University of Minnesota Athletics
Back to Back National Champions
6/5/2005 12:00:00 AM | Athletics
The University of Minnesota women’s hockey team finished the season with its second consecutive national championship. The Golden Gophers defeated Dartmouth, 7-2 to advance to the championship game. For the second straight year, the Gophers defeated Harvard for the national title, 4-3. The women’s hockey team remains the only women’s team at the University of Minnesota to win a national championship. The Maroon and Gold finished the season with a phenominal record, posting a 36-2-2 mark overall and 25-1-2 in Western Collegiate Hockey Association play. The Gophers were undefeated in WCHA competition until the final weekend of the regular season.
CHAMPIONSHIP RECAP
Natalie Darwitz scored the game- winning goal with 1:08 remaining in the third period to lift Minnesota to its second consecutive national championship, in Durham, N.H. Darwitz posted a Frozen Four record nine points in two games, earning the Most Outstanding Player award. Krissy Wendell and Lyndsay Wall were named to the NCAA Frozen Four All- Tournament Team. Minnesota struck first, scoring at 17:24 of the first period, taking a 1 -0 lead into the first intermission. Wendell batted in a rebound after Darwitz took the initial shot. The Crimson quickly tied the game :46 into the second period when Jennifer Sifers scored an even strength goal. The Golden Gophers put the game back to a one goal lead on a power-play goal when Wall rifled a slap shot at 7:58 of the second period. Darwitz and Kelly Stephens assisted on the play. However, the Crimson tied the game for the second time in the period at 10:33, scoring a power-play goal from Sarah Vaillancourt. Just over eight minutes later, the Gophers tacked on their second goal of the period to give Minnesota a 3-2 lead. Ashley Albrecht fired a slap shot for her fourth goal of the season. Wendell and Darwitz assisted on the play. The Crimson tied the game for the third time on a power-play opportunity at 13:54 of the third period. With the game tied, 3-3, the two teams looked as if they were heading into overtime. However, at 18:52, Darwitz netted the gamewinner on a rebound attempt from Stephens. Darwitz finished the game with one goal and three assists.
WENDELL WINS PATTY KAZMAIER AWARD
The USA Hockey Foundation announced Krissy Wendell as the winner of the 2005 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award at a dinner at the Sheraton Harborside Portsmouth in Portsmouth, N.H., March 26. The award is presented annually to the top player in NCAA Division I women’s ice hockey. Wendell was chosen from a group of three finalists that included Natalie Darwitz, her Gopher linemate, and Caroline Ouellette from the University of Minnesota Duluth. Wendell was the first person from not only Minnesota, but also the WCHA to win the top award. The WCHA’s top goal-scorer (43), Wendell was named WCHA Player of the Year for the second consecutive season. Wendell finished the season second in the nation in both points (104) and points per game (2.60). She also had a nation’s best seven shorthanded goals and tied for second in the country with nine game-winning goals. With her 104 points, Wendell, a team co-captain, is one of just two women in school history to reach the 100-point mark. A three-time All-America selection, Wendell was named to both the WCHA and Frozen Four All-Tournament Teams in 2004 and 2005.
SCORING MACHINE
Natalie Darwitz produced an astounding 114 points on the season, ranking No. 1 in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association as well as the nation. Her 114 points broke a NCAA record for points in a season and tied former Harvard forward A.J. Mleczko’s overall all- time record. In just 99 career games played, the three-time All-American posted 246 points, breaking a school record. She broke former Gopher Nadine Muzerall’s record of 235 in 129 games played. Her 72 assists also broke the school record of 42, set last year by her linemates Krissy Wendell and Kelly Stephens. A member of the power-play, Darwitz contributed the most to Minnesota’s 31.0 conversion percentage, scoring 50 of her 114 points with the extra attacker. She led the WCHA in power-play scoring.
Darwitz is only the second person in Minnesota hockey history, men’s or women’s, to reach the single season 100-point mark. Aaron Broten had 106 points for the Minnesota men’s hockey team in the 1980-81.
SCORING THREATS
Minnesota’s line of Natalie Darwitz, Kelly Stephens and Krissy Wendell tallied 294 of the team’s 507 points in just 40 games played. The trio held the No. 1, No. 2 and No. 9 spots in national points per game. Darwitz led the nation with 114 points, followed by Wendell with 104 and Stephens with 76. All three ranked in the top 10 in goal scoring as well. Of the trio’s 294 points, 114 came on power-play attempts.
BETWEEN THE PIPES
Senior goalie Jody Horak held a 24-2-2 record in 28 starts her senior campaign. Horak ranked first in the WCHA in goals against average (1.45) and winning percentage (.893) and second in save percentage (.924). She established her eighth shutout of the season against Minnesota Duluth (2/27), a single season career high. She ranks second in school history in career shutouts (20), while former Gopher Erica Killewald holds the record with 21. Horak is also the all-time winningest goalie in school history, holding an 83-14-6 overall career record.
