The No. 3 University of Minnesota women's hockey team opened the 2006-07 season hosting the Minnesota Whitecaps in an exhibition game, tonight in Ridder Arena. The Golden Gophers fell to the Whitecaps, 4-2 in front of 627 fans.
Minnesota took the game to a 1-0 lead when Becky Wacker intercepted a pass in the Whitecaps' zone and scored an unassisted goal at 1:18 of the first period. The Whitecaps tied the game at 15:56 in the first when former Gopher Amber Hegland scored an even-strength goal.
The Whitecaps controlled the lead for the remainder of the game when they scored a power-play goal at 17:08 in the second. The Whitecaps quickly added to their lead when former Gopher Natalie Darwitz picked up a loose puck in the Whitecaps' zone and scored on a breakaway attempt at 18:46 in the second.
Minnesota cut their lead to one when Erica McKenzie scored an even-strength goal at 4:05 of the third. Andrea Nichols found McKenzie as she placed the puck on short side past Minnesota State All-American Shari Vogt. However, the Whitecaps put the contest back to a two-goal lead at 16:20 to close the game. The Gophers outshot the Whitecaps, 13-7 in the third. Gopher goalie Brittony Chartier stopped the initial shot, but was unable to stop the rebound attempt. Chartier closed the game with 24 saves, while Vogt had 29 saves.
Playing in the game were four Olympians in Darwitz (U.S.), Tricia Dunn-Luoma, Kristin King (U.S.) and Caroline Ouellette (Canada). Also playing in the game were former Gophers Chelsey and Winny Brodt, Ashley Albrecht and Bethany (Peterson) Winter.
Minnesota opens the regular season when it hosts the Easton Shootout, Oct. 6-7 in Ridder Arena. No. 2 New Hampshire and Bemidji State play at 4 p.m. on Friday, while Minnesota and Maine play at 7 p.m. In Saturday's action, Maine and New Hampshire play at 4 p.m., while a rematch of last year's NCAA semifinal game between the Gophers and the Wildcats. Game time is set for 7 p.m.
