Category: NWHL

  • TXHT Podcast – Kelsey Neumann of the Buffalo Beauts

    TXHT Podcast – Kelsey Neumann of the Buffalo Beauts

    Ladies and Gentlemen the TXHT podcast is back a whole new episode as we are joined by the NWHL Player of the Week Kelsey Neumann of the Buffalo Beauts.

     

    Audio:

     

    We get to have a conversation with Kelsey about her journey in hockey, her history with the Buffalo Beauts and the NWHL, plus what it is like this time around for her after taking a season away from the NWHL, and becoming the NWHL Player of the Week.

     

    Opening Music:

    “Modern Guns” by Eyeshine

     

    Feature Graphic courtesy of the NWHL. Photo of Kelsey Neumann by Mike Hetzel.

     

    Sponsored by:

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  • NWHL Weekend Recap

    NWHL Weekend Recap

    Welcome to the TXHT NWHL Weekend Recap for the Weekend of Saturday, November 16th and Sunday, November 17th, 2019, plus news coming out of the weekend.

     

    Saturday, November 16th, 2019

    Game #1 – Buffalo Beauts v. Boston Pride

    • The Buffalo Beauts kicked off their weekend road trip against the undefeated Boston Pride, but it would be another dominating performance for the Pride as they would light up the Beauts for six goals as Mary Parker scored a pair of goals, along with McKenna Brand scoring a pair of goals in 13 seconds to lead the Pride to a 6-1 victory. Along with Parker and Brand, the Pride would get goals from Lexie Laing and Tori Sullivan. Kaleigh Fratkin would record three assists for the Pride. Sara Bustad would be the lone goal scorer for the Beauts.

     

    Sunday, November 17th, 2019

    Game #1 – Buffalo Beauts v. Connecticut Whale

    • The Buffalo Beauts would finish their weekend road trip in Connecticut as they took on the Whale. The Beauts would bounce back after their stiff defeat from the Pride as they would get goals from Taylor Accursi, Erin Gehen, and Kim Brown to take the 3-1 victory. Kayla Meneghin would score the lone goal for the Whale, and Iveta Klimasova would record a pair of assists for the Beauts while Kelsey Neumann would record 41 saves on 42 shots faced for the Beauts in the win.

     

    Player of the Week

    • Kelsey Neumann of the Buffalo Beauts has been named the VEDA NWHL Player of the Week.

    IMG_20191119_094226

    • Neumann would stop 41 of 42 shots against the Connecticut Whale to lead the Beauts to a 3-1 victory on Sunday.

     

    * All Graphics Courtesy of the NWHL.

    *Photo of Kelsey Neumann by Mike Hetzel.

     

    Sponsored by:

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    Support our friend’s Kickstarter campaign for Star Con today!

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  • Neumann Saves 41 As Beauts Top Whale

    Neumann Saves 41 As Beauts Top Whale

    Last week, the NWHL had a bye week, so that gave teams extra time to prepare for games this weekend. The Whale, looking to get their first win of the season, squared off against the Beauts, who came off a loss yesterday to the Boston Pride. It would be Whale go-to goalie Sonija Shelly in net for Connecticut and Kelsey Neumann in net for Buffalo.

    In the first period, it would be a quick start for the Whale, trying to capitalize on early momentum. However, Neumann would stop every shot attempt in the period. The same went for Shelly, who didn’t have as much work to do in the period. Only one penalty was called in the period, and it would be against the Whale’s veteran defender Jordan Brickner. The Beauts would fail to capitalize on the power play. The period ended scoreless, however the Whale would lead in the shot on goal department 13-4.

    Action would pick up in the second period, as the Beauts would strike first, 30 seconds into the period. The goal coming from Taylor Accursi, with the assists coming from Lenka Curmova and Iveta Klimasova. The teams would trade chances back and forth, with the goalies coming up large for both teams. The period would end with the Whale down 1-0 and again out-shooting the Beauts 12-10 in the period.

