greenway forward Emily Erickson each picked up an assist on the Beaver goal.

Tara Gray blasts a slapshot for the first goal of the game

Katie Wilson sneaks the puck under the Bemidji State goaltender

"Champ" during an intermission game

Jenny Harss Shares WCHA Defensive Player of The Week Award

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WCHA.COM:

WCHA Defensive Players of the Week

Jennifer Harss, Fr., G, Minnesota Duluth

Noora Räty, Fr., G, Minnesota

University of Minnesota Duluth freshman goaltender Jennifer Harss made 73 saves on 77 shots for a .948 saves percentage in a two-game WCHA series at No. 7-ranked Wiconsin last weekend, including both shootout shots she faced on Sunday.

Harss, a native of Rieden, Germany, made her first appearance in the Kohl Center last Friday (Dec. 4), making 40 saves on 42 shots on goal in a 3-1 loss to Wisconsin (the third goal was an empty-netter with :04 seconds remaining). Harss then made 33 saves last Sunday (Dec. 6) afternoon in UMD’s 2-2 overtime tie with the host Badgers. After keeping the Bulldogs in the contest for 65 minutes, Harss came up with two shootout stops to help UMD earn two league points from the outing.

The rookie goaltender leads not only the WCHA but also the nation in minutes played (1178:18) and saves (559), and ranks 10th in the NCAA with a .927 saves percentage.

Noora Räty, the University of Minnesota’s freshman goaltender from Espoo, Finland, allowed just one goal in two road games against No. 9-ranked Harvard on Dec. 4-5. This marks her third Defensive Player of the Week honor this season (also on Oct. 21 and Dec. 2).

Over 123:35 minutes played in the series, Räty allowed one goal at the :33 mark of the third period in last Friday’s 1-0 loss to the host Crimson. Prior to that goal, Räty had held her opponents scoreless for 217:29 consecutive minutes played.

Last Saturday, she held Harvard scoreless en route to her fifth career shutout and third in two weeks. Räty kept the Gophers in the game early with 14 saves in the first, 12 in the second, 11 in the third and two in overtime for a career-best 39 stops. She had a series total of 59 saves on 60 shots for a .983 saves percentage.

Also nominated this week were: Zuzana Tomcikova, G, BSU; Alli Altmann, G, MSU; Ashley Nixon, G, SCSU; and Geena Prough, D, UW.

UMD Goaltender Jenny Harss

UMD, Wisconsin Tie, UMD Wins Shootout Point

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The Bulldogs and Badgers tied 2-2 in the second game of the 2 game series, with UMD winning the extra WCHA standings point in a shootout.

Emmanuelle Blais gave UMD a 1-0 lead with the only goal scored in the first period. Wisconsin scored two goals in the second period to take a 2-1 lead into the third period, and UMD's Jessica Wong scored the game tying goal 7:42 into the third period to finish the game scoring.

Saara Tuominen picked up an assist on both UMD goals.

The Bulldogs are home for Saturday/Sunday afternoon games against the Bemidji State Beavers next weekend.

UMD Women Drop Game At Wisconsin 3-1

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UMD was outshot in every period, 17-2 in the first period, 14-4 in the second, and 12-8 in the third period, a total of 43-14 for the game, and lost the first game of two in Madison, 3-1. Despite the lopsided shot stats, UMD was only down 2-1 until Wisconsin's Carolyne Prévost scored an empty net goal with 5 seconds left.

Gina Dodge former Duluth Northern Star, finally scored her first career goal after a bunch of chances this season, on a powerplay that cut a 2-0 Wisconsin lead to 2-1.

Katie Wilson WCHA Rookie of the Week Again

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WCHA.COM: WCHA Rookie of the Week

Katie Wilson Fr., F, Minnesota Duluth

Freshman forward Katie Wilson turned in a five-point weekend – including her first collegiate three-goal hat trick – while helping No. 5-ranked University of Minnesota Duluth to a two-game sweep of Boston College in Chesnut Hill, Mass.

