The University of Minnesota Duluth women's hockey team will make it's second consecutive NCAA Frozen Four appearance Friday against the same opponent they faced in the semifinals one season ago. The eighth-seeded Bulldogs will take to the ice of Pegula Ice Arena in University Park, Pa. against third-seeded Northeastern University in a sort of rematch game for UMD, who the Huskies defeated in overtime 3-2 last March. The puck will drop on the Bulldog program's ninth NCAA Frozen Four appearance at 2:30 p.m. (CT) Friday.
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WE'RE BACK!: UMD is back-to-back into the NCAA Frozen Four for the first time since the Bulldogs did it four seasons in a row -- 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010. In fact, as a program, UMD has returned to the Frozen Four in back-to-back seasons multiple times, starting with its three NCAA three-peat title run in 2001, 2002 and 2003.
COMING UP HUGHES IN THE POSTSEASON: How good was Gabbie Hughes last week in Minneapolis? The senior center scored her first collegiate hat trick against Harvard before polishing off the No. 2 University of Minnesota with a game-winning goal for four goals in the opening two games of the NCAA Tournament. Those four goals over two games puts Hughes into a tie for the fourth-most NCAA Tournament goals in program history, and ties her for the most goals ever by a Bulldog in a single NCAA Tournament. (Laura Fridfinnson - 2008 and Maria Rooth - 2001 also had four goals in the NCAA Tournament).
SODERBERG IN THE NCAA TOURNAMENT: Emma Soderberg has now cemented herself as one of the best UMD goaltenders statistically ever in the NCAA postseason. The senior owns a record of 3-1, with two shutouts -- the only Bulldog netminder to own two shutouts (and one of only two to have earned one). Soderberg has played 267 minutes in between the pipes, and over that span, has a 0.67 goals against average and .979 saves percentage - both program NCAA Tournament highs. Patricia Sautter leads all UMD goaltenders with a perfect record of 4-0, and Kim Martin having played in the most NCAA games with a record of 3-2.
A FINALIST FOR HISTORY, GABBIE HUGHES: Senior center Gabbie Hughes is one of just three Division I women's college hockey players to be both a finalist for the Hockey Humanitarian Award and the Patty Kazmaier Award. Hughes joins Annie Pankowski (Wisconsin 2019) and Chandra Gunn (Northeastern 2004, 2003), who are the only other players in history to be finalists for both awards.
UMD IN THE NCAA TOURNAMENT: UMD heads back into the NCAA Frozen Four in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 2009 and 2010. This will mark the ninth time in program history the Bulldogs have earned a spot in the Frozen Four, and the second of the Maura Crowell era. In all, UMD has gone to the NCAA Frozen Four nine times (2022, 2021, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2003, 2002, 2001) Overall, UMD has earned a spot in the NCAA Tournament (or right into the NCAA Frozen Four (2001, 2002, 20003) for 13 times in its history.
All-time, the Bulldogs are 18-7 in the NCAA postseason, including 11-3 in the NCAA Frozen Four and 6-4 in Regional Final/Quarterfinal games. The NCAA didn't adopt a quarterfinal game until the 2004-05 season, and prior to that, UMD had played in and won the first three NCAA titles in 2001, 2002 and 2003, going a perfect 6-0 in the NCAA postseason.
A look at UMD in the NCAA Frozen Four Semifinals-- (UMD is 11-3 in the Frozen Four and 5-3 in the semifinal game.)
March 18, 2021 -- Northeastern 3, UMD 2 OT at Erie Insurance Arena, Erie, Pa.
March 19, 2010 -- UMD 3, Minnesota 2 OT at Ridder Arena, Minneapolis, MN
March 20, 2009 -- Wisconsin 5, UMD 1 at Agganis Arena, Boston, MA
March 20, 2008 -- UMD 3, New Hampshire 2 at the DECC, Duluth, MN
March 18, 2007--UMD 4, Boston College 3 2OT at Herb Brooks Arena, Lake Placid,NY
March 21, 2003 -- UMD 5, Dartmouth 2 at the DECC, Duluth, MN
March 22, 2002 -- UMD 3, Niagara 2 at the Whittemore Center, Durham, NH
March 23, 2001 -- UMD 6, Harvard 3 at Mariucci Arena, Minneapolis, MN
THE SERIES: While UMD meets Northeastern for just the fourth time in program history and leads the overall series 2-1, they notably clashed last March in the NCAA Frozen Four semifinals. The Huskies ousted the Bulldogs in overtime, defeating UMD 3-2 Erie Insurance Arena in Erie, Pa.
In that game, UMD offensively jumped all over NU in the opening period, muscling 13 shots on goal to the Huskies four. It took the Bulldogs 30 minutes to be rewarded for that effort, which finally happened midway through the second frame.