    In the third period, the Beauts would double their lead 13 minutes into the period, with a goal from Erin Gehen. Assists on the play would come from Brooke Stacey and Cassidy MacPherson. The Beauts weren’t allowed to be comfortable though, as less than 2 minutes later, the Whale would get one, to cut the lead in half. The goal coming from Kayla Meneghin, it would be her team leading 3rd goal of the season. She has scored at least a goal in the last 3 games that she’s played. Assists on the play came from Sarah Schwenzfeier, her 2nd point of the season, and Jordan Brickner, her 6th point of the season, and tied for the team lead. That would be the closest the Whale could get, as with a minute left in the period, the Beauts would net an empty net goal. The goal coming from Kim Brown, assists on the play came from Brooke Stacey, her second point of the game, and Marie – Jo Pelletier.

    Final stats for the goalies were Neumann for the Beauts faced 42 shots and came up with 41 saves. Sonija Shelly turned in a good performance too, she faced 25 shots and came up with 23 saves.

    The next game for the Whale will be against the league leading Boston Pride. The start time for the game will be 630p in Boston at Warrior Ice Arena. Should be a good game, as it will be the first game of the year where the Whale will face their former captain Emily Fluke.

    Fundraisers

    For those keeping track at home, Shannon Doyle turned in 1 blocked shot for the game today, giving her a total of 17 blocks on the year. She is donating a $1 for every block she records for her fundraiser Blocks For Books. Here is the link for those who want to make a donation too:

    https://www.gofundme.com/f/1s6bzhbt5c

    Also, for those keeping track at home, Kendra Broad had 2 shots on goal today, giving her a total of 8 shots on goal for the season. She is also donating $2 for every shot on goal for Mental Health Connecticut. Here is a link for those who want to make a donation too:

    https://mhconn.networkforgood.com/projects/83116-kendra-broad-s-fundraiser

     

    Support our friend’s Kickstarter campaign for Star Con today!

    Star Con

  • NWHL Announces Funding Round

    NWHL Announces Funding Round

    Today the National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL) has announced that they have closed a new round of funding for the league that will ensure viability and future growth for the league.

    IMG_20191114_093556.jpg

    The funding round was lead by IT entrepreneur Andy Scurto, and includes co-owner of MLB’s Texas Rangers Neil Leibman, the Vice Chairman of the PaySafe Group Joel Leonoff, former co-owner of the New Jersey Devils Michael Gilfillan, Founding Partner of the W Agency in Atlanta Lee Heffernan, and the Managing Director at the Silvercrest Asset Management Group in New York Matthew Arpano.

     

    “It’s a privilege for me to participate in the NWHL and to join my partners in the league in driving growth for the future. The NWHL is a strong league that has implemented a great model for supporting the athletes. Having been very involved with youth hockey as my daughter has played for many years, I see the value sports has to offer and I’m especially passionate about building women’s professional ice hockey for the current and future generations of players. The NWHL and the players have advanced the sport and the league beyond its startup phase, and there is more to come in the years ahead.”

    —- Andy Scurto

     

    For the NWHL, they will be using the capital from this growth round to increase infrastructure, and enhance player development amongst other initiatives for the growth of the league.

     

    This announcement also marks the first time that the NWHL has become transparent with who some of the investors of the league are, which is a monumental step for the league as they work to strive to become more transparent to the media and to the fans as to how the league is operated.

     

    Also with today’s announcement Kristina Rutherford of Sportsnet is reporting  that there is a possiblity that the NWHL could expand into Canada, with Toronto being a prime location, for next season thanks to today’s announcement.

     

    Today’s announcement is a stepping stone for both the NWHL and Women’s Hockey as a whole as they continue to make great strides to grow the game.

     

    *Graphic courtesy of the NWHL.

  • NWHL October Player of the Month

    NWHL October Player of the Month

    For the first time in NWHL history, the league has named their first ever Player of the Month. For the month of October Boston Pride forward McKenna Brand as the inaugural Player of the Month.

     

    Brand led the NWHL in goals (7), shots (53), and game winning goals (3) during the month of October. Brand is also tied for the league lead in points (14) with Pride teammate Jillian Dempsey. Along with her linemates of Dempsey and Christina Putigna they would combine for a total of 13 even strength goals.

     

    Congratulations McKenna on making history on becoming the first ever NWHL Player of the Month.

     

    *Picture of McKenna Brand by Michelle Jay.

