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March 19, 2010

Home ice for Gusties in Frozen Four

By Shane Frederick Free Press Staff Writer

ST PETER — For the first time in the nine-year history over the NCAA Division III women’ hockey tournament, a school from the west region is hosting the Frozen Four, as the national semifinals and championship will be played today and Saturday at Gustavus Adolphus’ Don Roberts Ice Rink.

The Gusties have played in three other national-championship weekends and won the third-place game in 2002 and 2005. All of those experiences took place in the eastern region.

“It’s different,” coach Mike Carroll said. “We’re in our own building, the players can go to class and practice at our normal time. ... We’re just going to try to worry about the things we can control.”

Gustavus will play defending national champion Amherst at 7 p.m. today. Norwich and Elmira will open the tournament at 3:30 p.m. today.

The third-place game will take place at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, and the championship game will start at 7 p.m.

“I expect us to play well this weekend,” Carroll said. “If we weren’t playing our best at the beginning of the season, we’re playing our best at the end.”

A weekend pass costs $20 for adults and $10 for students. Single-session tickets are $12 and $6.

Here’s a look at the participating teams;

Gustavus Gusties

Location: St. Peter

Coach: Mike Carroll

Conference: Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

Record: 22-4-2

About the Gusties: No. 6-ranked Gustavus is making its fourth appearance in the national semifinals but its first since 2006. The Gusties have won their last 13 games in a row, including a 2-0 victory over Wisconsin-River Falls in last week’s quarterfinals. Sophomore Allie Schwab (17-13—30) leads a balanced offense that also includes senior forward Melissa Mackley (12-17—29) and junior defenseman Kirstin Peterson (6-18—24), both of whom are All-Americans. Sophomore goaltender Danielle Justice leads the nation with a 0.85 goals-against average.

Did you know? Mackley and Alyssa Saunders are the Gusties’ only seniors.

Amherst Lord Jeffs

Location: Amherst, Mass.

Coach: Jim Plumer

Conference: New England Small College Athletic Conference

Record: 21-2-4

About the Lord Jeffs: The nation’s top-ranked team won the NESCAC playoff title and earned a bye into the semifinals. It went 7-1-3 against top-10 teams this season Freshman Geneva Lloyd (8-20—28) leads the team’s scoring race, while junior Courtney Hanlon (16-11—27) is the top goal scorer. Junior Caroline Hu ranks second in the nation with a 1.00 goals-against average. A year ago, Amherst defeated Elmira 4-3 in overtime to win the national title, with Kate Dennett (6-17—23), who is now a senior, scoring the game-winning goal.

Did you know? Amherst has four Minnesota natives on its roster.

Elmira Eagles

Location: Elmira, N.Y.

Coach: Greg Fargo

Conference: ECAC West

Record: 23-4-1

About the Eagles: Last year’s national runner-up, Elmira is making its sixth trip to the Frozen Four. The Eagles, who defeated Trinity 2-1 in the national quarterfinals last week for their 12th consecutive victory, won the title in 2002 and 2003. Ranked No. 2 in the nation, Elmira is led by three seniors: Jenna McCall (11-20—31), Jamie Kivi (13-17—30) and Lauryn DePaul (13-15—28). The team’s top goal scorer is Alex Bresler (18-7—25). Freshmen Lauren Sullivan has won 14 games and has a .946 goals against average.

Did you know? Former Minnesota State player Shera Vis is an assistant coach for the Eagles.

Norwich Cadets

Location: Northfield, Vt.

Coach: Mark Bolding

Conference: ECAC East

Record: 19-5-5

About the Cadets: Ranked 10th in the country, Norwich is making its first trip to the Frozen Four and advanced to the round of four by getting two goals from senior Sophie Leclerc (14-21—35) in the final two minutes of the third period to knock off Plattsburgh State 3-2 in the quarterfinals. Sophomore Julie Fortier (22-16—38) is the top-scoring forward in the nation still playing. She ranks 10th, while Leclerc is 19th. Junior Cindy Fortin and sophomore Chiara Traversa have split time in goal.

Did you know? Norwich is in just its third season of competition in women’s hockey.

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