Kelly Thotland fights for a loose puck on the boards against UW-Superior's Teal Crosson.
The Gustavus women’s hockey team spent the majority of Tuesday night’s game against the University of Wisconsin-Superior on the attack, but the Gusties couldn’t put in a goal on 52 shots through three-plus periods. First-year forward Carolyn Draayer ended that scoring drought 1:32 into overtime, though, by knocking in a loose puck from the slot for the game-winner at Don Roberts Ice Rink in St. Peter, Minn.
Draayer’s game-winner was her team-leading 10th goal of the season, improving the No. 6 Gusties to 9-0-1 overall, while the No. 9 Yellowjackets fall to 6-4-2 overall.
Despite not being able to score a goal throughout the first three periods, the Gusties controlled the tempo of the game and generated multiple scoring opportunities. The Black and Gold out-shot Superior in each period, totaling a 53-to-18 advantage, and won 43-of-63 face offs. Allie Schwab led the way on the dots for the Gusties, claiming 20-of-25 opportunities.
Marah Sobczak started in goal for Gustavus for the first time since Nov. 12 and responded with her first career shutout. The Stillwater, Minn. native fended off 18 shots in 61:32 of work, improving to 3-0-0 this year. UW-Superior netminder Amy Torgerson was unbeatable through three periods, making a total of 52 saves, but the 53rd shot made it to the back of the net dropping her record to 3-2-1.
Carolyn Draayer takes a face off in the third period.
The Gusties are off to their best start in program history without a loss through 10 games, however, under the direction of 13-year head coach Mike Carroll, they typically play their best hockey after Christmas break. The Gusties have improved their win percentage from before the break to after in each of the past three seasons – .813-to-.917 (2008-09), .500-to-.864 (2009-10) and .778-to-.786 (2010-11). Improving on a .950 win percentage this season is a tall task, but Carroll’s squad has over a three-week hiatus to regroup and will resume play on Jan. 6 at the University of Wisconsin-Steven’s Point.
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