  • NWHL Weekend Recap

    NWHL Weekend Recap

    Welcome to the TXHT NWHL Weekend Recap for the Weekend of Saturday, October 26th and Sunday, October 27th, 2019, plus news coming out of the weekend.

     

    Saturday, October 26th, 2019

    Game #1 – Minnesota Whitecaps v. Connecticut Whale

    • In Connecticut the Whale would play host to the Minnesota Whitecaps, and it would be all Whitecaps in this one. Nicole Schammel would record two goals (even strength and powerplay) and one assist, while Meghan Lorence and Haylea Schmid would produce two point games and Sydney Baldwin would have a three point night as the Whitecaps would go on to defeat the Whale 7-2.

     

    Game #2 – Metropolitan Riveters v. Boston Pride

    • In Boston the Pride looked to to continue their winning streak to start the season as they hosted the Metropolitan Riveters. The Pride would get three point games from Emily Fluke (2g, 1a), Mary Parker (1g, 2a), Kaleigh Fratkin (1g, 2a) and McKenna Brand (1g, 2a) to lead the Pride to a 7-2 vicory.

     

    Sunday, October 27th, 2019

    Game #1 – Minnesota Whitecaps v. Connecticut Whale

    • In the second game of their back to back the Whale looked to defeat the Whitecaps, but after taking the one goal lead in the third period, the Whitecaps would storm back late in the third period to take the 3-2 victory over the Whale. Shannon Doyle would factor on both Whale goals, while Sydney Baldwin and Jonna Curtis would both have a goal and an assist for the Whitecaps.

     

    Game #2 – Metropolitan Riveters v. Boston Pride

    • In the final game of the weekend the Riveters would face the Pride once more as they looked to avenge the previous day’s blowout, but it would be all Boston as the Pride would get goals from Carlee Toews, Tori Sullivan, Mallory Souliotis, Lexie Laing, and Jillian Dempsey to take a 5-3 victory over the Riveters.

     

    Player of the Week

    • The NWHL has announced the Minnesota Whitecaps defender Sydney Baldwin has been named the VEDA NWHL Player of the Week.

    Sydney Paldwin POTW.jpg

    • On Saturday October 26th Baldwin had a goal and three assists in the Whitecaps steamrolling of the Connecticut Whale, and then the next day Baldwin would record the primary assist on the game tying goal to help swing the momentum to the Whitecaps in their eventual 3-2 victory.

     

    * All Graphics Courtesy of the NWHL.

    *Photo of Sydney Baldwin by Michelle Jay

     

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  • Whale Get Blitzed At Home

    Whale Get Blitzed At Home

    The Connecticut Whale and the Minnesota Whitecaps squared off, with both teams looking to put behind their losing streaks early on in the season.

    There would be great back and forth action in the first with both goalies coming up with huge saves. There was only one penalty called in the period, and it went against the Whale. The Whitecaps were able to take advantage on the power play, seconds before the period ended. Meghan Lorence managed to get one by Sonjia Shelly. Assists on the play went to Audra Richards and former Whale defender Amanda Boulier.

    There was an explosion of scoring in the second. It started  minutes into the period, when the Whale would tie the game up. A great effort from Whale rookie Emma Vlasic which beat Amanda Leveille. Assist on the play came from Grace Kleinbach. 5 minutes later, Minnesota would get the lead back, an unassisted goal coming from Nicole Schammel. Then Schammel would get on the score sheet again 2 minutes later, via the power play. It would be her second goal of the game with the assists coming from Jonna Curtis and Sydney Baldwin. The Whale would answer back 2 minutes later and cut the lead in half. The goal coming from Kaycie Anderson, who managed to get behind the defense. Assists on the play came from Shannon Doyle and Erin Hall. Then, just like the end of the first period, the Whitecaps would get a late goal at the end of the second. The goal coming from Haylea Schmid. Assists on the play came from Sydney Baldwin, her second point of the game, and Nicole Schammel, her third point of the game.