The native of Winnipeg, Manitoba, scored the game-winning goal for UMD in last Friday (Nov. 27) afternoon’s contest – just :52 seconds into play. Wilson, who was +2 on the outing, also added an assist on Laura Fridfinnson’s third period goal in the Bulldogs’ 3-0 win.

Then last Saturday (Nov. 28), Wilson netted the first hat trick of her Minnesota Duluth career by scoring a goal in each period as the Bulldogs skated to a 5-1 win over the host Eagles. The goals, all at even-strength, opened up scoring in each stanza. With a +2 rating in last Saturday’s game as well, Wilson was a +4 in the series overall.

Currently the No. 2 rookie scorer in NCAA Div. 1 ranks, Wilson is averaging 1.11 points per game, and has 20 points (9g, 11a) in 18 games. She is UMD’s third leading scorer and ranks ninth in the WCHA in scoring with 12 points (5g, 7a) in 12 league outings.

Also nominated this week were: Mira Jalosuo, D, UM; Mary Loken, F, UND; and Brianna Decker, F, UW.

Junior Laura Fridfinnson Set To Break 100 Point Mark

With her 2 goals and 2 assists against Boston College, Junior Laura Fridfinnson now has 99 points in her career and should join teammates Emmanuelle Blais (this year) and Saara Tuominen (last year) in the 100 point club in the series at Wisconsin this Friday/Sunday in Madison.

Saara Tuominen has 127 career points

Emmanuelle Blais now has 106 points

Laura Fridfinnson at 99, should hit 100 career points vs Wisconsin

Katie Wilson Hat Trick Leads tUMD To Sweep of Boston College

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Katie Wilson scored in each period for her first career hat trick, while Saara Touminen and Laura Fridfinnson scored a goal each, to lead the Bulldogs to a 5-1 victory, and sweep of the series at Boston College. Wilson and Fridfinnson now have 9 goals each to lead the Bulldogs, two behind Emmanuelle Blais 11 goals.

Blais had 3 assists, while Fridfinnson and Audrey Cournoyer each picked up two. Jenny Harss stopped 24 of 25 shots she faced, and has a .924 saves % with 2.28 GAA after the weekend.

UMD has outscored opponents 58-40 and on the season, while Wilson, Fridfinnson and Blais all averaging better than a point (goal or assist) per game.

The UMD women head to Madison for a series with the Badgers next weekend.

UMD's Katie Wilson (from Mankato series)

UMD Women Shut Out Boston College 3-0

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The Bulldogs scored one goal in each period, with Katie Wilson scored the game winning goal, 52 seconds into the game to jump start the 'Dogs on the road at Boston College. Audrey Cournoyer scored in the second period, and Laura Fridfinnson returned from her shoulder injury to score in the third period.

Jenny Harss stopped all 22 shots she saw for her third shutout of the season (and career.)

UMD Answers Mankato, Splits Series with 7-1 Sunday Win

On Sunday, UMD gave up the first goal, but went on to dominate, winning 7-1. Sarah Murray scored her first goal of the season and second of her career, answering Ida Clark's goal for the Mavericks. UMD scored three powerplay goals in 3 minutes 20 seconds in the second period to break open the game. Two Jamie Rasmussen (her 4th and 5th) goals sandwiched an Emmanualle Blais goal to give UMD a 4-1 lead barely 6 minutes into the period, and Vanessa Thibault once again found the net at 16:13 for her sixth goal of the season. Blais and Audrey Cournoyer scored unassisted, short-handed goals, 22 seconds apart in the third period to finish the scoring for the Bulldogs. Katie Wilson had three assists, while Saara Tuominen, Jessica Wong, Cournoyer, and Thibault each had an assist themselves. UMD outshot Mankato 36-26, holding the Mavericks to 3 shots in the second period.

