Top 10 Questions For Gopher Women's Hockey Entering 2019-20

The defending WCHA regular-season champions find themselves nearing a changing of the guard. After a dynasty run of four national championships in five seasons, Minnesota has come up short each of the last three NCAA Tournaments.

Among the active players, only redshirt senior Sarah Potomak, who as a rookie scored the opening goal against BC in the 2016 national championship game, knows how it feels to win one.

While winning a national championship is far from the only goal Minnesota strives for each season, the Gophers expect - both internally and by fans externally - to annually contend for the title. Minnesota came close in March, finishing second after rival Wisconsin shut out the Gophers 2-0 in the 2019 national championship game.

There remains much to like about this season’s team, however, for the first time in a while, Minnesota does not have bragging rights over the team on the other side of the St. Croix. the clear second team in both the WCHA and nationally.

Can the Gophers change that? Before the start of the season, here are 10 more questions that will be answered in Minnesota’s quest for an eighth natty title.

2019 Women's Hockey Top 25 Under 25 (The Ice Garden)

The Ice Garden, SB Nation's women's hockey blog, does a fantastic job covering the sport at all levels with a number of dedicated writers. Earlier this summer, I was honored to be one of the four external voters to help their rankings for the top 25 women's hockey players under the age of 25.

The full rankings list can be found here. Former Wisconsin star Annie Pankowski finished as the top player under 25. Two former Gophers - Dani Cameranesi (6) and Kelly Pannek (23) - made the list while redshirt senior Sarah Potomak was named an honorable mention.

In the spirit of transparency, my list was built upon the idea of who I would pick to start a team of under-25 players. (It's too bad Lee Stecklein is just on the other side of 25 because that's where I'd start.) That made my list slant towards college players, who are younger and have a bigger upside. There's no wrong answer as to how to build the rankings, but this is my philosophy.

Top-6 (TIG consensus ranking)
1. Loren Gabel (5)
2. Pankowski (1)
3. Megan Keller (didn't mean to start my list with the three Patty Kazmaier finalists, but there's a reason all three were named finalists) (4)
4. Maddie Rooney (T-13)
5. Cameranesi (6)
6. Alina Mueller (3)

A big thanks to Michelle Jay and everyone at The Ice Garden for letting me vote.

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2019 Women's Frozen Four Final Thoughts

This past weekend I went up to Hamden, CT to cover the 2019 women's Frozen Four for the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. Those articles can be found below, but I also wanted to add some thoughts on the weekend and experience. It was a fantastic experience catching up with old friends, meeting several people I've interacted with, and of course, getting to once again cover the University of Minnesota's run in person.

Nicole Schammel gets her Frozen Four moment as Minnesota shuts out Cornell to advance to the national championship game: http://www.startribune.com/gophers-women-s-hockey-tops-cornell-2-0-to-advance-to-national-title-game/507538602/

"It's fierce and special, mixed with a dash of familiarity." On the Minnesota-Wisconsin rivalry being contested over a national championship: http://www.startribune.com/rivals-minnesota-wisconsin-to-play-for-women-s-hockey-championship/507572422/

"These years have been the best years of our lives." Why Minnesota was both disappointed to lose in the national championship game and grateful to get the opportunity: http://www.startribune.com/gophers-women-s-hockey-loses-2-0-to-badgers-in-national-championship/507591282/

An early look at the 2019-20 Gophers team: http://www.startribune.com/gophers-have-talent-to-rebound-from-ncaa-title-game-loss/507616532/

Some final thoughts that didn't fit into a story:

Game Story: Familiar Faces & Lines Lead Minnesota to Season-Opening Win (Zone Coverage)

MINNEAPOLIS- Opening the season trailing after twenty minutes, some new old faces got the Gophers on the winning track against No. 10 Mercyhurst.

No. 3 Minnesota scored four unanswered goals after changing lines, defeating the Lakers 4-2 in the season opener for both teams. Kelly Pannek and Sarah Potomak, in their return to wearing the maroon and gold, each finished with two points.

“We just needed something to spark some energy and that happened to be changing lines,” said Pannek, who spent the 2017-18 season winning an Olympic gold medal with the United States national team. “What was really cool is that everyone responded so well to it. You saw four units go out there and possess the puck, make awesome plays and it was really fun to see everyone gel and click like that so quickly.”

Minnesota (1-0-0, 0-0-0-0 WCHA) began the game with its top forwards spread out across all four lines. Head coach Brad Frost wanted to have balance, however, the team wasn’t able to pressure Mercyhurst (0-1-0, 0-0-0 CHA) goaltender Kennedy Blair.

Instead, the Lakers got chances and made the most of a 12 second power play when Emma Nuuitinen shot the puck past sophomore goalie Alex Gulstene.

Click here to read the rest!

Kelly Pannek, 6 Minnesota alums make US National Team for 2018 Olympics

Senior to-be Kelly Pannek for now will be putting off her final year at Minnesota to pursue an Olympic gold medal.