Brenda Reinen started in 12 games during the season, earning a perfect 12-0-0 record. Reinen started in the WCHA championship quarterfinal against Bemidji State. She has five shutouts on the season, also a career high.
DOMINATING THE POLLS
Minnesota was ranked as the top team in the country the entire 2004-05 season by both the US College Hockey Online and the USA Today polls. The Gophers, who were ranked the No. 1 team in the nation since March of 2004, have now been ranked the top team in the nation for 23 straight weeks. A preseason favorite, the Maroon and Gold set a record in the USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine poll for the longest time ranked as the No. 1 team. Since 2004, the Gophers have been ranked the No. 1 team for 28 consecutive polls.
HOLDING THE OPPONENTS SCORELESS
Minnesota allowed one goal or held its opponents scoreless in 25 of 40 games contested. The most goals allowed was seven in the Gophers' first loss of the season to Dartmouth (12/11). Minnesota had 13 shutouts on the season, including 12 against WCHA competition. Jody Horak had eight shutouts, while Brenda Reinen had five.
ALL-AMERICA HONORS AND AWARDS
Minnesota had four members earn All-America status in the 2004-05 championship season. The four is the most All-America honors in a single season for the Gophers. Natalie Darwitz, Lyndsay Wall and Krissy Wendell earned first-team All-America accolades, while Jody Horak earned second-team All-America honors. In Golden Gopher history, Minnesota has had nine players earn All-America status 16 times. In the past four seasons, at least one Gopher has been named to the JOFA/AHCA First Team. Horak became the first Minnesota goaltender to be named an All-American.
ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM HONORS
The Golden Gophers were well represented on the NCAA Frozen Four All-Tournament Team, which was announced following the championship game. Lyndsay Wall and Krissy Wendell was named to the all-tourney team, while Natalie Darwitz earned the Most Outstanding Player honor. Darwitz set the NCAA record for most individual points in the NCAA Frozen Four with nine, surpassing her linemate Wendell who had eight points in the 2004 championship season.
REACHING THE 200-POINT CLUB
Minnesota had three players reach the 200-career point mark in 2004-05. Juniors Natalie Darwitz and Krissy Wendell each tallied their 200th point on Jan. 21 against Ohio State. Darwitz accomplished the feat in just 82 games, while Wendell established the mark in 84 contests. Kelly Stephens was the third person to reach the 200-point mark, earning her feat against North Dakota (2/13). The trio ranks first, second and fourth in the school record books for career points.
ANOTHER 20-WIN SEASON
The Golden Gophers have won over 20 games in each of their eight seasons since the start of the program in 1997-98. Minnesota achieved the accomplishment in just 24 games played. For the past three years, the Gophers have surpassed the 20-win mark in just 24 games. Not only did the Gophers surpass the 20-win mark, but Minnesota earned the most wins this season since the start of the program in 1997-98, set at 36.
GOPHERS FINISHES HOME SEASON UNBEATEN
The Golden Gophers finished their home season with an impressive 15-0-1 record. It is the first time in Gopher history that Minnesota has gone unbeaten at home in a season. In back-to-back years in 2000-01 and 2001-02, the Gophers had one loss. Although the Gophers hosted the WCHA Championships and the NCAA Regional the event was considered a neutral location. In Ridder Arena, however, the Gophers held an 18-0-1 record.
SHORT-HANDED SUCCESS
The Golden Gophers scored 19 short-handed goals in 40 games played, setting a school and WCHA record. The previous record was 13 short-handed goals, set by the Gophers in the 1999-2000 AWCHA championship season. Minnesota scored five short-handed marks against St. Cloud State (10/15-16), five in the Minnesota State series (10/29-30) an overtime goal against Dartmouth (12/12) and a short-handed mark against Minnesota- Duluth (2/26). The 19 tallies led the nation, while the next closest team was Mercyhurst with 11. Krissy Wendell led team with seven, followed by Natalie Darwitz with five. Andrea Nichols, Bobbi Ross and Kelly Stephens each had two, while Becky Wacker netted one. The Gophers surpassed last year’s total of 11, which was the third-highest in school history.
GOPHERS WIN WCHA CHAMPIONSHIP
Minnesota earned its second WCHA Championship in two seasons, hosted in the Gophers’ own Ridder Arena. The Gophers defeated Bemidji State, 6-3 in the quarterfinals and Ohio State, 7-1 in the semifinals to advance to the championship game. The Gophers won the championship in dramatic fashion, defeating Wisconsin, 3-2 in overtime. Natalie Darwitz was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, while Jody Horak, Lyndsay Wall and Krissy Wendell earned all-tournament honors. Darwitz scored five goals and added four assists for nine points in the tournament. Wendell had eight points, while Kelly Stephens had seven. Of Darwitz's nine points, four came on power-play attempts. With the win, the Gophers surpassed the most victories in a single season with 33. The Maroon and Gold surpassed the 1999-2000 season total of 32. The Gophers went 32-6-1 in the AWCHA Championship season.
