For 11 years, 10 current members of the University of Minnesota Duluth women's hockey team grew up watching or even playing on Hockey Day Minnesota.  On Saturday, they all participated in the first-ever NCAA D-I outdoor game in the 12 year history of Minnesota's official celebration of hockey.  It's safe to say, once the legend became their reality, it didn't disappoint.

The Bulldogs, who started four Minnesotans for the game, including sophomore goaltender Catherine Johnson of Lakeville, Minn., finished the afternoon with a 1-1 tie against St. Cloud State University in a game that was recorded as a nonconference skate.  Despite burying the Huskies beneath 44 shots compared to the mere 17 SCSU mustered, UMD was elated to take part in a game that brought its entire roster, but especially the 11 Minnesotans, back to their outdoor rink roots.

"It was an unbelievable experience for our players and staff to participate in Hockey Day Minnesota," said UMD head coach Maura Crowell.  "It was everything we hoped it would be and more.  The weather was awesome, the sun came out for a little while, and the game was fantastic.  We played really well and dominated puck possession time and shots on net, so it was a great way to finish the weekend.  We were really lucky to be a part of it, our players had a blast, and to come away with a tie, everyone goes away happy."

It was hard to argue with the 37 degrees that welcomed the Bulldogs at the opening face-off, mere feet away from the shores of Lake George in St. Cloud, Minn.  Any native Minnesotan knew UMD was right where it belonged in such perfect hockey weather -- on an outdoor rink.

The Huskies reminded the Bulldogs there was still a game -- and one that mattered -- to be played, however, and SCSU got on the board first 4:42 into the opening period when the St. Cloud hero of Friday, Hallie Theodosopoulos,  beat Johnson from the slot glove side.

UMD, who had still outshot the Huskies 11-6 in the first period, roared to life in the second stanza.  After compiling a shots on goal advantage of 9-2 in the first 10 minutes, rookie forward Naomi Rogge took the game into her own hands.  The Eden Prairie, Minn. native drove to right side of the SCSU net and elevated the puck short side to draw the Bulldogs even at 1-1 at the 10:59 mark.  Rogge's goal was her second on the weekend and pushed her into a team-high 12 goals on the season.

The Bulldogs peppered St. Cloud State in the third period 12-4, but the Huskies managed to force overtime.  In all, UMD notched a whopping 44 shots on net to the Huskies 17, but was unable beat the SCSU durable duo in net again.  SCSU's Janie Alder had 21 saves in the final 34 minutes of action, while Emma Polusny had 22 stops in 31.  Johnson, who wore a hat over her helmet in the contest in the ultimate salute to her hockey heritage, turned away 16 shots to earn her first tie in a Bulldog sweater.

UMD will head back home (and sadly, indoors) next weekend when it hosts No. 7 Ohio State University at AMSOIL Arena Friday and Saturday.  Both games will be at 3:07 p.m.

BULLDOG NOTES:  UMD's 44 shots was the most it has had against an opponent since it registered 44 against Minnesota State University, Mankato on the road on Feb. 6. 2016.