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WCHA Thread IV
- Thread starter CrazyDave
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Re: WCHA Thread IV
Not exactly going out on a limb here, but I see all of the traditional "favorites" sweeping their opponents this coming weekend. The Badgers, the Dawgs and the Whioux will all have extra motivation as they vie for higher playoff seeds and Pairwise rankings. As will the Buckeyes but the Gophers will prove to be too much.
Minnesota @ Ohio State
Wisconsin @ St. Cloud State
Minnesota State @ Minnesota-Duluth
Bemidji State @ North Dakota
Not exactly going out on a limb here, but I see all of the traditional "favorites" sweeping their opponents this coming weekend. The Badgers, the Dawgs and the Whioux will all have extra motivation as they vie for higher playoff seeds and Pairwise rankings. As will the Buckeyes but the Gophers will prove to be too much.
Minnesota @ Ohio State
Wisconsin @ St. Cloud State
Minnesota State @ Minnesota-Duluth
Bemidji State @ North Dakota
Last edited:
brookyone
Deport Right Wing Nuts
Re: WCHA Thread IV
WCHA Players of the Week...
Offensive: (shared) Josefine Jakobsen - North Dakota; Amanda Kessel - Minnesota
Defensive: Noora Räty - Minnesota
Rookie: Hannah Brandt - Minnesota
http://www.wcha.com/women/pres1213/201302/feb6wpw.php
WCHA Players of the Week...
Offensive: (shared) Josefine Jakobsen - North Dakota; Amanda Kessel - Minnesota
Defensive: Noora Räty - Minnesota
Rookie: Hannah Brandt - Minnesota
http://www.wcha.com/women/pres1213/201302/feb6wpw.php
Re: WCHA Thread IV
Agreed. Jakobsen definitely deserves recognition after that weekend performance.Now this co-OPotW I can understand.
Re: WCHA Thread IV
When I read that Kessel was sharing another one, I just HAD to go back and look at the UND box scores. And yes, Jakobsen definitely deserved the honor.
When I read that Kessel was sharing another one, I just HAD to go back and look at the UND box scores.
And yes, Jakobsen definitely deserved the honor.northhockey
New member
Re: WCHA Thread IV
These may be theirs after this weekend:
Jocelyne Lamoureux is now only three points from tying Hilary Knight's (Wisconsin; 2008-12) WCHA record of 262 career points.
Monique Lamoureux is only two assists shy of tying Natalie Darwitz's (Minnesota; 2003-05) WCHA record of 144 career assists.
These may be theirs after this weekend:
Jocelyne Lamoureux is now only three points from tying Hilary Knight's (Wisconsin; 2008-12) WCHA record of 262 career points.
Monique Lamoureux is only two assists shy of tying Natalie Darwitz's (Minnesota; 2003-05) WCHA record of 144 career assists.
northhockey
New member
Re: WCHA Thread IV
Do they factor in who the team's opponent is?
Jacobsen (UND) 6-3--9
Karvinen (UND) 2-6-8
Kessel (UM) 3-5-8
No disrespect, as Kessel is obviously great (and a thorn for ND), but two back to back hat tricks! Cmon man!
Do they factor in who the team's opponent is?
Jacobsen (UND) 6-3--9
Karvinen (UND) 2-6-8
Kessel (UM) 3-5-8
No disrespect, as Kessel is obviously great (and a thorn for ND), but two back to back hat tricks! Cmon man!
brookyone
Deport Right Wing Nuts
Re: WCHA Thread IV
I surely thought it would be Jacobsen, and Jacobsen only after reading the WCHA recaps prior to Wednesday.
Re: WCHA Thread IV
Final From Friday, February 8th
Minnesota 5
Ohio State 2
OK, so this is our weekend to see the undefeated, untied 2013 Gopher juggernaut. Minnesota certainly performed as advertised. Perhaps the most impressive thing about them is that they're such a complete team: Size, Speed, Skill, Power. Offense? Check. Defense? Check. Let's not forget Creative Finishing Touch and Stingy Goaltending. Where's the weakness? Perhaps there's none to be found.
