Riding high with a four-game win streak to open the season, the Wisconsin women’s hockey team plays host to the top-ranked Golden Gophers of Minnesota. The Badgers will try to improve on their 3-19-1 overall record against their rivals from the west. Both teams come into the match-up undefeated, with Wisconsin (4-0-0) coming off a series sweep in Maine, while Minnesota (2-0-0) swept WCHA foe Ohio St. in a weekend series in Minneapolis.
The Golden Gophers are counting on sophomores Krissy Wendell and Natalie Darwitz to continue their offensive output this weekend against the Badgers’ strong defense. Wendell scored five goals last weekend, four coming in their opening game, to get off to a hot start this season. The effort earned Wendell player of the week honors in the WCHA. Darwitz has a 17 game point streak dating back to last season. She tallied a goal and three assists in the Gophers’ sweep to keep the streak alive. Junior net minder Jody Horak has played solidly for UM this season allowing just three goals on 39 shots.
Wisconsin, who slipped to seventh in the latest U.S. College Hockey online poll, will look to build on their early success. Wisconsin was a bit inconsistent in their first two series this season. While they could overcome mistakes against weaker opponents like Vermont and Maine, Minnesota will capitalize on any Wisconsin mistakes this weekend. Finding one goalie to step up as the number one choice will also help the Badgers not only this weekend, but all season long.
The Badgers and Gophers will face-off at 2:05 p.m. at the Kohl Center both Saturday and Sunday.
