University of Minnesota Athletics
Bozek Joins Minnesota Century Club
10/20/2012 12:00:00 AM | Women's Hockey
Oct. 20, 2012
With an assist in last night's 7-2 win over No. 6/7 Ohio State, Megan Bozek went where few Minnesota defensemen have gone before. The Golden Gopher senior scored her 100th career point, becoming just the fourth blueliner in program history to reach that milestone.
About 12 minutes into the first period, Maryanne Menefee got the puck off the boards and passed to Bozek. Bozek took a shot, which Chelsea Knapp saved. But Hannah Brandt swooped in and put the rebound into the net for a goal. Bozek was credited with an assist on the play. She added another point when she assisted Brandt's power-play goal in the third period.
Bozek joins Winny Brodt (134) and fellow All-Americans Anne Schleper (114) and Courtney Kennedy (112) as the only Gopher defensemen to score at least 100 points. Bozek was second in the country in points by a defenseman last season with 42. She had 23 points as a sophomore and 24 as a freshman. She has 12 points through seven games this season.
"Even scoring any points wearing that jersey is an honor every time you step on the ice," Bozek said. "We have a great team, and I've been a part of four great teams now. I think that contributes to everyone's success. It's really exciting to get my 100th point."
Bozek has been a defenseman for basically her entire hockey career. Her long journey in the sport included three years playing on a boys' team. After three years with the Team Illinois boys, Bozek switched to the girls team, where she spent 2004-07. After graduating high school, the Buffalo Grove, Ill., native moved out of state to join the Golden Gophers. She has won a national title and been named an All-American at Minnesota. She has played for Team USA in age-level tournaments.
Because of her ability to both defend and attack, Bozek has had a successful career everywhere she has played. She hopes to continue representing Team USA--ultimately in the Olympics--after graduating from Minnesota. For now, the senior captain will concentrate on finishing her Gopher career on a strong note. She may not focus on her own stats, but Bozek's scoring ability is important to the Gophers in their quest to win back-to-back WCHA and NCAA titles.
