Congratulations to Wilkes on their first ever NCAA tournament appearance. That wasn't as much of a shellacking as I was led to expect. Wilkes hung in there strong with two goal in the third period to make it a one goal game. Whomever they end up playing next year is in for a challenge.
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2024-25: D3whky
- Thread starter VTpucksouteast
- Start date
Watched the Gustavus vs SNC game yesterday, was a fun one to watch. Game was pretty competitive, but SNC and their goalie shut them down. Not sure who the homer putting up shots for the Gusties was but that imbalance was laughable. Shot would be blocked by a SNC player and it would go into the books as a shot on goal. Also way to make your goalie Timmons look like crap by not counting SNC shots, f'n hillarious!!!
Scott_TG
Well-known member
I only caught the third period of Elmira at Plattsburgh due to prior commitments, but a ton of credit to the Soaring Eagles' freshman goalie Sevcikova and the defense in front of her keeping the Cardinals off the board. If she continues to play like that between the pipes it could be another Cinderella run for Elmira, but shutting out the highest scoring team in the tourney is a taller order than shutting out the lowest.
As for the Cardinals, they have hit quite a few historic lows most of which can be traced to not having a consistent top goal scorer. They've really struggled in that regard since Annie Katonka graduated 3 seasons ago and I hope they reevaluate how this program approaches offense. This Cardinal team has a lot of speed and grit, and they play smart D. But those elements can only carry a program so far if they can't put the puck in the net against good teams.
This was a very interesting 1st round with Colby the only home team advancing to the Quarterfinal. With Elmira, SNC and Nazareth all winning on the road the teams that had a bye need to be ready for anything.
As for the Cardinals, they have hit quite a few historic lows most of which can be traced to not having a consistent top goal scorer. They've really struggled in that regard since Annie Katonka graduated 3 seasons ago and I hope they reevaluate how this program approaches offense. This Cardinal team has a lot of speed and grit, and they play smart D. But those elements can only carry a program so far if they can't put the puck in the net against good teams.
This was a very interesting 1st round with Colby the only home team advancing to the Quarterfinal. With Elmira, SNC and Nazareth all winning on the road the teams that had a bye need to be ready for anything.
River Falls's kryptonite is a D and goalie that can keep it close, Elmira might have a good chance. RF isn't built this year for a slug fest.
VTpucksouteast
Member
I watched this one too. Too call it competitive was a major stretch though. SNC was dominated for large portions of the game, and truthfully, I didn't think the shots were off at all. They kept dumping the puck down the ice wide of the net and she would come out and play it. It happened like six times.
That goaltending edge though.... Woof. SNC's goalie looked really good after the first five minutes. Augsburg should take notes and fire the puck right away. GAC had the puck in SNC's zone the majority of the game but would not get off the shots quick enough. The Gusties' extreme youth definitely showed up in a major way.
Also Timmons, holy s***. GAC needs to hit the portal.
I was at the game and I'll second what @VTpucksouteast said. This was a game dominated by the Gusties. I will add though, the scorekeeper in between the glass was adding lots of shots for both teams, and then during the intermission, the stats were adjusted accordingly to what I thought were very accurate numbers.
46 shots and three posts vs. 13 shots was about how the game turned out. Credit to SNC for blocking about 20-25 more shots too. They will give Augsburg problems.
Lack of offense against good teams was the issue with the Cardinals all season long. Six times this year they scored one goal or fewer. Chloe Lewis finished the year with a 0.89 GAA and a .953 save percentage. They got great goal tending all year long. Hopefully the off-season brings a few snipers to the North Country...
The way Elmira packed it in and a hot goalie wasthe difference. The shots were 36-18 in favor of Plattsburgh.
Scott_TG
Well-known member
Sophie Leclerc
I hope Mollie Fitzpatrick gets a fair shot at it.
That's exactly what I was alluding to, at the end of the second period they had SNC on the scoreboard with 7 shots on goal with two goals. LOL, while SNC didn't outshoot GAC by any means play was not that lopsided. I understand that they adjusted it afterwards, which is a fair assessment on the final totals.
There's a big difference between working for quality shots and playing like individuals which GAC displayed proudly. That's not dominating a team, that's just stupid and greedy play on GAC's part. Very similar results when I watched them lose to Saint Mary's on 1/18 in a 0-2 loss.
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They played with their heads down, no doubt. But 90% of the play was in SNC's end. It was not competitive for a playoff game. It looked very similar to Gustavus playing St. Olaf.
VTpucksouteast
Member
Yeah I can't agree with this. Gustavus was in total control from start to finish. Goalies matter. Credit to Aitken for finding one.
