University of Minnesota Athletics
Gophers Name Captains for 2009-2010 Season
6/3/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Hockey
University of Minnesota women’s hockey head coach Brad Frost has announced that four Golden Gophers will serve as team captains for the upcoming 2009-2010 season. The Gophers will be led by seniors Brittany Francis (Thunder Bay, Ont.) and Michelle Maunu (Esko, Minn.) and juniors Terra Rasmussen (Coon Rapids, Minn.) and Emily West (Colorado Springs, Colo.). Voted by their teammates, all four are in their first year as team captains.
Francis, a forward, enters her senior year with 92 career points under her belt. Playing in 40 games as a junior, she ranked sixth on the team with 34 points, a season high. She was fourth on the team with 26 assists and scored four power-play goals and two game-winners last season. A member of the Gopher power-play, Francis tallied 15 points with the extra attacker and finished the season with four multiple-assist games and nine multiple-point games. She was also an All-WCHA Academic selection, her first honor.
Maunu, a senior defenseman, saw action in 39 of 40 games last season. During her career, Maunu has been steady on the blue line, seeing action in 113 career games. As a junior, Maunu held a plus/minus rating of +37, which tied for third overall on the team and second among defensemen. She tallied 18 assists last season, increasing her point production by five from the previous year. A stellar student as well, Maunu was a WCHA Scholar Athlete (grade point average above a 3.5) and an All-WCHA Academic Team honoree.
Rasmussen, a junior forward, saw dramatic improvement from her freshman to sophomore season. As a freshman, Rasmussen had one point and limited action. As a sophomore, Rasmussen improved to 10 points and saw consistent action in 39 games. Named the team’s most improved player, Rasmussen held a plus 18 rating.
West, a forward, had the most points by a returner when she finished with 19 goals and 21 assists for 40 points. As a freshman, West tallied 24 points, improving her point production by 16 points the next year. Voted by her teammates, West received the Bonnie Olein Unsung Hero Award last year. She was a member of the Gopher power play and penalty kill units, scoring eight power-play goals and netted one short-handed goal. She finished her sophomore year with seven multiple-point games and held a plus/minus rating of +22.
“We’re excited to have these four captains, who have exuded great leadership throughout their Gopher career,” Frost said. “I know they will do a great job for us in leading our team to another successful season.”