The Buckeyes did put up a good fight; I'm proud of 'em. The best moment was tieing the scoring the score halfway the game. But at least on this night, the Gophers controlled a majority of the action. Persistence led to a 36-20 advantage in shots. Flashes of brilliance converted 5 of those shots into goals. It was enough to give Minnesota a comfortable win.
Ohio State Honorable Mention: Minttu Tuominen
At least to my eye, Minttu found some inspiration playing against her mates from Finland. Tuominen battled hard for loose pucks all night long. She was also impressive in the face-off circle, winning 15 of 24 attempts.
Minnesota Honorable Mention: Amanda Kessel
Not a monster game by Kessel standards, But there's something to be said for bagging the game-winning goal. Mira Jalosuo began the play by whipping a cross-ice pass to Kessel. Amanda then fed Rachel Ramsey at the blue line. Ramsey launched a rocket at the Buckeye net. Save made, but a generous rebound was given. With explosive quickness, Kessel pounced on the loose puck and drove it home.
#3 Star: Hokey Langan, Ohio State
Hokey's tally completed a two goal comeback, and gave us momentary hope that this might be a big night. While a victory was not to be, the goal was a thing of beauty. The play began with Ally Tarr carrying the puck deep into offensive corner. A Gopher player momentarily took possession, and carried the puck up the side boards for a couple of strides. At that point, Hokey relieved her of the puck, and directed it to Taylor Kuehl. From there, Kuehl completed the give and go by feeding Langan. Hokey pulled the puck into the slot, and with just enough hesitation, won a battle of nerves with Noora Raty, driving the puck home. The post-goal celebration was the feel-good moment of the evening, with a jubilant Langan going vertical and landing in her teammates' arms.
#2 Star: Sarah Davis, Minnesota
Sarah didn't have any goals tonight, but don't let that fool you. Playmaking is an important part of the Gophers' game, and Davis is among the best at it. Consistently in the mix, Sarah's efforts culminated into two assists. She was the only player on either team to finish at +3. On a night when the Buckeyes had a slight overall edge in face-offs, Davis bucked the trend. Sarah won 12 of her 19 draws.
#1 Star: Megan Bozek, Minnesota
I've been a fan of Megan's for a while, and she certainly came to play tonight. Every year she seems to get stronger and more mobile. Her slap shot has matured into an absolute Bazooka. Or is that a Bozooka?
Bozek made some noise on the PK tonight. One astonishing Gopher stat is that their short-handed goal total is greater than the number of goals they've allowed on the PK. Megan added another shortie to the mounting total, finishing a pass from the #2 Star.
Later on, Bozek made an end-to-end rush that Bobby Orr would have been proud of. Although Buckeye Goalie Chelsea Knapp was able to make the initial stop on Megan's shot, there was nothing she could do to keep the trailer, Rachael Bona, from scoring on the rebound. That goal at 6:45 of the third period restored the Gophers' two goal cushion and basically settled the matter -- although it should be mentioned that Bethany Brausen completed a two goal night with less than a minute to play.
Next Up: Rematch with Minnesota. Face-off is at 1:07 PM; Note the early start time!
Final From Friday, February 8th
Minnesota 5
Ohio State 2
Top-Ranked Gophers Outpace Buckeyes
Well, they're awfully good. Of course Minnesota has a fine team too.OK, so this is our weekend to see the undefeated, untied 2013 Gopher juggernaut. Minnesota certainly performed as advertised. Perhaps the most impressive thing about them is that they're such a complete team: Size, Speed, Skill, Power. Offense? Check. Defense? Check. Let's not forget Creative Finishing Touch and Stingy Goaltending. Where's the weakness? Perhaps there's none to be found.