    The Whitecaps went on the offensive at the start of the third, getting a goal 30 seconds into the period. The goal coming from Sydney Baldwin, her third point of the game. Assists on the play came from Meghan Lorence, her second point of the game, and Haylea Schmid, her second point of the game. In quick succession, 2 minutes later, the Whitecaps would add another goal. This time the goal came from Brooke White-Lancette. Assists on the play came from Kelsey Cline and Sydney Baldwin, her fourth point of the game. This unfortunately spelled the end of Sonija Shelly’s day and she was replaced by Brooke Wolejko. It would be her first action of the season. About 10 minutes later, the Whitecaps would add a seventh goal, coming from their top player Jonna Curtis. It would be her second point of the game and the assists on the play came from Allie Thunstrom and Lisa Martinson.

    Not much to say about this game other than they need to forget about it and come back strong tomorrow. The Whale will face off against these same Whitecaps at 130p.

     

    For those keeping track, Whale defender Shannon Doyle was able to record 3 blocked shots today, giving her 12 blocked shots for the season! Doyle is donating a $1 for every block she records for her fundraiser Blocks For Books. Here is the link for those who want to make a donation too.

    https://www.gofundme.com/f/1s6bzhbt5c?utm_medium=social

     

    Additionally, Whale forward Kendra Broad was able to record 2 shots on goal today. She now has 6 shots on goal for the season. Broad is donating $2 for every shot on goal for Mental Health Connecticut. Here is a link for those who want to make a donation too.

    https://mhconn.networkforgood.com/projects/83116-kendra-broad-s-fundraiser

     

     

    Sponsored by:

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  • NWHL Weekend Recap

    NWHL Weekend Recap

    Welcome to the TXHT NWHL Weekend Recap for the Weekend of Saturday, October 19th and Sunday, October 20th, 2019, plus news coming out of the weekend.

     

    Saturday, October 19th, 2019

    Game #1 – Connecticut Whale v. Buffalo Beauts

    • The Whale would get a three point performance from Jane Morrisette (2g, 1a), but would blow a three goal lead as the Beauts would win their home opener 5-4 in overtime off of a Marie-Jo Pelletier powerplay goal.

     

    Game #2 – Minnesota Whitecaps v. Boston Pride

    • In a high shooting affair with a total of 100 shots between the two teams, it would be the Boston Pride downing the Minnesota Whitecaps to remain undefeated to start the season.

     

    Sunday, October 20th, 2019

    Game #1 – Connecticut Whale v. Buffalo Beauts

    • The Buffalo Beauts would cap off the weekend with a 6-4 victory over the Connecticut Whale. Marie-Jo Pelletier would lead the way for the Beauts with a three point game (1g, 2a), and Brooke Stacey would have a two goal game to secure the Beauts victory.

     

    Game #2 – Minnesota Whitecaps v. Boston Pride

    • The Boston Pride sweep their weekend series with the Minnesota Whitecaps to remain undefeated to start the 2019-20 NWHL season.

     

    Players of the Week

    • Goaltender Lovisa Selander of the Boston Pride and forward Brooke Stacey of the Buffalo Beauts are the VEDA Players of the Week in the NWHL.

    Stacey-Selander

    • Lovisa Selander (G, Boston Pride) would go a perfect 2-0 for the Pride as she would stop 47 shots in a 3-1 victory on Saturday that would see her take first star honors, and then on Sunday she would stop 35 shots as Boston would complete the sweep of Minnesota in a 5-2 victory.
    • Brooke Stacey (F, Buffalo Beauts) would lead the Beauts to back to back victories over Connecticut with three goals and one assist for the weekend. Stacey has recorded at least a point in every game the Beauts have played this season so far.

     

    * All Graphics Courtesy of the NWHL.

    *Photo of Brooke Stacey by Mike Hetzel, and Photo of Lovisa Selander by Michelle Jay.

     

    Sponsored by:

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  • Whale Get Swept In Buffalo

    Whale Get Swept In Buffalo

    After coming off an overtime defeat yesterday, the Whale were looking to bounce back and salvage the weekend. It unfortunately did not go in their favor as the Beauts defeated the Whale today by a final score of 6-4.

