University of Minnesota Athletics
Brandt, Gophers Focus on Ohio State Series
1/29/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Hockey
By Tyson Peters, Athletic Communications Student Intern
MINNEAPOLIS - In the midst of a strong season for the No. 2 Golden Gophers, junior forward Hannah Brandt is one of the team's many bright spots. After finishing last season as a Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award top-three finalist, First Team All-American and WCHA Player of the Year, Brandt is on pace for an even more impressive season as she leads the WCHA and ranks second in the nation with 56 points.
Minnesota has only lost one game this season and takes a 17-game unbeaten streak into this weekend's series. Brandt has 32 points (11 goals, 21 assists) during a team-best 12-game point streak and is pleased with the way the team is playing.
"I think we're doing pretty well right now. We're all clicking and I think our depth is beginning to show more now, and it has been for the last few weeks," Brandt said of the entire team. "I think that'll help us a lot in the playoffs because we have three lines that can score. Defensively, we've really tightened it up more also."
The Gophers lead the WCHA and have an overall record of 23-1-3, with eight regular-season games to go. With a win Friday, Minnesota could clinch home ice for the WCHA playoffs.
"I think we're in a good place as far as standings go, but we're not really worried about that right now. We're just thinking about ourselves and getting better because when you get to the playoffs, it doesn't really matter who finished first in the season," Brandt said. "All that matters is who's playing best at the end, so that's what we're focusing on."
Up next for Minnesota is an Ohio State team that is fifth in the conference with a 14-10-2 record.
"They're physical and they always give us a good game," Brandt said about the Buckeyes. "They're definitely not easy to play against so there will probably be a couple of close games, but I think we can come out on top."
Both games against the Buckeyes will take place at Ridder Arena, a building that has become an important place for the team's leading scorer.
"It's always fun playing at home because our crowd is always pretty big. They're lively and they keep us motivated. Especially with 'Rock Ridder,' which will be a fun night on Friday," Brandt said. "Seeing all the little girls there cheering us on is so much fun."
Brandt had some very positive things to say about her linemates Cameranesi and Maryanne Menefee as they contributed to the team's success.
"Maryanne has been scoring a lot lately, so that's working out really well," Brandt said. "With Dani, she's just really fast so it's easy to see her on the ice and give her the puck, just let her go and then follow up behind her."
The phrase, 'It's not about how you start, it's how you finish,' rings true for Brandt as she reflects on how the season has gone and looks at what's ahead.
"I think all year we've been getting better and better, and that's exactly what you want to do. We can't stop that now though," she said about moving forward. "We need to continue improving and hopefully as the season winds down, we'll be playing our best hockey of the year and be right in the hunt for the playoffs."
Having experienced both winning and losing a national championship game, Brandt has high expectations for how she would like to finish this season. With the NCAA Women's Frozen Four returning to Ridder Arena this year, the Gophers feel extra motivation to be playing in the last game of the year.
"I think having been there before puts more pressure on us to get there again. It was really fun having the Frozen Four here my freshman year and winning it," Brandt said, looking back on the team's 2013 NCAA title. "I think everyone that was on that team, and even the people that weren't, know how exciting it could be this year."
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