Re: WCHA Thread V
The 3 Stars of the Game: Decidedly Unofficial and Just For Fun
Final Post For The 2015-16 Season
Play in the Women's WCHA is complete for 2015-16. Congratulations to Regular Season & Conference Tournament Champion Wisconsin. Congratulations to NCAA At-Large Selection Minnesota. Best of luck to both teams in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.
As promised, this year's 3 Stars Series comes with a Bonus Post. Here you go. No visiting team at the OSU Ice Rink this time. In fact, no game at all. Just a retrospective look at the Buckeye season; a compilation meant to salute the Graduating Seniors.
Seven Super Novas: The Ohio State Class of 2016
Seven members strong, the Senior Class shined brightly all year long. But unlike their galactic counterparts, these women aren't burning out. They've literally just begun. The only thing nearing completion is their time at Ohio State. Yes, of course, they'll be greatly missed here in Columbus. But for each, the future is bright indeed.
During the course of the season, each of the seven earned recognition in my 3 Stars posts. That wasn't planned or guaranteed. OK, I do make a conscious effort to spread the wealth. But there were no charity stars awarded. All recognition was well earned.
Allow me a trip through memory lane; I'll share some memories for each of the seven. This particular year there were 16 Home Games. Made 'em all! Didn't travel this year, which is becoming all too normal. As a result, 100% of the memories are from OSU Home Games. As per team tradition, the players are listed in numerical order.
#2 Cara Zubko
Cara finished the season as one of the Buckeyes' core four Defenders. Injuries reduced the Buckeye 'D' Corps down to the bare minimum. But rather than wearing down, they seemed to thrive on the extra ice time. Along with other 'D', that perseverance gave Cara a place on my Senior Night list. Back at the beginning of the year, she scored a goal against Minnesota with 11.2 seconds left in the first period. That's Zubko; she never quits. Between those bookends, Cara had a nice series against St. Cloud in January. Scoring was tough to come by that weekend. But both Buckeye scoring plays began with Zubko slapshots from the point. Among other things, that heavy shot will be missed. Hey Saskatchewan: Send more like Cara.
#9 Bryanna Neuwald
Bryanna didn't show up on the score sheet a whole lot, but she always brought great energy to the rink. She finally received the recognition she deserves for the January 15th game against St. Cloud. Her hustle that night was crazy good. Despite standing only 5'4" (is that in skates?) she was an irresistible force. Regrettably her season was ended by a shoulder injury -- her second, IIRC. But she still played in 20 games and certainly made her presence felt. Thanks to Oakville, Ontario for sharing Bryanna with us.
#14 Maggie Rothgery
It's always a treat to have an Ohio native on the Buckeye roster. Maggie came to us from Elyria. (Lorain County, West of Cleveland) Her college journey started at Mercyhurst, before she landed in Columbus. Back on December 12th, Rothgery was part of a spectacular goal against UMD. Her crisp breakout pass sprung Maddy Field on a breakaway, thus earning her the primary assist. On January 16th against St. Cloud, her hustle was impossible to ignore; her diligent forechecking also earned her an assist that night.
#16 Melani Moylan
A tenacious player in both the corners and the slot, Melani became something of a tip-in specialist over the course of the season. Moylan earned mentions from me for nifty tip-in goals againt both UMD and St. Cloud. The tireless forechecker came to Ohio State from Mississauga, Ontario; and we're glad she did.
#17 Julia McKinnon
A fierce competitor, Julia can get under the skin of opposing players. At the same time her work ethic is beyond question. She's also an unselfish teammate; I can't forget Julia's decision to give up a sure empty-netter against UND; instead sharing the puck with Claudia Kepler. The story of Julia's Senior season includes an extended stay on 'D' during the Fall games. Ultimately she returned to her true home at forward. But her willingness to be part of solution on defense speaks well. McKinnon earned a mention for her defensive work back on November 6th against Bemidji. Of course Julia did a good bit of scoring over the course of her career. One of my favorite McKinnon goals came against St. Cloud, when she pounded home a rebound off a Zubko slapshot from the point. Julia's journey to Columbus began in Kelowna, BC, with a stop at the Ontario Hockey Academy.
#26 Kendall Curtis
Those ginger locks flying down the Ice Rink are certainly going to be missed. But if anything, Kendall's leadership and intelligence will be missed even more. From Highlands Ranch, Colorado, it was always a Rocky Mountain High watching Curtis play. Can't forget that goal against Bemidji, when she really should have had both the goal and the second assist! The play began with a Curtis face-off win, directing the puck to Julianna Iafallo. After the return pass from Julianna, Kendall scored with style, nailing the upper left-hand corner. True beauty.
#39 Stacy Danczak
Another Ohio native. (Macedonia, Summit County, Cleveland/Akron Area) Stacy spent most of the season as the back-up goalie, logging time in 11 games. Perhaps the highlight of Stacy's season came against Conference Champ Wisconsin back on February 5th. Danczak was sensational, stopping 26 Badger shots and falling just short of stealing the win. I gave Stacy an Honorable Mention. Stingy me. Puckdrop14 posted his opinion that Danczak was the #1 Star of the Game! I will certainly concede that the quality of the work was there.
Wrapping Up
Long post, and yet I've only scratched the surface. Sincere thanks to all seven of you for the memories and inspiration. Never forget -- you'll always be Buckeyes!
Actually, the only thing I really ask is that you encourage the SL members to give USCHO a try. You know, if you like this tribute, check out USCHO next Fall; that kind of thing. 
