University of Minnesota Athletics
Leveille Previews UMD Series
2/12/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Hockey
MINNEAPOLIS - Junior Amanda Leveille is in her third season with the Golden Gophers and has played in 20 of the team's 25 games this season, going 17-1-2 with a .942 save percentage. Heading into a big weekend at home hosting No. 6 Minnesota Duluth, Gopher Sports caught up with Leveille to discuss the season's success and what the future holds for the team.
Gopher Sports: Looking back on your career so far, what are some of the biggest highlights that stand out for you?
Amanda Leveille: Winning the WCHA FINAL FACE-OFF last year stands out because it was both an individual goal and a team goal, so that was really exciting to win. Winning a national championship would definitely be the ultimate goal, though, and I think we are in a good position for that this year.
GS: Looking ahead now to hosting Duluth this weekend, how has the team prepared for this rivalry game?
AL: Minnesota Duluth is a fantastic team, and they played us really tough last time when we played them up in Duluth. Coming to the end of the season, every team is putting their all into it. I think Duluth is trying to get into the top 10 so they can have a berth in the NCAA tournament, so they are going to give us their best and we're going to give them ours. Playing our game and focusing on ourselves is going to be key for us.
GS: How has the atmosphere at Ridder helped the team this season?
AL: It's been incredible. I think it's the best fan base for women's hockey anywhere. Every game, we have a ton of fans out here and we average something like 2,000 fans each game. That number of fans helps us in every game because every time we score, the crowd goes so wild and it really pumps us up. Coming out onto the ice and seeing the number of fans supporting us gives us extra motivation to show them that they're here for something special.
GS: What is it like knowing that so many young girls look up to you as a role model?
AL: It's so awesome. It's fantastic that there's so many screaming girls at our games. I know when I was younger, I used to want to play collegiate hockey also. It's kind of hard to put into words, but it's just awesome to see them out there cheering all the time.
GS: As the season is winding down, how do you feel about where the team is?
AL: We're in a pretty good spot right now, being first in the conference. We're not first in the NCAA, but that's out of our control. So looking at the last four games of the season, we want to win all of them to get the league title and get in the best possible position later.
GS: After having such a successful season, do you feel any added pressure heading into the postseason?
AL: No, once the season is done, it's over. We can't go back and change anything that happened, so our mindset is the same as it is at the beginning of the year, which is to focus on the next game. Being at the end like this, the most important game you're going to play is the next one coming up, so that's the way we look at it. Playoff games are just like any other game we want to win, and we have to prepare well for each one, like we have been all season.
GS: What are some of your goals going forward aside from a strong postseason run?
AL: Just to give the team the best opportunity to win. Giving up less than two goals each game is something coach always talks about by saying 'zero, one or two goals are opportunities to win,' so giving the team the saves when they need them or controlling rebounds. I don't get a lot of shots at me with our strong defense, so when I do, it's important to control rebounds and not give the other team any opportunities or any hope to get back in the game if we happen to be ahead.
GS: How would you describe what it's like to be a Gopher?
AL: It really is incredible. Any time I get to put on the 'M,' whether it's the practice jersey or the game jersey, it's such an honor. There's so much tradition here. It's such a great culture to be a part of, and it's an amazing feeling. I've loved every second that I've been here, and I only have a few games left this season, so I want to make the best of it. My teammates especially make it a great experience because they're such great people. Everyone is just so nice, talented and hard-working, both on and off the ice.
Leveille and the No. 2 Gophers (25-2-4, 18-2-4-2 WCHA) host No. 6 Minnesota Duluth (17-8-5, 12-8-4-2 WCHA) in their final regular-season home series of the year at 7 p.m. CT Friday and 4 p.m. CT Saturday.
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