Jamie Rasmussen blasting her powerplay goal in the 2nd period

Emmanuelle Blais gets behind the defense for a shorthanded breakaway goal

Former Cloquet (CEC) Lumberjack goaltender Paige Thunder saw third period action on Sunday for Mankato

Minnesota-State Mankato Takes First of Two

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The Mavericks' Ashley Young scored with 34.8 seconds left in the third period to finish their comeback from a 2-0 Bulldog lead to win the first game of the two game series in Duluth 3-2.

UMD's Vanessa Thibault cotinued her strong November, scoring the game opening goal with four minutes left in the first period while Jessica Wong scored her fourth goal of the season four minutes into the second period. From then on, Mankato picked up their game and started to take control and the shot clock showed it. UMD led 16-6 in first period shots, and 18-19 after two periods. Mankato outshot UMD 19-8 in the third period, though Jenny Harss held her ground in the third, until Young's game winner. Ida Clark and Kala Buganski scored the first and tying goals for Mankato.

Vanessa Thibault celebrates her goal

Mariia Posa WCHA Rookie of the Week

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WCHA Rookie of the Week

Mariia Posa, Fr., D, Minnesota Duluth

University of Minnesota Duluth defenseman Mariia Posa, a freshman from Helsinki, Finland, dished out three assists last weekend in the visiting Bulldogs’ two-game sweep of WCHA opponent Ohio State.

Just one week after suiting up for Team Finland in the 2009 Four Nation’s Cup, Posa had assists in the Bulldogs’ first two goals in last Friday (Nov. 13) night’s 3-2 overtime win over the host Buckeyes. It was a career-high for the blue liner and Posa was also a +3 in the plus/minus department.

Posa then dished an assist on national teammate Saara Tuominen’s second period goal in last Saturday (Nov. 14) evening’s 5-3 triumph over Ohio State, giving the Bulldogs a four-point road series.

Through her first 12 UMD skates this season, Posa has five points (1g, 4a).

Also nominated for the award this week were: Sadie Lundquist, F, BSU; Noora Räty, G, UM; Hokey Langan, F, OSU; and Stefanie McKeough, D, UW.

UMD Beats Ohio State 5-3, Sweeps Series

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After both teams scored in the first period, UMD doubled up Ohio State in the second period to take the final game lead of 5-3.

Vanessa Thibault and Laura Fridfinnson each scored two and Saara Tuominen scored for the third game in a row (not counting the St. Cloud series she missed), while Emmanuelle Blais had two assists for the Bulldogs. Gina Dodge scored her first college point, with an assist, and four other players (Audrey Cournoyer, Mariia Posa, Katie Wilson, and Kacy Ambroz) also picked up an assist.

Vanessa Thibault

Laura Fridfinnson

I've been told that UMD is slated to celebrate the 10th anniversary of UMD women's hockey next weekend Saturday (6 pm) & Sunday (3 pm) against Minnesota State, Mankato.

UMD Beats Ohio State in 3-2 in Overtime!

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Jamie Rasmussen scored 31 seconds into overtime to give UMD the 3-2 win in overtime. Saara Tuominen and Emmanuelle Blais scored UMD's regulation goals while Mariia Posa assisted on those goals. Blais and Katie Wilson assisted on the Rasmussen game winner, while Jessica Wong and Laura Fridfinnson picked up assists as well in the game.

UMD outshot Ohio State 36-26 and neither team scored a powerplay goal with UMD going 0-5 and Ohio State 0-4. Of UMD's 36 shots, Rasmussen had *9* of those shots so it seems like the perfect ending, for her to score the game winner.

Jamie Rasmussen

Audrey Cournoyer WCHA Rookie of the Week

From WCHA.COM, Click the blog title to view the rest of the weekly awards!

WCHA Rookie of the Week

Audrey Cournoyer, Fr., F, Minnesota Duluth

Minnesota Duluth‘s Audrey Cournoyer, a freshman from Montreal, Quebec, picked up four assists as the No. 5-ranked Bulldogs split two WCHA games at St. Cloud State last weekend.