GOPHERS AND WCHA POST-SEASON AWARDS
The WCHA held its annual banquet prior to the WCHA Championships, announcing the end of the year conference awards. The Gophers were well represented in the awards, placing three on the first team All-WCHA (Natalie Darwitz, Lyndsay Wall and Krissy Wendell) and two on the second team All-WCHA (Jody Horak and Kelly Stephens). For the second straight season, Wendell was voted as the WCHA Player of the Year. Freshman forward Bobbi Ross was named WCHA Rookie of the Year, while head coach Laura Halldorson was named the league's Coach of the Year. Darwitz captured the 2004-05 WCHA Scoring Champion title as she led the league with 72 conference points. Horak earned the 2004 -05 WCHA Goaltending Award as she led the league with a 0.89 goals against average. Horak also led the league with a 16-1-2 record on the season and owned a league-best .952 save percentage. Along with the WCHA awards, the WCHA All-Academic Team was announced. The Gophers led all teams with 11 honorees in Chelsey Brodt, Darwitz, Krista Johnson, Andrea Nichols, Brenda Reinen, Allie Sanchez, Maggie Souba, Stephens, Noelle Sutton, Stacy Troumbly and Wendell.
GOPHERS EARN FOURTH SEASON TITLE
With a series sweep over Minnesota State, Feb. 19-20, the Gophers clinched their second WCHA regular season title in two years and fourth since the inception of the WCHA in 1999. The Gophers won in 2000-01, 2001-02 and again last year. In the three previous years that the Gophers have won the regular season title, they went on to win the WCHA tournament championship three times.
GOPHERS IN WCHA WEEKLY HONORS
The Golden Gophers earned 11 weekly awards during the championship season. Natalie Darwitz and Krissy Wendell each earned the Offensive Player of the Week honors twice, while Kelly Stephens</ a> earned the accolade once. Lyndsay Wall was named the WCHA Defensive Player twice for the Maroon and Gold. Bobbi Ross and Erica McKenzie both earned the WCHA Rookie of the Week honors twice.
SPREADING THE WEALTH
In the Gophers’ 36 wins, eight players notched game-winning goals. Natalie Darwitz and Krissy Wendell led the team with with nine, followed by Kelly Stephens with five. Ashley Albrecht, Andrea Nichols, Erica McKenzie, Bobbi Ross and Becky Wacker each netted two. The Gophers had three players with one game-winning goal: Jenelle Philipczyk, Allie Sanchez and Maggie Souba.
GOPHERS ON SPECIAL TEAMS
The Gophers possessed an impressive 31.0 power-play conversion percentage, scoring 70 goals in 226 chances. Minnesota held three U.S. Olympians (Natalie Darwitz, Lyndsay Wall and Krissy Wendell ), a U.S. Four Nations Cup and world championship member (Kelly Stephens) and an Under-22 Canadian Camp participate (Bobbi Ross). Darwitz led the team and the WCHA with 50 power-play points, followed by Wall and Wendell with 34 points. Stephens has 30 points with the extra attacker, including a team-high 16 power-play goals.
The Gophers also held an. 89.1 clip on the penalty kill. Although Minnesota allowed 25 power-play goals, the team scored 19 short-handed tallies on the season.
CREATING SCORING CHANCES
The Golden Gophers have outscored their opponents, 197-54 in 40 games played. The Maroon and Gold notched 68 goals in the first period, 72 in the second, 55 in the third stanza and two in overtime. The Gophers averaged 38.1 shots per game, posting 4.92 goals per game. Minnesota ranked first in the nation in scoring offense (4.92) and second in scoring defense (1.35). On the defensive end, Minnesota has allowed 19.1 shots per game and 1.35 goals per game.
POWERING THE POINT
Sophomore defenseman Lyndsay Wall scored 34 of her 48 points on the power-play. She finished the WCHA Championships with one goal and three assist for four points and tallied an assist against Providence in the NCAA Regional. She went on to score two power-play goals in the NCAA Frozen Four, earning all-tournament honors. Wall, who quarterbacks the power-play, has scored 49 of her 69 career points during a power-play attempt.
WCHA DOMINANCE
The Golden Gophers became the sixth-straight national champion from the Western Collegiate Hockey Association. The lone representative for the second straight year, Minnesota won last year’s championship against Harvard. Minnesota was the first team from the WCHA to win a national championship when it won the 1999-2000 AWCHA championship. Since then, Minnesota Duluth won three NCAA Frozen Four championships, followed by the Gophers last year. The 1999-2000 season marked the first year of the WCHA-Women’s League.