The Buckeyes did put up a good fight; I'm proud of 'em. The best moment was tieing the scoring the score halfway the game. But at least on this night, the Gophers controlled a majority of the action. Persistence led to a 36-20 advantage in shots. Flashes of brilliance converted 5 of those shots into goals. It was enough to give Minnesota a comfortable win.
Three Stars of the Game: Decidedly Unofficial and Just For Fun
Ohio State Honorable Mention: Minttu Tuominen
At least to my eye, Minttu found some inspiration playing against her mates from Finland. Tuominen battled hard for loose pucks all night long. She was also impressive in the face-off circle, winning 15 of 24 attempts.
Minnesota Honorable Mention: Amanda Kessel
Not a monster game by Kessel standards, But there's something to be said for bagging the game-winning goal. Mira Jalosuo began the play by whipping a cross-ice pass to Kessel. Amanda then fed Rachel Ramsey at the blue line. Ramsey launched a rocket at the Buckeye net. Save made, but a generous rebound was given. With explosive quickness, Kessel pounced on the loose puck and drove it home.
#3 Star: Hokey Langan, Ohio State
Hokey's tally completed a two goal comeback, and gave us momentary hope that this might be a big night. While a victory was not to be, the goal was a thing of beauty. The play began with Ally Tarr carrying the puck deep into offensive corner. A Gopher player momentarily took possession, and carried the puck up the side boards for a couple of strides. At that point, Hokey relieved her of the puck, and directed it to Taylor Kuehl. From there, Kuehl completed the give and go by feeding Langan. Hokey pulled the puck into the slot, and with just enough hesitation, won a battle of nerves with Noora Raty, driving the puck home. The post-goal celebration was the feel-good moment of the evening, with a jubilant Langan going vertical and landing in her teammates' arms.
#2 Star: Sarah Davis, Minnesota
Sarah didn't have any goals tonight, but don't let that fool you. Playmaking is an important part of the Gophers' game, and Davis is among the best at it. Consistently in the mix, Sarah's efforts culminated into two assists. She was the only player on either team to finish at +3. On a night when the Buckeyes had a slight overall edge in face-offs, Davis bucked the trend. Sarah won 12 of her 19 draws.
#1 Star: Megan Bozek, Minnesota
I've been a fan of Megan's for a while, and she certainly came to play tonight. Every year she seems to get stronger and more mobile. Her slap shot has matured into an absolute Bazooka. Or is that a Bozooka?
Bozek made some noise on the PK tonight. One astonishing Gopher stat is that their short-handed goal total is greater than the number of goals they've allowed on the PK. Megan added another shortie to the mounting total, finishing a pass from the #2 Star.
Later on, Bozek made an end-to-end rush that Bobby Orr would have been proud of. Although Buckeye Goalie Chelsea Knapp was able to make the initial stop on Megan's shot, there was nothing she could do to keep the trailer, Rachael Bona, from scoring on the rebound. That goal at 6:45 of the third period restored the Gophers' two goal cushion and basically settled the matter -- although it should be mentioned that Bethany Brausen completed a two goal night with less than a minute to play.
Next Up: Rematch with Minnesota. Face-off is at 1:07 PM; Note the early start time!
northhockey
New member
Re: WCHA Thread IV
7-0 UND. JLam is the new record holder for most WCHA points in her career, with 4 games left. Congrats to her
7-0 UND. JLam is the new record holder for most WCHA points in her career, with 4 games left. Congrats to her
Re: WCHA Thread IV
Final From Saturday, February 9th
Minnesota 5
Ohio State 3
One thing that's special about this Gopher team is how they respond to goals against. Some teams become demoralized when scored upon. These Gophers turn it up a notch -- or two. The increased motivation is obvious and impressive. After OSU scored the initial goal of the game, Minnesota tied it up 3:11 later. In the 3rd period, after the Buckeyes pulled to within one at 4-3, the Gophers restored their two goal lead just 2:50 later. Being on the receiving end of that response certainly takes the wind out of your sails. And yet, the Buckeyes somehow found the energy to mount a strong push in the last two minutes of the game. Playing with an empty net and 6 skaters, they put on a lot of pressure in the offensive zone. The Buckeyes never surrendered. But the Gopher 'D' stiffened, and there was no further scoring.