Kailee Skinner's launch of the puck from the point ricocheted off the boards and back towards the right post where forward Mannon McMahon backhanded in the rebound to open the game's scoring at 10:03. Less than five minutes later, the Bulldogs doubled down on their lead. Anna Klein skated into the Huskies zone, and after momentarily losing the puck behind the net, got it back on her backhand. Klein shoveled the puck back across Aerin Frankel just outside of the crease to Taylor Anderson waiting in the lower circle, and Anderson took it on her backhand, moved it to her forehand and beat Frankel at 15:30 to put UMD up 2-0.
The Huskies found their offense in the third period, however, bolstered by a 5-on-3 power play they carried in from the previous frame. Maureen Murphy finished off a power play passing sequence just 42 seconds into the period, and Northeastern was able to equalize 2-2 at 5:30 on a goal from Katy Knoll. From there, the Huskies encountered Bulldog goaltender Emma Soderberg, and despite having outshot UMD 15-5, the two sides would need extra time to settle the final score.
The Bulldogs and Huskies went back and forth in the overtime, with UMD landing some punches late in extra time. But it was Northeastern that would get the final break at 19:33.7 on a goal from Skylar Fontaine that fluttered up and over Soderberg for the game-winner. Soderberg finished the game with 44 saves for the Bulldogs.
OTHER UMD-NORTHEASTERN NOTABLES: Besides the Frozen Four meeting a year ago, the two programs faced each in just one other series during the 2000-01 season -- before a single current Bulldog sophomore or freshman was born. In its one and only series played in Duluth, Minn. at the DECC, UMD swept the Huskies on Jan. 7-8 by scores of 3-2 and 12-0.
While UMD has only met Northeastern three times, the Bulldogs have played in a total of 35 games against teams in Northeastern's conference -- Hockey East -- and own a 23-8-4 all-time record against the league. UMD has played Hockey opponents 11 times since the 2015-16 season, and have gone 4-6-1 over that span.
--UMD assistant coach Laura Schuler is a NU graduate, and was elected into the Hall of Fame in 2004 for her hockey achievements. The Huskies went 74-24-5 over Schuler's playing tenure, and the future Olympic player and coach had 121 in her career (64 goals, 57 assists). Schuler was also the head coach of the Huskes from 2004-2008.
LAST TIME OUT: UMD knocked out the No. 2 University of Minnesota Saturday 2-1 at Ridder Arena in Minneapolis, Minn. to advance to their second Frozen Four in as many seasons.
Minnesota took advantage of a power play midway through the first period on a goal from Abigail Boreen, the Bulldogs were skate for skate with the Gophers and even with 10 shots apiece after 20 minutes.
UMD equalized at 14:46 of the second period on a blast from Manoon McMahon that snuck past Minnesota netminder Lauren Bench to draw the Bulldogs even at 1-1. The goal was the lone tally of the period, setting the table for an epic third period and another notch between two storied programs.
Enter Gabbie Hughes, undoubtedly the hottest player in college hockey right now and fresh off a natural hat trick against Harvard University in the first round. Élizabeth Giguère pinched a Gopher attempt to break out of their zone and tipped the puck up to Hughes' stick along the boards. The senior center skated under the right circle and fired it past Bench to push UMD into the lead, and then followed it with a jersey tug and a celebration even the often hard-celebrating Hughes will not soon forget.
Emma Soderberg, who is now tied for the second most NCAA tournament wins in program history with three, was again brilliant for the Bulldogs, and made 37 saves in the game.
MORE NOTES FROM THE NCAA REGIONAL FINAL: UMD is now 6-4 in Regional Final/Quarterfinal games and 2-0 in the past two seasons.
--The Bulldogs finish the season 3-3 against Minnesota, including 2-2 at Ridder Arena against the Gophers. UMD is now 9-8 against teams that made the NCAA Tournament this season.
--With both game-winning goals so far in UMD's NCAA postseason, Gabbie Hughes now has seven on the season -- the second-most in the nation.
--Mannon McMahon has now scored two goals in NCAA post season play. In addition to scoring UMD's first goal against Minnesota, she struck against Northeastern last season in the NCAA Frozen Four semifinal.
--In four games at Ridder Arena in her NCAA postseason career, Élizabeth Giguère now has six points -- one game-winning, NCAA title winning goal, and five assists (including a game-winning assist that advanced Clarkson University into the title game back in 2019 as a freshman). Giguère had an assist on each of Gabbie Hughes' tallies last week, or on four of UMD's six goals.
--Giguère is currently on eight-game scoring-streak, with 13 points (3g, 10a) over that span, while Hughes has notched points in her last six games, with nine points (5g, 4a) over that stretch.
NOTES FROM THE NCAA FIRST ROUND, HARVARD GAME: UMD is 15-5-1 all-time against Harvard all-time, and now 3-0 in NCAA Tournament action, where UMD has averaged 4.66 goals per game in those contests.
--The Bulldogs got a hat trick from Gabbie Hughes and a shutout from Emma Soderberg en route to a 4-0 stomping of Harvard.
McKenzie Hewett rounded out the scoring at 6:34 of the third period, and Soderberg earned UMD its ninth shutout of the season and fifth for Soderberg. The Bulldogs had the slight edge on shots on goal at 30-27, and held the Crimson scoreless on their lone power play.
