ST. PETER, Minn. – The No. 6-ranked Gustavus women’s hockey team wraps up the regular season this weekend with a series against Saint Benedict. The Gusties enter the weekend 17-2-4 overall and 11-2-3 in the MIAC, while the Blazers are 2-19-1 overall and 1-14-1 in the league. Friday’s game in St. Cloud starts at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday’s Senior Day at Don Roberts Ice Rink begins at 2 p.m.
FRIDAY LIVE STATS/WATCH LIVE
SATURDAY LIVE STATS | WATCH LIVE
Senior Day: As is tradition as Gustavus, the final home game of the regular season is designated as Senior Day and a special tribute is made to the individuals who have dedicated themselves to Gustavus women’s hockey the past four years. This Saturday, the Athletics Department, Head Coach Mike Carroll, parents, and fans salute the six student-athletes who have represented the women’s hockey program with pride and class throughout their collegiate careers. Student-athletes honored for their years of commitment include Diana Draayer (Deephaven, Minn.), Katy Fuller (Minneapolis, Minn.), Laura Johnson (Chanhassen, Minn.), Kaitlyn Klein (Plymouth, Minn.), Erica Power (Lakeville, Minn.), and Rachel Skoglund (Forest Lake, Minn.).
Last time out: The Gusties swept Concordia 3-0 and 4-1 last weekend in Moorhead, Minn. Allie Stanger, Elly Strunk, and Diana Draayer scored goals in Friday’s win, while Kaitlyn Klein and Erica Power tallied a pair of goals each in Saturday’s victory. Amanda DiNella claimed both wins in goal, accumulating 31 saves. For her performance, DiNella was named MIAC Athlete of the Week.
Racking up the points: Kaitlyn Klein enters the weekend with 21 goals and 34 points, which rank second and fifth, respectively, in the MIAC. Klein is having the greatest offensive season by a Gustavus women’s hockey player since Allie Schwab tallied 25 goals and 46 points in the 2011-12 season.
Climbing the ranks: Amanda DiNella recorded her 14th career shutout last Saturday and is second in career shutouts in program history. DiNella is also one of three Gustavus goalies to post at least 1,000 saves. DiNella currently has 1,110 saves behind Lindsey Hibbard (1,193) and record holder Danielle Justice (1,316).
Last time they met: Last season the Gusties swept Saint Ben’s 3-1 on Friday in St. Peter and 3-2 on Saturday in St. Cloud. Two of the three goals in Friday’s win came on the power play as the Gusties out-shot the Blazers 53-8. On Saturday, The Gusties erased a one-goal deficit with three unanswered scores. Shots on goal were much closer in the second game, 25-18 in favor of Gustavus.
Playoff seeding scenarios:
Gusties No. 1 if… they sweep Saint Ben’s AND St. Thomas wins and ties against Hamline
Gusties No. 1 if… they win and tie Saint Ben’s AND St. Thomas sweeps Hamline
Gusties No. 2 if… anything else happens
Congratulations seniors on your time and commitment to the GUSTIE Hockey program.
The Moes family.