    Here was the game day line up:

    In the first period, Buffalo would jump out to a quick lead, only taking 3 minutes to break the ice and draw first blood. The goal came from Brooke Stacy with the assists going to Iveta Klimasova and Marie- Jo Pelletier. It wouldn’t take long for Buffalo to double their lead, the goal from Taylor Accursi on the power play would beat the debuting Cassandra Goyette. Assists on the play came from Marie- Jo Pelletier, her second of the game, and Becki Bowering. However the Whale would get one back 10 minutes later as Kayla Meneghin would notch her first goal of the season, with the assist coming from Kaycie Anderson. 2 minutes later, after a Whale penalty, the Beauts would add to their lead on the power play, with Cassidy MacPherson getting the goal, with Megan Delay and Erin Gehen getting the assists on the power play. Then in quick strike fashion, Buffalo would get another goal, this time from Marie- Jo Pelletier, this would be her third point of the period. Assists on the play came from Lenka Curmova and Sara Bustad. The period would end 4-1 in favor of the Beauts.

    In the start of the second period, we would see a goalie change for the Whale. It just was not Cassandra Goyette’s day and definitely not a debut to remember. In stepped Sonjia Shelly for the Whale. Early on in the second period, the Whale would get a goal from their veteran defender Jordan Brickner. Assist on the play came from Grace Klienbach, and it cut the Beauts lead in half. However, about 2 minutes later the Beauts would answer right back, the goal coming from Lenka Curmova, her second point of the game. Assist on the play came from Sara Bustad, which would be her second assist on the day too. At the end of the second, the score would be 5-2 in favor of the Beauts.

    In the third period, the Whale would begin their climb back into the game. It would take 6 minutes in the period to see them notch their first goal. The goal coming from Emma Vlasic, and the assist on the play from Shannon Doyle. Ripping a page out of the Buffalo playbook and getting a second goal in quick succession, the Whale would get one from Haley Payne, her first career NWHL goal, in just her second game. The assist on the play came from Hanna Beattie, which made it a one goal game. After some furious back and forth action, it unfortunately would be the closest the Whale would get to tying the game as Brooke Stacey would stash the empty netter. It would be Stacey’s second goal of the game. The assist on the play came from Marie- Jo Pelletier, it would be her third assist of the game and her fourth point.

    A tough two games against the Beauts this weekend. Now the Whale will get to face someone different next weekend, as they will get the Whitecaps at home in Danbury. Puck drop will be at 330p on Saturday October 26th.

    Notes

    • Some congratulations are in order for the following players: Jane Morrisette, Sarah Hughson, Emma Vlasic, and Emma Payne. All four of these players all notched their first career NWHL goals this weekend!

    • Unfortunately for the Whale, forward Kendra Broad was assessed a 5 minute major for checking from behind and also given a game misconduct in the second period.

     

    Fundraising

    For those keeping track, Whale defender Shannon Doyle was able to record 4 blocked shots today, giving her 9 blocked shots for the season! Doyle is donating a $1 for every block she records for her fundraiser Blocks For Books. Here is the link for those who want to make a donation too.

    https://www.gofundme.com/f/1s6bzhbt5c?utm_medium=social

     

    Additionally, Whale forward Kendra Broad was able to record a shot on goal today before her early exit. She has 4 shots on goal for the season. Broad is donating $2 for every shot on goal for Mental Health Connecticut. Here is a link for those who want to make a donation too.

    https://mhconn.networkforgood.com/projects/83116-kendra-broad-s-fundraiser

     

    Sponsored by:

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  • NWHL Game Recap – 10/20/2019 – Minnesota Whitecaps v. Boston Pride

    NWHL Game Recap – 10/20/2019 – Minnesota Whitecaps v. Boston Pride

    Minnesota Whitecaps (1-1-1 3pts) v. Boston Pride (4-0-0 8pts)

     

    Game Recap:

    In the second game of their back to back weekend series the Minnesota Whitecaps look to bounce back against the Boston Pride, but the Whitecaps would not do themselves any favors as they would take three consecutive penalties that would cause the Whitecaps to go down two women at one point. However, the Pride would not be able to capitalize on any of their three powerplay opportunities, especially with the extended 5 on 3 chance, but they would strike a little later as they would get on the board first with McKenna Brand’s sixth of the season on a beautiful tic tac toe play with Christina Putigna. Then Tori Sullivan would score her second of the season to give the Pride the 2-0 lead. The Pride would take a late penalty, but the Whitecaps would not be able to capitalize on their lone opportunity.