GOPHERS AGAINST RANKED TEAMS
Minnesota held a 13-2-2 record against ranked teams in the 2004-05 campaign. The Gophers won and tied against then-No. 3 Minnesota Duluth, Nov. 19-20 and followed the next week with a win over then No. 4 Harvard. The Maroon and Gold added a win and a tie against Wisconsin on Dec. 4-5. Minnesota closed out the first half the season, earning its first loss to then-No. 2 Dartmouth (12/11), but fought back for a 4-3 overtime win on Dec. 12. In the second half, Minnesota swept then-No. 10 Ohio State (1/21-22) and No. 4 Wisconsin (1/29-30). The Gophers suffered their second loss of the season to No. 2 UMD on Feb. 26 in a 4-2 loss. The Gophers won the second game, 1-0 for the split. Minnesota won the WCHA Championships, 3-2 in overtime against No. 3 Wisconsin and followed with a 6-1 win over No. 8 Providence in the NCAA Regional. Dartmouth and Harvard were also ranked in the top four nationally before the Gophers defeated both teams on their way to their second national title.
GOPHER TEAM AWARDS
University of Minnesota women’s hockey team held its annual end-of-the-year banquet, held at Edinburgh USA golf course in Brooklyn Park, Minn. Along with recognizing the national championship season, the Gopher women’s hockey staff announced the team awards, which were voted by the players. Natalie Darwitz and Krissy Wendell were voted by their peers as the most valuable players for the 2004-05 season. The most improved award went to freshman Liz Palkie. Palkie, who saw significant time on the ice at the end of the season, finished her rookie year with three goals and five assists for eight points. The Unsung Hero award went to senior co-captain Kelly Stephens. The Highest GPA award went to senior Stacy Troumbly. In her past spring and fall semesters, Troumbly, a mathematics major, held a 3.69 grade point average. Maggie Souba earned the Ridder Award, which is chosen by the Power Play Club and is given in memory of Bob Ridder. The award is given to the player who has the biggest impact in the community by giving themselves through volunteer work and local outreach programs. Brenda Reinen was awarded the GWH Award, which is given to the player that best exemplifies the Gopher Women’s Hockey Creed. “I will represent myself, the team and the University of Minnesota with…class, integrity, honesty, dependability, responsibility, a positive attitude, an unselfish and “team-first” attitude, accountability, a strong work ethic, loyalty an appreciation for privileges and an awareness of my role as a member of Gopher Women’s Hockey.”
Along with announcing the 2004-05 team awards, the 2005-06 captains were announced. Andrea Nichols will hold the role of the captain, while Chelsey Brodt and Bobbi Ross were named alternate captains.
GOPHER MEMBERS EARN FIRST-EVER GOLD MEDAL AT WORLDS
The U.S. Women’s National Team won its first-ever gold medal at the 2005 International Ice Hockey Federation Women’s World Championship in Linkoping, Sweden, after defeating Canada, 1-0, in the final game of the tournament. The teams skated through 80 scoreless minutes before the U.S. won the decision by shootout. The University of Minnesota was well represented in the championship game. Natalie Darwitz, Krissy Wendell and former Harvard standout Angela Ruggiero scored in the shootout. Wendell, who led the field in points with nine (four goals, five assists), earned tournament MVP honors. Behind Wendell, Kelly Stephens was the second-leading scorer, posting six points along with Harvard’s Julie Chu. Darwitz finished with four points. Lyndsay Wall posted a goal and an assist, while former Gopher Courtney Kennedy notched a goal. All four will look to compete on the U.S. Olympic Team for the 2006 Winter Olympics in Italy.
DARWITZ AND WENDELL EARN USA HOCKEY AWARDS
Natalie Darwitz and Krissy Wendell each garnered awards, presented by annually by USA Hockey. Darwitz was named the Bob Allen Women's Player of the Year, which recognizes the accomplishments of the most outstanding American-born women's hockey player. Wendell earned the Bob Johnson Award, recognizing the most outstanding women's hockey player in international hockey competition. It is the second time Wendell earned the award with her first coming in 2000. The duo will be honored at the USA Hockey Annual Congress, June 8-12 in Colorado Springs.
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA SET TO HOST 2006 NCAA FROZEN FOUR
The NCAA Women's Ice Hockey Committee has selected the University of Minnesota and Mariucci Arena as the site of the 2006 NCAA Frozen Four. The 2006 tournament marks the second time the Golden Gophers have hosted the Women's Frozen Four. Minnesota hosted the inaugural Women's Frozen Four in 2001 drawing 5,114 during the two-day tournament. Mariucci Arena was also the site of the 1999 American Women's College Hockey Alliance National Championship. The tournament drew an audience of 4,954, including 2,507 for the championship game. The Golden Gophers have led the nation in attendance since becoming a varsity sport in 1997-98. In addition, Minnesota holds the largest single- game attendance record when the Golden Gophers drew 6,854 fans for the first Minnesota women's hockey game, Nov. 2, 1997. GOPHERS WIN SECOND NATIONAL TITLE
The University of Minnesota women’s hockey team finished the season with its second consecutive national championship. The Golden Gophers defeated Dartmouth, 7-2 to advance to the championship game. For the second straight year, the Gophers defeated Harvard for the national title, 4-3. The women’s hockey team remains the only women’s team at the University of Minnesota to win a national championship. The Maroon and Gold finished the season with a phenominal record, posting a 36-2-2 mark overall and 25-1-2 in Western Collegiate Hockey Association play. The Gophers were undefeated in WCHA competition until the final weekend of the regular season.