However, I can get behind the Plattsburgh game being closer than the shots indicated, as Elmira was totally comfortable keeping Plattsburgh on the outside, and looked at ease despite being in their zone for a decent chunk of the last two periods.
StPaulSam
Goldy Gopher's aide-de-camp
looking forward to walking (well, taking the bus probably) over to Augsburg on Saturday for Auggies vs. SNC. As someone who hasn't been able to make it to a D3 game in a while, anyone stand out on either team?
I was talking to the WCHA's new commissioner (formerly the Auggies' coach) a few weeks ago and I know she is extremely proud of this team.
I was talking to the WCHA's new commissioner (formerly the Auggies' coach) a few weeks ago and I know she is extremely proud of this team.
Scott_TG
Well-known member
Courtnie Hogan from SNC is the NCHA Player of the Year and Augsburg's Nora Stepan is the MIAC Defensive Player of the Year.
Both are Laura Hurd Award finalists.
VTpucksouteast
Member
Goalies are the best players on both teams imo. Augsburg's is the best on that team by a mile. Stepan has a wicked shot, but doesn't play a ton of defense, despite her award. lol
Scott_TG
Well-known member
Here is the full list of 2025 Laura Hurd Award finalists:
Sydney Bradley, SR D, Alvernia - Lititz, PA (MAC Defensive Player of the Year)
Anna Dale, SO F, Lebanon Valley - Juneau, AK (MAC Offensive Player of the Year)
Samantha Fantasia, SR F, Endicott - Billerica, MA (CNE Player of the Year)
Erika Goleniak, SR F, Elmira - Canton, MI (NEHC Player of the Year)
Courtnie Hogan, SR F, St Norbert - Hoffman Estates, IL (NCHA Player of the Year)
Mack Hull, SR F, SUNY Oswego - Watertown, NY (SUNYAC Player of the Year)
Jordan Kowalski, SR F, Utica - Chicopee, MA (UCHC Co-Player of the Year)
Amy Laskowski, FR F, Nazareth - Clarendon Hills, IL (UCHC Co-Player of the Year)
Rebecca McKelvey, SO F, Rivier - Barre, VT (MASCAC Player of the Year)
Lily Mortenson, JR F, Gustavus Adolphus - Champlin, MN (MIAC Offensive Player of the Year)
Bailey Olson, SR F, UW-River Falls - Willmar, MN (WIAC Player of the Year)
Claire Sammons, SR F, Connecticut College - Naperville, IL (NESCAC Player of the Year)
Nora Stepan, JR D, Augsburg - Apple Valley, MN (MIAC Defensive Player of the Year)
I think Olson from UWRF is the clear favorite here, leading DIII in points and points per game average while second in both goals and assists. Being a senior helps as it does get treated as a career award some years.
Sydney Bradley, SR D, Alvernia - Lititz, PA (MAC Defensive Player of the Year)
Anna Dale, SO F, Lebanon Valley - Juneau, AK (MAC Offensive Player of the Year)
Samantha Fantasia, SR F, Endicott - Billerica, MA (CNE Player of the Year)
Erika Goleniak, SR F, Elmira - Canton, MI (NEHC Player of the Year)
Courtnie Hogan, SR F, St Norbert - Hoffman Estates, IL (NCHA Player of the Year)
Mack Hull, SR F, SUNY Oswego - Watertown, NY (SUNYAC Player of the Year)
Jordan Kowalski, SR F, Utica - Chicopee, MA (UCHC Co-Player of the Year)
Amy Laskowski, FR F, Nazareth - Clarendon Hills, IL (UCHC Co-Player of the Year)
Rebecca McKelvey, SO F, Rivier - Barre, VT (MASCAC Player of the Year)
Lily Mortenson, JR F, Gustavus Adolphus - Champlin, MN (MIAC Offensive Player of the Year)
Bailey Olson, SR F, UW-River Falls - Willmar, MN (WIAC Player of the Year)
Claire Sammons, SR F, Connecticut College - Naperville, IL (NESCAC Player of the Year)
Nora Stepan, JR D, Augsburg - Apple Valley, MN (MIAC Defensive Player of the Year)
I think Olson from UWRF is the clear favorite here, leading DIII in points and points per game average while second in both goals and assists. Being a senior helps as it does get treated as a career award some years.
PrezdeJohnson09
Proud supporter of Osmirwich hockey
Mollie is out of coaching now and I don't believe would be getting back into it at this point, but ya never know I guess.
Scott_TG
Well-known member
I didn't realize that I assumed she was still involved as she does the commentary.