     

    In the second period the Whitecaps would get an early powerplay opportunity to when Christina Putigna would be called for high sticking, but were unable to capitalize on the opportunity. However, they would get on the board with a Sydney Baldwin goal to cut the Pride’s lead to one. But Jonna Curtis would take an ill advised tripping penalty, and with this powerplay opportunity the Pride would get on the board with a Lexie Laing marker. both teams would continue to generate chances, but the goaltending of Lovisa Selander of the Pride and Amanda Leveille of the Whitecaps would keep this a 3-1 Pride lead heading into the second intermission.

     

    In the third period the Whitecaps would get another early powerplay opportunity to start a period, and this time they would capitalize as Stephanie Anderson would score her first career NWHL goal to cut the Pride’s lead to one once again. However, that would not deter the Pride as they would strike 90 seconds later as Mary Parker would score her first goal of the season to regain the two goal lead. Then Christina Putigna would knock in the loose puck after a hard Jillian Dempsey drive to secure the Pride a 5-2 victory. Both Selander and Leveille would put up strong perfomances again as they faced a combined 84 shots.

     

    Lineups:

    Minnesota Whitecaps:

    Jonna Curtis – Nicole Schammel – Meaghan Pezon

    Audra Richards – Lauren Barnes – Allie Thunstrom

    Megan Lorence – Halea Schmid – Stephanie Anderson

    Kalli Funk –  –

    Sydney Baldwin – Amanda Boulier

    Emma Stauber – Chelsey Rosenthal

    Kelsey Cline –

    Amanda Leveille*

    Allie Morse

     

    Boston Pride:

    McKenna Brand – Jillian Dempsey – Christina Putigna

    Emily Fluke – Mary Parker – Alyssa Wohlfeiler

    Carlee Toews – Lexie Laing – Tori Sullivan

    Kaleigh Fratkin – Briana Mastel

    Lauren Kelly – Lexi Bender

    Mallory Souliotis – Jenna Rheault

    Whitney Renn

    Lovisa Selander*

    Victoria Hanson

     

    First Period:

    MIN Penalty – 6:20 – Bench (Kelsey Cline) 2 minutes for Too Many Women

    MIN Penalty – 7:15 – Chelsey Brodt Rosenthal 2 minutes for Interference

    MIN Penalty – 9:17 – Kalli Funk 2 minutes for Slashing

    BOS Goal – 15:21 – McKenna Brand (6) from Christina Putigna (6)

    BOS Goal – 16:01 – Tori Sullivan (2) from Lexi Bender (2)

    BOS Penalty – 17:14 – Alyssa Wohlfeiler 2 minutes for Hooking

     

    End of 1st – MIN – 0       BOS – 2

    Shots              10                 15

    PP                   0/1                0/3

     

    Second Period:

    BOS Penalty – 2:33 – Christina Putigna 2 minutes for High Sticking

    MIN Goal – 6:56 – Sydney Baldwin (2) from Amanda Boulier (6)

    MIN Penalty – 12:55 – Jonna Curtis 2 minutes for Tripping

    BOS PPG – 13:40 – Lexie Laing (2) from Lauren Kelly (3)

     

    End of 2nd – MIN – 1       BOS – 3

    Shots              20                 25

    PP                   0/2                1/4

     

    Third Period:

    BOS Penalty – 1:29 – Kaleigh Fratkin 2 minutes for Cross Checking

    MIN PPG – 2:31 – Stephanie Anderson (1) from Nicole Schammel (3)

    BOS Goal – 3:58 – Mary Parker (1) from Emily Fluke (1) and Alyssa Wohlfeiler (3)

    MIN Penalty – 8:48 – Chelsey Brodt Rosenthal 2 minutes for Cross Checking

    BOS Penalty – 9:56 – McKenna Brand 2 minutes for Slashing

    BOS Goal – 12:46 – Christina Putigna (2) from Jillian Dempsey (6)

     

    End of 3rd – MIN – 2       BOS – 5

    Shots              37                 47

    PP                   1/4                1/5

     

    Next Up:

    Metropolitan (1-2-0 2pts) v. Boston (5-0-0 10pts) October 26th and 27th

    Minnesota (1-2-1 3pts) v. Connecticut (0-2-1 1pts) October 26th and 27th

     

    Sponsored by:

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