The United States announced its national team roster Friday (May 5, 2017) following a week-long tryout camp with 42 players.

Seven of the eight players with Minnesota ties at the camp were among those named to the 23 woman roster.

That includes Pannek, the nation's 2016-17 leader in points, who was one of three players with college eligibility remaining on the team along with Wisconsin forward Annie Pankowski and Minnesota Duluth goaltender Maddie Rooney.

They will live and train together in Tampa, Florida for the 2018 Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea beginning in September. The USWNT will also participate in pre-tournament competitions. Relocating to Florida is a change from past Olympic cycles where the US team spent time in Blaine, MN.

BLOG: News & Notes You & I May Have Missed

I spent this past week in Chicago covering the Frozen Four for SB Nation. While that didn't stop me from being able to put up a couple stories on players leaving and decommitting, a few pieces of news slipped through the blog.

This post is to quickly catch up on any news you may have missed.

In addition, I will also get to continuing the "What's Next" series later this week.

Gophers stand united with USWNT, turn down chance to play in World Championships

One of the biggest stories in hockey right now is the ongoing stalemate between the United States Women's National Team and USA Hockey.

The USWNT is currently threatening to boycott the upcoming World Championships (being played in Plymouth, MI) over a year-long negotiation over fair wages and support. (For a full timeline, click here.) As a team they have been standing together

Two current Gophers, Lee Stecklein and Kelly Pannek, and several Minnesota alums (Megan Bozek, Hannah Brandt, Amanda Kessel, and Gigi Marvin) are members of the US senior team.

Show us what #BeBoldForChange means to you. pic.twitter.com/P1iZqNtucw

— Lee Stecklein (@LeeSteck2) March 24, 2017

While the two have had been negotiating, USA Hockey took the step of contacting replacement players before the championships begin March 31st. Several collegians, including at least Minnesota players, have said no to the opportunity to represent their country.

***

Today I will do what others won't so tomorrow I can do what others can’t. I said no to USAH & will not play in the 2017WC #BeBoldForChange

— Cara Piazza (@carr_81) March 24, 2017

***

Today I will do what others won't so tomorrow I can do what others can’t. I said no to USAH & will not play in the 2017WC #BeBoldForChange

— Sydney Baldwin (@sydbaldwin9) March 24, 2017

***

Today I will do what others won't so tomorrow I can do what others can’t. I said no to USAH & will not play in the 2017WC #BeBoldForChange

— Taylor Williamson (@twilly_7) March 24, 2017

***
I'll update this if any more (i.e. Dani Cameranesi) post the same message.

UPDATE: Cameranesi did.

#BeBoldForChange pic.twitter.com/FIbz69wRpP

— Dani Cameranesi (@DaniCam9) March 24, 2017

UPDATE #2 (March 25th): Gopher freshman defender Patti Marshall turned down USA Hockey as well.

Today I will do what others won't so tomorrow I can do what others can’t. I said no to USAH & will not play in the 2017WC #BeBoldForChange

— Patti Marshall (@pattimarshall16) March 25, 2017 

2017 NCAA Tournament: Gophers get back Dani Cameranesi

Mixed in with national championship banners, Minnesota getting a star player back late in the season is quickly becoming a Gopher signature move.

In this case the player is senior co-captain Dani Cameranesi, who surprisingly returned last week for Minnesota from a lower body injury suffered nearly two months ago. She will be in the lineup today for the team's NCAA Quarterfinal on the road against Minnesota Duluth.

Puck drop is at 2:30 and can be streamed here.

Cameranesi was cleared a few days prior to the WCHA Final Faceoff, according to head coach Brad Frost.

2017 NCAA Tournament: Minnesota to face Minnesota Duluth in NCAA Quarterfinals

The two-time defending national champions will begin the opportunity for a third in a different locale: the road.

Minnesota (25-7-5) will face in-state WCHA foe Minnesota Duluth (25-6-5) at AMSOIL Arena at 2 pm CT Saturday. The Bulldogs earned the third seed in the eight-team NCAA Tournament when the bracket was announced Sunday evening.

WCHA regular season and conference tournament Wisconsin is the top overall seed.

Game Story: Gopher women's hockey team tops Bemidji State to advance to WCHA Final Faceoff (St. Paul Pioneer Press)

2/27/2017 Game Story

Bemidji State 2
Minnesota 3
FINAL

MINNEAPOLIS- Kelly Pannek and the rest of the Gophers women’s hockey team were aware of the stakes Sunday against Bemidji State.

Facing elimination and the pressure of a must-win Game 3, the Gophers needed a victory in the first round of the WCHA playoffs to continue controlling their own destiny. Without a win, Minnesota could have lost an opportunity to host a NCAA tournament quarterfinal. It would also leave getting a chance to defend its national championship in doubt.

Minnesota (25-6-5) brushed off a pair of scares, getting top performances from its top players. The Gophers defeated Bemidji State 3-2 at Ridder Arena to win the best-of-three series two games to one and live to play another weekend.