CHAMPIONSHIP RECAP
Natalie Darwitz scored the game- winning goal with 1:08 remaining in the third period to lift Minnesota to its second consecutive national championship, in Durham, N.H. Darwitz posted a Frozen Four record nine points in two games, earning the Most Outstanding Player award. Krissy Wendell and Lyndsay Wall were named to the NCAA Frozen Four All- Tournament Team. Minnesota struck first, scoring at 17:24 of the first period, taking a 1 -0 lead into the first intermission. Wendell batted in a rebound after Darwitz took the initial shot. The Crimson quickly tied the game :46 into the second period when Jennifer Sifers scored an even strength goal. The Golden Gophers put the game back to a one goal lead on a power-play goal when Wall rifled a slap shot at 7:58 of the second period. Darwitz and Kelly Stephens assisted on the play. However, the Crimson tied the game for the second time in the period at 10:33, scoring a power-play goal from Sarah Vaillancourt. Just over eight minutes later, the Gophers tacked on their second goal of the period to give Minnesota a 3-2 lead. Ashley Albrecht fired a slap shot for her fourth goal of the season. Wendell and Darwitz assisted on the play. The Crimson tied the game for the third time on a power-play opportunity at 13:54 of the third period. With the game tied, 3-3, the two teams looked as if they were heading into overtime. However, at 18:52, Darwitz netted the gamewinner on a rebound attempt from Stephens. Darwitz finished the game with one goal and three assists.
WENDELL WINS PATTY KAZMAIER AWARD
The USA Hockey Foundation announced Krissy Wendell as the winner of the 2005 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award at a dinner at the Sheraton Harborside Portsmouth in Portsmouth, N.H., March 26. The award is presented annually to the top player in NCAA Division I women’s ice hockey. Wendell was chosen from a group of three finalists that included Natalie Darwitz, her Gopher linemate, and Caroline Ouellette from the University of Minnesota Duluth. Wendell was the first person from not only Minnesota, but also the WCHA to win the top award. The WCHA’s top goal-scorer (43), Wendell was named WCHA Player of the Year for the second consecutive season. Wendell finished the season second in the nation in both points (104) and points per game (2.60). She also had a nation’s best seven shorthanded goals and tied for second in the country with nine game-winning goals. With her 104 points, Wendell, a team co-captain, is one of just two women in school history to reach the 100-point mark. A three-time All-America selection, Wendell was named to both the WCHA and Frozen Four All-Tournament Teams in 2004 and 2005.
SCORING MACHINE
Natalie Darwitz produced an astounding 114 points on the season, ranking No. 1 in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association as well as the nation. Her 114 points broke a NCAA record for points in a season and tied former Harvard forward A.J. Mleczko’s overall all- time record. In just 99 career games played, the three-time All-American posted 246 points, breaking a school record. She broke former Gopher Nadine Muzerall’s record of 235 in 129 games played. Her 72 assists also broke the school record of 42, set last year by her linemates Krissy Wendell and Kelly Stephens. A member of the power-play, Darwitz contributed the most to Minnesota’s 31.0 conversion percentage, scoring 50 of her 114 points with the extra attacker. She led the WCHA in power-play scoring.
Darwitz is only the second person in Minnesota hockey history, men’s or women’s, to reach the single season 100-point mark. Aaron Broten had 106 points for the Minnesota men’s hockey team in the 1980-81.
SCORING THREATS
Minnesota’s line of Natalie Darwitz, Kelly Stephens and Krissy Wendell tallied 294 of the team’s 507 points in just 40 games played. The trio held the No. 1, No. 2 and No. 9 spots in national points per game. Darwitz led the nation with 114 points, followed by Wendell with 104 and Stephens with 76. All three ranked in the top 10 in goal scoring as well. Of the trio’s 294 points, 114 came on power-play attempts.
BETWEEN THE PIPES
Senior goalie Jody Horak held a 24-2-2 record in 28 starts her senior campaign. Horak ranked first in the WCHA in goals against average (1.45) and winning percentage (.893) and second in save percentage (.924). She established her eighth shutout of the season against Minnesota Duluth (2/27), a single season career high. She ranks second in school history in career shutouts (20), while former Gopher Erica Killewald holds the record with 21. Horak is also the all-time winningest goalie in school history, holding an 83-14-6 overall career record.
