ST. PETER, Minn. – The No. 5-ranked Gustavus women’s hockey team begins MIAC playoffs Saturday, hosting Bethel in the semifinal round. Puck-drop is set for 2 p.m. at Don Roberts Ice Rink. After claiming a share of their 15th MIAC regular season championship, the Gusties enter the game with a 19-2-4 record, while the Royals are 12-12-2 after defeating Concordia 4-3 in the quarterfinal round Thursday.
Last time out: The Gusties wrapped up the regular season last weekend with a sweep over Saint Benedict, winning 3-1 Friday in St. Cloud and 7-1 Saturday in St. Peter. The sweep was Gustavus’s third straight and seventh of the season, extending its unbeaten streak to 11 games.
Racking up the points: Kaitlyn Klein enters the weekend with 22 goals and 38 points, which rank second and fourth, 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 is one of three Gustavus goalies to post at least 1,000 career saves. DiNella currently has 1,133 saves, sitting behind Lindsey Hibbard (1,193) and record holder Danielle Justice (1,316).
Last time they met: The Gusties swept the Royals in the regular season series back on Dec. 1-2, winning 3-1 Friday in Blaine and 4-2 Saturday in St. Peter. Allie Stanger, Laine Fischer, and Kaitlyn Klein scored a goal each in both game, while Kristen Cash tallied the fourth goal in Saturday’s win. Amanda DiNella made 38 saves total in the series.
MIAC playoff history: Last season, the Gusties won the MIAC regular season title, but were upset in the semifinal round by St. Thomas. In the 18-year history of the playoff field, Gustavus has posted a record of 27-7-2, while going 23-2-1 at home and 15-2-1 in the semifinal round. St. Thomas has won the past four MIAC Playoff titles, with the Gusties last title coming during the 2012-13 season as they won their 10th straight playoff championship.