Shot totals were a bit closer today, but the Gophers still held the advantage at 38-26. That, along with the score, is probably a decent indication of the difference between the teams in today's game.
Ohio State Honorable Mention: Kara Gust
Kara bagged her first goal as Buckeye today; a well deserved reward for her steady improvement. Gust's blast came off a rebound of a Minttu Touminen shot, with Tina Hollowell and Paige Semenza providing traffic in slot.
Minnesota Honorable Mention: Meghan Lorence
A goal and an assist earns #20 the mention.
#3 Star: Tina Hollowell, Ohio State
Tina played a dynamic game; forechecking and backchecking like a demon, fighting hard for position in the corners and in the slot. Her goal epitomized that. As Hokey Langan fired at the net, Hollowell did a fine job screening Noora Raty. When Langan's shot hit the unaware Raty, Tina pounced on the rebound, and whirled around to deposit the puck in the short side. Hollowell's goal was today's top Buckeye highlight.
#2 Star: Maryann Menefee, Minnesota
Maryann and Amanda Kessel combined for three of Minnesota's five goals today. Twice Menefee set the table and earned assists. She also had a goal of her own, tieing the game at 2. A solid +3 day for Maryann.
#1 Star: Amanda Kessel, Minnesota
Sometimes the biggest stars shine the brightest, and it's as simple as that. While Amanda certainly plenty of help, she was the difference-maker with two goals and two assists. For the second straight game Kessel had the GWG. Tonight she added an insurance tally for good measure. The GWG was an absolute laser beam, beating Chelsea Knapp high on the short side. With virtually no net to shoot at, Amanda somehow squeezed it through. All Chelsea could do was look at her glove in disbelief.
On the insurance tally, Kessel made an out-of-this world tip play off a point shot from Mira Jalosuo. Mira's stiff shot looked like it might be headed for the net in its own right. But after the puck changed directions off of Amanda's stick, the Buckeye goalie had no chance.
While Amanda' scoring prowess is obvious, it should also be noted that she had a strong day forechecking and backchecking. When one of your best snipers is also willing to do some grunt work, it certainly bodes well for your team. All in all, a pretty complete game on Saturday for #8.
Next Up: Road Trip to North Dakota.
Final From Saturday, February 9th
Minnesota 5
Ohio State 3
Gophers Rise To Meet Buckeye Challenge, Prevail 5-3
We had an exhausting game today at the Ice Rink. And if that's how it felt watching in street clothes, one can only imagine how the players felt. The Buckeyes came out strong, taking leads of 1-0 and 2-1. They took that lead into the first intermission, along with a 10-9 advantage in shots. But the Gopher response was relentless.One thing that's special about this Gopher team is how they respond to goals against. Some teams become demoralized when scored upon. These Gophers turn it up a notch -- or two. The increased motivation is obvious and impressive. After OSU scored the initial goal of the game, Minnesota tied it up 3:11 later. In the 3rd period, after the Buckeyes pulled to within one at 4-3, the Gophers restored their two goal lead just 2:50 later. Being on the receiving end of that response certainly takes the wind out of your sails. And yet, the Buckeyes somehow found the energy to mount a strong push in the last two minutes of the game. Playing with an empty net and 6 skaters, they put on a lot of pressure in the offensive zone. The Buckeyes never surrendered. But the Gopher 'D' stiffened, and there was no further scoring.
Shot totals were a bit closer today, but the Gophers still held the advantage at 38-26. That, along with the score, is probably a decent indication of the difference between the teams in today's game.