Brenda Reinen started in 12 games during the season, earning a perfect 12-0-0 record. Reinen started in the WCHA championship quarterfinal against Bemidji State. She has five shutouts on the season, also a career high.
DOMINATING THE POLLS
Minnesota was ranked as the top team in the country the entire 2004-05 season by both the US College Hockey Online and the USA Today polls. The Gophers, who were ranked the No. 1 team in the nation since March of 2004, have now been ranked the top team in the nation for 23 straight weeks. A preseason favorite, the Maroon and Gold set a record in the USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine poll for the longest time ranked as the No. 1 team. Since 2004, the Gophers have been ranked the No. 1 team for 28 consecutive polls.
HOLDING THE OPPONENTS SCORELESS
Minnesota allowed one goal or held its opponents scoreless in 25 of 40 games contested. The most goals allowed was seven in the Gophers' first loss of the season to Dartmouth (12/11). Minnesota had 13 shutouts on the season, including 12 against WCHA competition. Jody Horak had eight shutouts, while Brenda Reinen had five.
ALL-AMERICA HONORS AND AWARDS
Minnesota had four members earn All-America status in the 2004-05 championship season. The four is the most All-America honors in a single season for the Gophers. Natalie Darwitz, Lyndsay Wall and Krissy Wendell earned first-team All-America accolades, while Jody Horak earned second-team All-America honors. In Golden Gopher history, Minnesota has had nine players earn All-America status 16 times. In the past four seasons, at least one Gopher has been named to the JOFA/AHCA First Team. Horak became the first Minnesota goaltender to be named an All-American.
ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM HONORS
The Golden Gophers were well represented on the NCAA Frozen Four All-Tournament Team, which was announced following the championship game. Lyndsay Wall and Krissy Wendell was named to the all-tourney team, while Natalie Darwitz earned the Most Outstanding Player honor. Darwitz set the NCAA record for most individual points in the NCAA Frozen Four with nine, surpassing her linemate Wendell who had eight points in the 2004 championship season.
REACHING THE 200-POINT CLUB
Minnesota had three players reach the 200-career point mark in 2004-05. Juniors Natalie Darwitz and Krissy Wendell each tallied their 200th point on Jan. 21 against Ohio State. Darwitz accomplished the feat in just 82 games, while Wendell established the mark in 84 contests. Kelly Stephens was the third person to reach the 200-point mark, earning her feat against North Dakota (2/13). The trio ranks first, second and fourth in the school record books for career points.
ANOTHER 20-WIN SEASON
The Golden Gophers have won over 20 games in each of their eight seasons since the start of the program in 1997-98. Minnesota achieved the accomplishment in just 24 games played. For the past three years, the Gophers have surpassed the 20-win mark in just 24 games. Not only did the Gophers surpass the 20-win mark, but Minnesota earned the most wins this season since the start of the program in 1997-98, set at 36.
GOPHERS FINISHES HOME SEASON UNBEATEN
The Golden Gophers finished their home season with an impressive 15-0-1 record. It is the first time in Gopher history that Minnesota has gone unbeaten at home in a season. In back-to-back years in 2000-01 and 2001-02, the Gophers had one loss. Although the Gophers hosted the WCHA Championships and the NCAA Regional the event was considered a neutral location. In Ridder Arena, however, the Gophers held an 18-0-1 record.
SHORT-HANDED SUCCESS
The Golden Gophers scored 19 short-handed goals in 40 games played, setting a school and WCHA record. The previous record was 13 short-handed goals, set by the Gophers in the 1999-2000 AWCHA championship season. Minnesota scored five short-handed marks against St. Cloud State (10/15-16), five in the Minnesota State series (10/29-30) an overtime goal against Dartmouth (12/12) and a short-handed mark against Minnesota- Duluth (2/26). The 19 tallies led the nation, while the next closest team was Mercyhurst with 11. Krissy Wendell led team with seven, followed by Natalie Darwitz with five. Andrea Nichols, Bobbi Ross and Kelly Stephens each had two, while Becky Wacker netted one. The Gophers surpassed last year’s total of 11, which was the third-highest in school history.
GOPHERS WIN WCHA CHAMPIONSHIP
Minnesota earned its second WCHA Championship in two seasons, hosted in the Gophers’ own Ridder Arena. The Gophers defeated Bemidji State, 6-3 in the quarterfinals and Ohio State, 7-1 in the semifinals to advance to the championship game. The Gophers won the championship in dramatic fashion, defeating Wisconsin, 3-2 in overtime. Natalie Darwitz was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, while Jody Horak, Lyndsay Wall and Krissy Wendell earned all-tournament honors. Darwitz scored five goals and added four assists for nine points in the tournament. Wendell had eight points, while Kelly Stephens had seven. Of Darwitz's nine points, four came on power-play attempts. With the win, the Gophers surpassed the most victories in a single season with 33. The Maroon and Gold surpassed the 1999-2000 season total of 32. The Gophers went 32-6-1 in the AWCHA Championship season.
