University of Minnesota Athletics
McMillen Previews Bemidji State Series
2/19/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Hockey
By Tyson Peters, Athletic Communications Student Intern
MINNEAPOLIS - As the No. 2 Minnesota women's hockey team prepares to wrap up the regular season at Bemidji State, GopherSports.com caught up with junior Milica McMillen to talk about being WCHA regular-season champions and learn about how the team is approaching the postseason.
Gopher Sports: What was it like clinching the WCHA regular-season title last weekend at home at Ridder Arena?
Milica McMillen: It was pretty great coming out with a win. We didn't find out we could even get the title until right before the third period. We thought we would have to wait until next weekend to clinch. So when coach came in and told us Wisconsin lost, it lit a bit of a fire in everyone and it was awesome to go out and win.
GS: How does winning the WCHA title help the team prepare for playoffs?
MM: We know the regular season title is a really hard one to win because you have to be consistent all year. It also really helps to have a high seed for the WCHA tournament because whoever wins that generally does pretty well in the NCAA tournament; so all the trophies end up being pretty connected.
GS: With that title already won, is the team approaching Bemidji State any differently?
MM: No, it's still huge for us. Points might not matter anymore, but the wins definitely do, so we're going to play as hard this weekend as we would for any other.
GS: What do you think has led to the team's success so far this season?
MM: I think we've really learned that we have to work hard in every single game. We have to play every game like it's the biggest game of the year. We can't just expect go out there, show up and get a win. Everyone has to do their job, and we've put a ton of work in during practices approaching every game like it's major.
GS: What are the team's postseason goals?
MM: The WCHA and NCAA championships are obviously two major goals, but I think right now the goal is to just try to play our game no matter what. It doesn't matter how well or how poorly the other teams are doing as long as we play the best game we can play every time.
GS: Heading into the postseason, how do you feel about where the team is right now?
MM: I think our team is ready for the playoffs. We've had some ups and downs, especially in the second half of the season, but I think we've really figured everything out. The forwards and defense are really clicking, and I think we're ready.
GS: How important will it be to have postseason games at Ridder Arena?
MM: It's going to be really important. It's so nice not having to drive or fly anywhere. It'll be great to sleep in our own beds, eat our own food and really help us to stay focused.
GS: Finishing your third season as a Gopher, how would you describe the experience so far?
MM: It's been amazing. I don't think I could ask for a better three years so far. Winning my freshman year and going undefeated, and then having just a few losses sprinkled in the last two years has been great. My teammates have been amazing, and each team we form has been just as good as the last.
GS: You've become known for your volunteer work. Explain why that's so important to you.
MM: I think it's important because by being a student-athlete, whether it's here or anywhere else, a lot of people look up to you. To be able to go out and show that you care about the community really causes people to take notice. I hope it inspires other people to want to get out and do the same.
McMillen and the Gophers wrap up the 2014-15 regular season on the road at Bemidji State (18-13-1, 13-12-1-1 WCHA) this weekend. Puck drop between the Beavers and Gophers is set for 2 p.m. CT Friday and Saturday.
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