UMD women’s hockey starts the regular season in Mankato

The Bulldogs have been undefeated in their last 17 matches against the Mavericks.

DULUTH, Minn.-This week, UMD women’s hockey opens 2021-2022 in Mankato.

UMD will bring back 13 seniors from last year’s team, but only one will not be left on the ice this season by former captain Ashton Bell, who is centered with the Canadian team. And even if the brilliant offensive defender loses a bit of blueline, the Bulldogs will still be able to score as the scorers from 51 of last season’s 55 goals return to the lineup.

“It’s so exciting to see everyone there on the ice. You just watch the exercises and we play small games. It’s great to see this year’s depth, ”said striker Kylie Hanley.

“There are just so many guns, and it’s really fun to watch. We can clown as coaches, but honestly we haven’t had to. Almost every line can jump out the door and run it at a very high level, ”head coach Maura Crowell said.

The first order is a road trip to Mankato, Minnesota. The Bulldogs have been unbeaten in their last 17 matches against the Mavericks. But don’t sleep on them when they get out of the way over Merrimack last weekend.

“I think we’re taking one set at a time. We are not looking too far ahead. The focus is this weekend and we are not focusing on what they have done so far this season. We focus on ourselves, ”said striker Gabbie Hughes.

“Some of us get an extra season, we really don’t take anything for granted. And just by going there and knowing how good a team we have and using it to our advantage, I think we’re going to show that a lot of people are wrong around the country with what we have, ”Naomi Rogge said.

The puck drop on Friday night in Mankato is set just after 6 p.m.