GOPHERS AND WCHA POST-SEASON AWARDS
The WCHA held its annual banquet prior to the WCHA Championships, announcing the end of the year conference awards. The Gophers were well represented in the awards, placing three on the first team All-WCHA (Natalie Darwitz, Lyndsay Wall and Krissy Wendell) and two on the second team All-WCHA (Jody Horak and Kelly Stephens). For the second straight season, Wendell was voted as the WCHA Player of the Year. Freshman forward Bobbi Ross was named WCHA Rookie of the Year, while head coach Laura Halldorson was named the league's Coach of the Year. Darwitz captured the 2004-05 WCHA Scoring Champion title as she led the league with 72 conference points. Horak earned the 2004 -05 WCHA Goaltending Award as she led the league with a 0.89 goals against average. Horak also led the league with a 16-1-2 record on the season and owned a league-best .952 save percentage. Along with the WCHA awards, the WCHA All-Academic Team was announced. The Gophers led all teams with 11 honorees in Chelsey Brodt, Darwitz, Krista Johnson, Andrea Nichols, Brenda Reinen, Allie Sanchez, Maggie Souba, Stephens, Noelle Sutton, Stacy Troumbly and Wendell.
GOPHERS EARN FOURTH SEASON TITLE
With a series sweep over Minnesota State, Feb. 19-20, the Gophers clinched their second WCHA regular season title in two years and fourth since the inception of the WCHA in 1999. The Gophers won in 2000-01, 2001-02 and again last year. In the three previous years that the Gophers have won the regular season title, they went on to win the WCHA tournament championship three times.
GOPHERS IN WCHA WEEKLY HONORS
The Golden Gophers earned 11 weekly awards during the championship season. Natalie Darwitz and Krissy Wendell each earned the Offensive Player of the Week honors twice, while Kelly Stephens</ a> earned the accolade once. Lyndsay Wall was named the WCHA Defensive Player twice for the Maroon and Gold. Bobbi Ross and Erica McKenzie both earned the WCHA Rookie of the Week honors twice.
SPREADING THE WEALTH
In the Gophers’ 36 wins, eight players notched game-winning goals. Natalie Darwitz and Krissy Wendell led the team with with nine, followed by Kelly Stephens with five. Ashley Albrecht, Andrea Nichols, Erica McKenzie, Bobbi Ross and Becky Wacker each netted two. The Gophers had three players with one game-winning goal: Jenelle Philipczyk, Allie Sanchez and Maggie Souba.
GOPHERS ON SPECIAL TEAMS
The Gophers possessed an impressive 31.0 power-play conversion percentage, scoring 70 goals in 226 chances. Minnesota held three U.S. Olympians (Natalie Darwitz, Lyndsay Wall and Krissy Wendell ), a U.S. Four Nations Cup and world championship member (Kelly Stephens) and an Under-22 Canadian Camp participate (Bobbi Ross). Darwitz led the team and the WCHA with 50 power-play points, followed by Wall and Wendell with 34 points. Stephens has 30 points with the extra attacker, including a team-high 16 power-play goals.
The Gophers also held an. 89.1 clip on the penalty kill. Although Minnesota allowed 25 power-play goals, the team scored 19 short-handed tallies on the season.
CREATING SCORING CHANCES
The Golden Gophers have outscored their opponents, 197-54 in 40 games played. The Maroon and Gold notched 68 goals in the first period, 72 in the second, 55 in the third stanza and two in overtime. The Gophers averaged 38.1 shots per game, posting 4.92 goals per game. Minnesota ranked first in the nation in scoring offense (4.92) and second in scoring defense (1.35). On the defensive end, Minnesota has allowed 19.1 shots per game and 1.35 goals per game.
POWERING THE POINT
Sophomore defenseman Lyndsay Wall scored 34 of her 48 points on the power-play. She finished the WCHA Championships with one goal and three assist for four points and tallied an assist against Providence in the NCAA Regional. She went on to score two power-play goals in the NCAA Frozen Four, earning all-tournament honors. Wall, who quarterbacks the power-play, has scored 49 of her 69 career points during a power-play attempt.
WCHA DOMINANCE
The Golden Gophers became the sixth-straight national champion from the Western Collegiate Hockey Association. The lone representative for the second straight year, Minnesota won last year’s championship against Harvard. Minnesota was the first team from the WCHA to win a national championship when it won the 1999-2000 AWCHA championship. Since then, Minnesota Duluth won three NCAA Frozen Four championships, followed by the Gophers last year. The 1999-2000 season marked the first year of the WCHA-Women’s League.