Three Stars of the Game: Decidedly Unofficial and Just For Fun
Ohio State Honorable Mention: Kara Gust
Kara bagged her first goal as Buckeye today; a well deserved reward for her steady improvement. Gust's blast came off a rebound of a Minttu Touminen shot, with Tina Hollowell and Paige Semenza providing traffic in slot.
Minnesota Honorable Mention: Meghan Lorence
A goal and an assist earns #20 the mention.
#3 Star: Tina Hollowell, Ohio State
Tina played a dynamic game; forechecking and backchecking like a demon, fighting hard for position in the corners and in the slot. Her goal epitomized that. As Hokey Langan fired at the net, Hollowell did a fine job screening Noora Raty. When Langan's shot hit the unaware Raty, Tina pounced on the rebound, and whirled around to deposit the puck in the short side. Hollowell's goal was today's top Buckeye highlight.
#2 Star: Maryann Menefee, Minnesota
Maryann and Amanda Kessel combined for three of Minnesota's five goals today. Twice Menefee set the table and earned assists. She also had a goal of her own, tieing the game at 2. A solid +3 day for Maryann.
#1 Star: Amanda Kessel, Minnesota
Sometimes the biggest stars shine the brightest, and it's as simple as that. While Amanda certainly plenty of help, she was the difference-maker with two goals and two assists. For the second straight game Kessel had the GWG. Tonight she added an insurance tally for good measure. The GWG was an absolute laser beam, beating Chelsea Knapp high on the short side. With virtually no net to shoot at, Amanda somehow squeezed it through. All Chelsea could do was look at her glove in disbelief.
On the insurance tally, Kessel made an out-of-this world tip play off a point shot from Mira Jalosuo. Mira's stiff shot looked like it might be headed for the net in its own right. But after the puck changed directions off of Amanda's stick, the Buckeye goalie had no chance.
While Amanda' scoring prowess is obvious, it should also be noted that she had a strong day forechecking and backchecking. When one of your best snipers is also willing to do some grunt work, it certainly bodes well for your team. All in all, a pretty complete game on Saturday for #8.
Next Up: Road Trip to North Dakota.
mnpokecheck
Drinking the Koolaid
Re: WCHA Thread IV
Noticed a couple of WCHA teams do not schedule a full 34 allowed games. Imagine that a couple of additional OOC wins and added rpi points would have benefited UMD and especially Wisc come selection time. Any thoughts?
Noticed a couple of WCHA teams do not schedule a full 34 allowed games. Imagine that a couple of additional OOC wins and added rpi points would have benefited UMD and especially Wisc come selection time. Any thoughts?
ARM
Fan of chipmunk-like mascots.
Re: WCHA Thread IV
Playing teams of the caliber of Lindenwood wouldn't make a lot of difference. Wisconsin's non-conference schedule has left a lot to be desired over the years. A couple of wins over somebody like Mercyhurst or Harvard could have made a huge difference for the Badgers. I don't know if they don't think they are capable of beating those teams or don't feel they need to make the attempt. To UMD's credit, the games it played were against good teams. The Bulldogs are limited because they have a number of weekends that they don't want to play because they are missing players due to international events. BSU and MSU didn't get much done out of conference this year, so the WCHA teams are in trouble.
granddaddyscout
Registered User
Re: WCHA Thread IV
There are several teams paying a price for scheduling LW they would have been better off scheduling mid-level teams from the east instead, but if they hadn't LW who would LW pay. Unfortunate that they pay the price for doing the right thing to develop the sport. Also UW played BU last year and schedule UNH this year, no way to know that UNH would drop so far so fast when they made the deal. Bottom line is that the WCHA always pays a price from their double home and home approach and that price is particularly high when a single WCHA team is so dominant. UW had the same impact two years ago even though the east was a little stronger then. I still think the East rankings are suspect because they don't get tested. UM should coast to the title as I expect them to dominate anyone form the east that they face and UW and UND don't seem to have the fire power to knock them off prior to the frozen four.
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