“Before this week even started, we knew what we had to do,” said Pannek, who finished with two goals Sunday set up by linemate Sarah Potomak. “This series shows our season, the ups and downs that we have had and fighting back from adversity in a way. Bemidji’s a great team, and they are so tough to play against. They play such a disciplined style of hockey.”

The Gophers emphasized getting out to a quick start Sunday. Following Saturday’s loss in a game it never led, Minnesota began with an 8-1 advantage in shots, testing the BSU defense with several chances by Pannek.

She was rewarded with the opening goal 10:35 into the game. Afterward, the Gophers did not trail.

Click here to read the rest 

BLOG: Kelly Pannek and Sarah Potomak among 10 2017 Patty Kazmaier Award finalists

Minnesota forwards Kelly Pannek and Sarah Potomak are two of ten finalists for the 2017 Patty Kazmaier Award.

The award for the top player in Division 1 women's ice hockey will be handed out March 18th during the Frozen Four in St. Louis, Missouri.

Minnesota returns home rejuvenated for stretch run (SB Nation College Hockey)

(This article originally appeared at SB Nation College Hockey)

Minnesota has spent enough time on the road where the norm of late has been to practice at home all week before waking up Friday and take a road trip to an opposition rink.

Since November 27th, the Gophers have played two games at Ridder Arena, where the team is 11-0-1. That ends this weekend when Minnesota (21-5-3, 17-4-3-2 WCHA) begins a regular season-ending four game homestand when the Gophers host North Dakota. A week later Wisconsin comes to town then the Gophers play at home in the WCHA first round.

Gophers Hockey: Minnesota returns home with rare losing streak

(This article originally appeared on SB Nation College Hockey)

It took Kate Schipper until her senior season to reach a double digit number of losses in her collegiate career. Not in one year. Total.

So this experience is new for her and everyone on the two-time defending national champions.

Minnesota, four years removed from achieving the pursuit of perfection every team strives to achieve, is in a losing streak every other team faces at one point. The Gophers (16-5-2) have lost four of the last six games - matching last season’s total number of losses - dating back to an 8-2 loss at Wisconsin on December 4th.

That includes being swept in two games last weekend at Minnesota Duluth.

“I don’t think we did a ton of thing wrongs, especially Saturday. Looking back it’s more of execution,” Schipper said. “I think executing at a higher level and everyone doing a little better will help the entire team.”

Despite the losses, the Gophers remain ranked fourth. Trying keep the mood light in practice this week prior to facing Ohio State at Ridder Arena, Schipper and the rest of her Minnesota teammates have been going back to the basics. Working hard. Nothing too serious.

There’s no one reason for the losing streak. Head coach Brad Frost preached about the process, not the results. The Gophers came back to tie UMD twice both games before the Bulldogs pulled away.

Click here to read the rest!

Preview: Minnesota-UMD game Friday on Fox Sports North

Minnesota heads north to Duluth for a two game WCHA series between two of the top four teams in the nation. Both games at AMSOIL Arena Friday and Saturday begin at 3 pm locally.

Friday afternoon's game will be televised locally on Fox Sports North. You can also stream it on Fox Sports Go.

The #2 Gophers (16-3-2, 12-2-2-2 WCHA) swept UMD when the two teams played in October in part thanks to Sarah Potomak. The sophomore forward scored the game-winning goal both games with the second coming in overtime.

#4 Minnesota Duluth (13-4-3, 10-4-2-1 WCHA), in the second year under head coach Maura Crowell, returned to its spot at the top of the conference. No team has swept the Bulldogs in Duluth this season. Players have developed and depth has accumulated, making it more difficult for opposing teams to target a line or two.

At the same time, senior forward Lara Stalder (#21) has been one of the top players in the WCHA. Her 27 points (9G-18A) are fourth in the conference. Not too far behind her are linemates Ashleigh Brykaliuk with 24 points and Katherine McGovern with 20.

The trio face a Gopher team that has given up 18 goals in its last 4 games.

In net, sophomore Maddie Rooney holds a .940 save percentage. When the two teams played in October, Rooney stopped 74 of 81 shots.

Minnesota, meanwhile, will have back Dani Cameranesi in its lineup for the first time since early December. The senior forward leads the nation in goals per game (1.06). Her return reunites the top line in the nation between her, Potomak and national scoring leader Kelly Pannek.

Potomak and freshman Lindsay Agnew also return from national team duty. Both missed the Gophers' exhibition win over the Minnesota Whitecaps post-collegiate team and non-conference United States Hall of Fame Game against Minnesota State last weekend playing for Team Canada in the Nations Cup.

University of Minnesota lineup (via @GopherWHockey) :

⏰ 30 minutes til puck drop. Here's a look at the #GWH lineup for today's game vs. UMD. pic.twitter.com/3kfFVPTZ3V

— Minnesota W Hockey (@GopherWHockey) January 13, 2017