GOPHERS AGAINST RANKED TEAMS
Minnesota held a 13-2-2 record against ranked teams in the 2004-05 campaign. The Gophers won and tied against then-No. 3 Minnesota Duluth, Nov. 19-20 and followed the next week with a win over then No. 4 Harvard. The Maroon and Gold added a win and a tie against Wisconsin on Dec. 4-5. Minnesota closed out the first half the season, earning its first loss to then-No. 2 Dartmouth (12/11), but fought back for a 4-3 overtime win on Dec. 12. In the second half, Minnesota swept then-No. 10 Ohio State (1/21-22) and No. 4 Wisconsin (1/29-30). The Gophers suffered their second loss of the season to No. 2 UMD on Feb. 26 in a 4-2 loss. The Gophers won the second game, 1-0 for the split. Minnesota won the WCHA Championships, 3-2 in overtime against No. 3 Wisconsin and followed with a 6-1 win over No. 8 Providence in the NCAA Regional. Dartmouth and Harvard were also ranked in the top four nationally before the Gophers defeated both teams on their way to their second national title.
GOPHER TEAM AWARDS
University of Minnesota women’s hockey team held its annual end-of-the-year banquet, held at Edinburgh USA golf course in Brooklyn Park, Minn. Along with recognizing the national championship season, the Gopher women’s hockey staff announced the team awards, which were voted by the players. Natalie Darwitz and Krissy Wendell were voted by their peers as the most valuable players for the 2004-05 season. The most improved award went to freshman Liz Palkie. Palkie, who saw significant time on the ice at the end of the season, finished her rookie year with three goals and five assists for eight points. The Unsung Hero award went to senior co-captain Kelly Stephens. The Highest GPA award went to senior Stacy Troumbly. In her past spring and fall semesters, Troumbly, a mathematics major, held a 3.69 grade point average. Maggie Souba earned the Ridder Award, which is chosen by the Power Play Club and is given in memory of Bob Ridder. The award is given to the player who has the biggest impact in the community by giving themselves through volunteer work and local outreach programs. Brenda Reinen was awarded the GWH Award, which is given to the player that best exemplifies the Gopher Women’s Hockey Creed. “I will represent myself, the team and the University of Minnesota with…class, integrity, honesty, dependability, responsibility, a positive attitude, an unselfish and “team-first” attitude, accountability, a strong work ethic, loyalty an appreciation for privileges and an awareness of my role as a member of Gopher Women’s Hockey.”
Along with announcing the 2004-05 team awards, the 2005-06 captains were announced. Andrea Nichols will hold the role of the captain, while Chelsey Brodt and Bobbi Ross were named alternate captains.
GOPHER MEMBERS EARN FIRST-EVER GOLD MEDAL AT WORLDS
The U.S. Women’s National Team won its first-ever gold medal at the 2005 International Ice Hockey Federation Women’s World Championship in Linkoping, Sweden, after defeating Canada, 1-0, in the final game of the tournament. The teams skated through 80 scoreless minutes before the U.S. won the decision by shootout. The University of Minnesota was well represented in the championship game. Natalie Darwitz, Krissy Wendell and former Harvard standout Angela Ruggiero scored in the shootout. Wendell, who led the field in points with nine (four goals, five assists), earned tournament MVP honors. Behind Wendell, Kelly Stephens was the second-leading scorer, posting six points along with Harvard’s Julie Chu. Darwitz finished with four points. Lyndsay Wall posted a goal and an assist, while former Gopher Courtney Kennedy notched a goal. All four will look to compete on the U.S. Olympic Team for the 2006 Winter Olympics in Italy.
DARWITZ AND WENDELL EARN USA HOCKEY AWARDS
Natalie Darwitz and Krissy Wendell each garnered awards, presented by annually by USA Hockey. Darwitz was named the Bob Allen Women's Player of the Year, which recognizes the accomplishments of the most outstanding American-born women's hockey player. Wendell earned the Bob Johnson Award, recognizing the most outstanding women's hockey player in international hockey competition. It is the second time Wendell earned the award with her first coming in 2000. The duo will be honored at the USA Hockey Annual Congress, June 8-12 in Colorado Springs.
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA SET TO HOST 2006 NCAA FROZEN FOUR
The NCAA Women's Ice Hockey Committee has selected the University of Minnesota and Mariucci Arena as the site of the 2006 NCAA Frozen Four. The 2006 tournament marks the second time the Golden Gophers have hosted the Women's Frozen Four. Minnesota hosted the inaugural Women's Frozen Four in 2001 drawing 5,114 during the two-day tournament. Mariucci Arena was also the site of the 1999 American Women's College Hockey Alliance National Championship. The tournament drew an audience of 4,954, including 2,507 for the championship game. The Golden Gophers have led the nation in attendance since becoming a varsity sport in 1997-98. In addition, Minnesota holds the largest single- game attendance record when the Golden Gophers drew 6,854 fans for the first Minnesota women's hockey game, Nov. 2, 1997.
