The 2019-20 seniors. From left, Amelia Vosen, Paulina Scheid, and Kristen Cash. (photo courtesy of SPX Sports)
SAINT PETER, Minn. – No. 4 Gustavus women’s hockey is playing for a conference championship this weekend as it takes on Bethel. Friday’s game at Bethel starts at 7 p.m. and Saturday’s rematch in Saint Peter starts at 2 p.m. The Gusties enter the weekend 18-3-2 overall and 13-1-2 in the MIAC, while the Royals are 8-13-2 overall and 6-8-2 in the league.
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Senior Day: As is tradition at Gustavus, the final game of the regular season is designated as Senior Day and a special tribute is made to the individuals who have dedicated themselves to the Gustavus women’s hockey program over the last four years. This year, the Athletic Department, coaching staff, parents, and fans salute the three senior who have represented Gustavus with pride and class throughout their careers. The 2020 seniors include Kristen Cash (Roseville), Paulina Scheid (Stillwater), and Amelia Vosen (Anoka).
The Series: Friday’s game marks the 49th meeting between Gustavus and Bethel with the Gusties leading the all-time series 42-5-1. The Gusties have won the last seven matchups, most recently sweeping the Royals 4-0 and 4-3 on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, 2018.
Scouting the Gusties: Gustavus is riding a five-game winning streak, most recently defeating UW-Superior 3-0 on Tuesday. The Gusties enter the weekend with a one-point lead over Hamline in the conference standings. A sweep over Bethel would secure Gustavus its conference-leading 16th MIAC regular season championship. Through 16 conference games, the Gusties lead the MIAC in goals against average (1.05) and penalty kill percentage (96.0), and are second in the league in goals per game (3.75), shots per game (40.6), and power play goals (12). Kristina Press leads the team with 25 points on 10 goals and 15 assists. Molly McHugh is right behind at 24 points on 13 goals and 11 points. And Hailey Holland has 20 points on 12 goals and eight assists. Katie McCoy has spent the most time in net with a 1.17 goals against average and .948 save percentage.
Scouting the Royals: Bethel has won three of its last five games, most recently tying both games of its series against St. Catherine last weekend. Bethel is fighting for the fifth spot in the MIAC playoffs with 14 points in the standings, which is two more than Saint Mary’s and St. Catherine. Through 16 conference games, the Royals average 1.67 goals (8th/MIAC), 26.4 shots (6th/MIAC), and allow 2.23 goals (5th/MIAC). On the power play the Royals are 3-for-31 and the have killed off 50-of-57 penalties. Bri Stafne and Bailey Thompson both lead the offense with 15 points on nine goals and six assists each. Mallory Tidona has logged the most hours in net with a 2.26 goals against average and a .919 save percentage.