University of Minnesota Athletics
Hanlon, Graft Lead Gophers to a 1-0 Win
12/9/2005 12:00:00 AM | Women's Hockey
Minnesota started the game early with a five-minute power-play opportunity when MSU’s Noelle Needham was called with a five-minute checking from behind major and a game disqualification. With the disqualification, Needham will sit out for the remainder of the series, including a suspension from tomorrow’s game. However, Minnesota was called with two penalties during its five-minute opportunity, and could not convert on its short time. The Mavericks were also called with a tripping penalty for Minnesota’s second power-play opportunity. The Gophers fired a shot, but was blocked by MSU’s Maggie Fisher. She picked up the puck and headed to the Minnesota zone for a breakaway attempt. However, Hanlon stopped Fisher’s breakaway attempt when she stopped the puck, top-shelf, for the fantastic glove save. The Gophers outshot the Mavericks, 13-6 in the first stanza, including eight shots on the power play.
Graft finished the scoreless tie, scoring her fourth goal of the season at 16:21 of the second period. Krista Johnson tallied the lone assist. Johnson battled behind the net and centered the puck to Graft, who fired the puck on the wide side past MSU goaltender Britni Kehler. The Gophers outshot the Mavericks, 17-10, in the period and converted a goal.
After going scoreless a majority of the third period, the Mavericks pulled Kehler with 1:26 remaining in the third period. However, the Gophers were able to hold off MSU, allowing just one shot during that time. Minnesota had 36 shots on goal, while Minnesota State had 24 shots.
Graft’s goal would be all that Hanlon would need to record the shutout. Hanlon stopped all 24 shots for her third shutout of season. Hanlon has now played in five games and started in three, earning three shutouts in three starts.
Minnesota will look for the sweep tomorrow at 3:07 p.m. The contest will be the final game of the 2005 calendar year. Following a three- week hiatus, Minnesota will open the second half of the season at home, Jan. 6-7 against Bemidji State.