Cournoyer had an assist on the only UMD goal in last Friday’s (Nov. 6) 5-1 loss to the host Huskies and then had a helping hand in each of the Bulldogs’ first three goals last Saturday (Nov. 7) – including teammate Laura Fridfinnson’s eventual game-winner, as UMD bounced back with a 5-0 victory over the Huskies.

Cournoyer had a +4 plus/minus rating in last Saturday’s game and a +3 overall in the series. She is UMD’s fifth leading scorer this season with eight points (2g, 6a) in her first 12 games.

Also nominated for the award this week were: Erika Wheelhouse, D, BSU; Lauren Smith, F, MSU; Ashley Furia, F, UND; Hokey Langan, F, OSU.

Cournoyer and Katie Wilson celebrate Wilson's goal, assisted by Cournoyer against St. Cloud

UMD Shouts Out St. Cloud 5-0

On Saturday, UMD reversed their fortunes and did St. Cloud one better, shutting them out 5-0 after the 5-1 loss the Huskies handed them. Over the years, the Bulldog teams have overcome a bad game and situations when everything seems to be against them to perservere and this was another instance of that. Laura Fridfinnonson, out for the third period Friday with her shoulder injury, scored the first Bulldog goal on Saturday, to give UMD a 1-0 lead during the first intermission. Vanessa Thibault scored her second career goal and second in as many games to give UMD a 2-0 lead and Katie Wilson made that 3-0 on her first of two goals with 5 minutes left in the 2nd period. The third line, of Kacy Ambroz, Justine Fisher, and Libby Guzzo worked hard the entire game and that paid off with Ambroz scoring the 4th UMD goal, her second career goal, 26 seconds before Katie Wilson finished the scoring with her second of the game. Jenny Harss stopped all 24 St. Cloud shots for her second shutout of the year and her career.

Audrey Cournoyer picked up 3 assists Saturday against St. Cloud

Katie Wilson, Cournoyer after Wilson's first goal of the night.

Kacy Ambroz as her shot scores her second career goal.

UMD Women Drop Game to St. Cloud 5-1

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The UMD women brought 17 players to St. Cloud, including three goaltenders, with Saara Tuominen and Mariia Posa in Finland for the 4 Nations Cup tournament, and lost the first game of the Friday/Saturday series 5-1 in St. Cloud. The Bulldogs were down 1-0 after 1 period, and 2-0 3 minutes into the second period, before Vanessa Thibault scored her first career goal, on a powerplay. That goal was the only scoring that UMD could put on the National Hockey Center scoreboard. The second period ended with UMD down 3-1. Laura Fridfinnson re-aggrivated her lingering shoulder injury in the second period and sat out the third. Although UMD picked up their game some from the second period, St. Cloud still got two third period goals to finish the game 5-1. UMD was outshot 37-32 for the game, with Huskies Holly Roberts' two goals and 10 shots leading the game.


Vanessa Thibault scored her first career UMD goal in the 5-1 loss

UMD Women Upset #1 Mercyhurst 4-3!

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Behind 39 Jenny Harss saves, the Bulldogs upset the unbeaten #1 team in the country Mercyhurst, 4-3 in Erie, PA.

Saara Tuominen, Laura Fridfinnson, and Audrey Cournoyer scored in the first 9 minutes of the second to give UMD a 3-0 lead, which was cut to 3-1 when Mercyhurst's Bailey Bram scored with 21 seconds left in the period. An Emmanuelle Blais goal 5 minutes into the third period gave UMD back their 3 goal lead, but Mercyhurst's scored back to back goals to cut the lead to the final 4-3 UMD score.

Kirsti Hakala got her first assist of the season and second as a Bulldog, while Blais had two assists, and Jamie Rasmussen and Fridfinnson again assisted on a goal.

UMD heads to St. Cloud next weekend, minus Saara Tuominen and Mariia Posa, who are gone for the 4 Nations Cup tournament. Justine Fisher played defense in the Mercyhurst series, likely to step into Posa's vancancy for the St. Cloud weekend and maybe the rest of the season?