University of Minnesota Athletics
Lorence Previews Wisconsin Series
1/9/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Hockey
MINNEAPOLIS - Midway through her senior season in Maroon & Gold, Meghan Lorence is confident with the team's progress and looks forward to where the Gophers are headed. She loves the tradition behind the Gopher women's hockey program and is proud to be serving as an assistant captain this season.
With her college career winding down, Lorence wants to enjoy every moment the rest of the season and is excited to continue making an impact with her teammates both on and off the ice - beginning with an important WCHA series with Wisconsin this weekend.
Gopher Sports: How would you assess the team at the halfway point of the season?
Meghan Lorence: I think we have good chemistry on and off the ice. We've been clicking really well, producing a lot of points, so that's good. I like where we sit right now and where we're headed the rest of the season.
GS: What are your goals for the rest of the season?
ML: Time has flown by already. I can't believe I'm a senior, so I want to enjoy every single moment and make an impact with my teammates both on and off the ice. Our team goal, at the end, is obviously to win a national championship. But, even if we don't do that, looking at the overall picture and having team success on and off the ice, whether we win or lose is important.
GS: What's it like playing on a line with Rachael Bona and Kelly Pannek?
ML: I've played with Bona for the last couple years now. We have some good chemistry. Throwing Pannek in there, we just have a lot of fun on the ice. I think that helps. We don't get too tense during the game. We talk a lot and have good chemistry. I think we've been playing really well, so hopefully we can stick with it for the rest of the season.
GS: What's it like playing the Badgers?
ML: It's always a lot of fun to play Wisconsin. Obviously, they are our big rival, and I know they're preparing just as much as we are for this big series. We've had sold out crowds at Ridder when Wisconsin comes here, and last year the fans got the wave going. It's always a fun atmosphere no matter when or where we play Wisconsin. I'm really looking forward to it.
GS: What has been your highlight of the season so far?
ML: I think the Hall of Fame game was pretty cool. Playing at Braemar Arena in Edina brought back a lot of memories. A bunch of us had played there in high school, so being able to play a college game there was cool. We had a sold-out crowd and a great atmosphere.
GS: How would you describe playing at Ridder Arena?
ML: Our crowd is amazing. It's cool to have so many people following us, and I love playing in front of my family and friends. Since we have a lot of Minnesota natives on our roster, there are a lot of connection to get people in the stands. The atmosphere is great. Nothing beats playing at home, especially when it's against the Badgers.
GS: What makes being a Gopher so special?
ML: The tradition that it carries and wearing the "M" and the Maroon & Gold are really special. People before us started a great tradition, and just keeping that going is special. People are always looking to make an impact, do positive things in the community or on the ice or in the classroom. There are high expectations in being a Gopher.
Lorence and her Gopher teammates certainly have high expectations this weekend. No. 2 Minnesota (18-1-2, 11-1-2-0 WCHA) hosts No. 3 Wisconsin (17-2-1, 13-2-1-0 WCHA) in a border battle at Ridder Arena at 4:30 p.m. CT Saturday and 2 p.m. CT Sunday.
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