At the Xcel Energy Center double-header, Gophers Women's Hockey beat St. Thomas 8-0.
Forward Abbey Murphy earned a hat trick (3 goals) and 2 assists.
Goaltender Skylar Vetter earned her second shutout of the season, a perfect 2-for-2 shutouts in starts.
Forward Ella Huber scored 2 goals.
Defender Madeline Wethington made 3 assists and played shutdown defense.
Forwards Emma Conner, Peyton Hemp and Audrey Wethington each scored a goal.
"This was a great event tonight, and I'm really happy we could be a part of it playing here at Xcel Energy Center," head coach Brad Frost said. "We're getting better each and every week, and I'm really proud of our group. These two [Abbey Murphy and Skylar Vetter] played exceptional again tonight, as they have all year."
"It was nice to get those first two [goals], but I was focused on doing the right things first and I just figured that the third one would come eventually," Murphy said about her hat trick.
ST. PAUL – The University of Minnesota women's hockey team defeated the St. Thomas Tommies behind an explosion of offense and stifling goaltending on Frida...
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Abbey Murphy and Ella Huber
Madeline Wethington and Skylar Vetter
I thought the score would be closer. St Thomas's roster looks better this season than last. The overall game stats were not as lopsided as the score suggests. The Gophers simply lowered the hammer with their opportunities while keeping the crosstown rival out of the net.
Good efficient hockey!
Gophers put the puck in the net with their shots while keeping opponents out. That sounds way too simple, but that's the story.
Gophers Men's Hockey
Gophers Men's Hockey beat St. Thomas 6-5 in OT in a thriller. Gophers were down in the third period until Gopher Brody Lamb scored a nice pair of goals. Jimmy Snuggerud scored the winner in OT.
Jimmy Snuggerud's second goal of the night capped off Minnesota's season-opening victory in overtime against St. Thomas Friday night.
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It was a great event. Yea, it would have been nice to see the men win bigger. I give due credit to an improved St. Thomas team that recently beat top-10 ranked St. Cloud. This will be a fun rivalry into the years ahead. Minnesota has the upper hand.
More Thoughts About the Gophers Women's Hockey Team
They have smothered their lesser opponents, looking efficient. Abbey Murphy is hot.
This offseason, the Minnesota Women's Hockey team lost around 60% of their scoring production to graduation, so it was unclear what to expect from this new team.
One thing that jumped out to me: The Gophers have good height and size. I suppose that doesn't matter as much in women's hockey without checking -- I'll take skill and speed first -- but the reach and ice presence are noticeable.
Let's look at this win compared to the games last year.
This game:
8-0, win
Last season against St Thomas:
5-0, win
4-1, win
2-1, OT win (and Minnesota did not play great)
4-2, win
7-0, win in First Round WCHA Playoffs
6-2, win in First Round WCHA Playoffs (and Minnesota played strong, better hockey in all games of the post-season)
One little issue to look at, being picky here: When Minnesota was attacking, on three occasions a St Thomas forward got a jump on Gophers defenders for a breakaway attack towards the Gophers goaltender Vetter. I think St Thomas gambled a bit before it was obvious they had control. Be careful of that. You don't want Wisconsin snipers getting a step like that.
Looking Ahead
I think the upcoming home opener against a solid St. Cloud team will tell us more about this year's Gophers team -- and how they compare against Wisconsin and Ohio State. My early hunch is that the #4 Gophers are efficient and overall better than Ohio State but first need to face better opponents to prove it. #2 tOSU just beat 6/7 UMD 5-2.
Minnesota Gopher Women's Hockey Tickets SINGLE GAME TICKETS Single game tickets for the 2024-25 season will go on-sale in...
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- $5 tickets
- $2 hot dogs and $2 sodas
- WCHA Tournament Champions Banner raising ceremony
Tickets:
z.umn.edu/GWHhomeopener
wcha.com
www.ncaa.com
chawomenshockey.com
hockeyeastonline.com
www.therinklive.com