--Elizabeth Giguere now has a whopping 19 points (6g, 13a) against Harvard in nine career games for a 2.11 points per game average.
--After Soderberg's ninth team shutout Thursday, UMD has the most shutouts in a season since Kayla Black posted 10 in 2014-15.
NCAA TOURNAMENT HIGHLIGHTS: Gabbie Hughes joined UMD legend Maria Rooth as the only two players in program history to score a hat trick in the NCAA Tournament Against Harvard. Rooth also netted one against Harvard in the NCAA Frozen Four semifinals on March 23, 2001, a 6-3 Bulldog victory (en route to the program's first NCAA title).
--Hughes has the only natural NCAA postseason hat trick in program history.
--Emma Soderberg now has two of the three UMD program NCAA Tournament shutouts. In addition to Soderberg's two, Kim Martin has the other, a 4-0 triumph over the University of Wisconsin in the NCAA Championship game back on March 22, 2008 at the DECC.
--Élizabeth Giguère and Hughes also joined quite the club last Thursday night with three points in a game (Hughes 3g, Giguere 3a). They became the eighth and ninth UMD players to compile three or more points in an NCAA game. It's actually been done 10 times -- Emmanuelle Blais managed it twice in her career.
POINT TAKEN: Élizabeth Giguère has scored the most points in a season (60) since Emmanuelle Blais scored 65 in 2009-10.
TRUE NET WORTH: UMD has scored the most goals in a season since 2009-10, having registered 133 goals in 38 games so far (during the 2009-10 title winning campaign, UMD netted 138 goals over 41 games). The Bulldogs are averaging 3.50 goals a game, the most by a team under Maura Crowell era. It also marks the 11th highest goals per game clip for UMD in its history, and the 133 goals is tied for the seventh most goals by a Bulldog squad in a season.
THAT WINNING FEELING: With 26 wins, the Bulldogs have earned the most wins in a season of the Maura Crowell era. Crowell ran up 25 wins in 2016-17, one of Crowell's three NCAA Tournament seasons.
GETTING GIGGY WITH IT: Élizabeth Giguère's past collegiate career has been well documented, but the former Patty Kazmaier winner current numbers for the Bulldogs show the fifth-year senior still has it.
Giguère has the second most points in the NCAA with 60 (21g, 39a) in 38 games, and her 1.57 ppg average is the third-highest in the nation. With three game-winning goals, she also has a plus/minus rating of +33.
Giguère's 39 assists puts her in a tie for 6th for the most helpers in a single season at UMD. The forward from Quebec City, Quebec has 17 times put up two or more points in a game this season, including 10 games where Giguère put up three or more points.
COMING UP HUGHES: Gabbie Hughes -- who led the NCAA in points per game for most of the season -- is tied for third in the NCAA with 59 points and the fourth most assists. Those 37 helpers are tie her for the 9th most in a UMD single-season ever. Hughes currently has 59 points (22g), and with a 1.55 ppg average, Hughes ranks fourth in the NCAA and owns a plus/minus rating of +42. 18 times this season Hughes has rung up two or more points in game, including eight games with three or more points.
Hughes, a center, has 490 wins from the dot in 872 attempts for a 55.7% success rate.
Equally as impressive is Hughes' assault on the career record books at UMD. The assistant senior captain now has 168 career points (71g, 96a) in 125 games, and is now is tied for eighth all-time in career points in program history. Hughes also ranks eighth all-time with 96 career assists, and was the seventh-fastest player in program history to score 150 points.
FOR ONLY THE SECOND TIME IN PROGRAM HISTORY, UMD HAS FOUR 50 CAREER GOAL SCORERS: It seems almost impossible that it has happened only once before, but after Naomi Rogge's hat trick agains MSU, UMD now has four players with 50 or more career goals currently rostered. The four -- Rogge (50), Anna Klein (60), Gabbie Hughes (71) and Élizabeth Giguère (120) have combined for 80 of UMD's 133 tallies so far. The only other season the Bulldogs had this kind of career firepower? 2002-03 when Jenny Potter (72), Erika Holst (100), Hanna Sikio (100) and Maria Rooth (119) -- arguably with the most firepower in not only program history but in NCAA history -- all teamed up for the Bulldogs third-consecutive NCAA title.
POWERED PLAY: The Bulldogs rank fourth in the NCAA with a 25.6 conversion rate on 23-of-90 attempts, but the three teams ahead of UMD are all teams in the NCAA Frozen Four.
GOALS GALORE: UMD has four players with 18 or more goals this season for the first time since the 2007-08 season. Élizabeth Giguère (21), Anna Klein (19), Gabbie Hughes (21) and Naomi Rogge (18) have combined for 75 goals this season. Not since Haley Irwin (23), Laura Fridfinnson (22), Elin Holmlov (20) and Iya Gavrilova (19) combined for 85 goals during UMD's 2007-08 NCAA title run season has a quad of Bulldogs scored more goals.
