University of Minnesota Athletics
Frost, Brandt Preview the Week Ahead
1/5/2016 12:00:00 AM | Women's Hockey
Jan. 5, 2016
MINNEAPOLIS - The No. 3 Golden Gopher women's hockey team returns to action this week, hosting the Minnesota Whitecaps in an exhibition game on Wednesday and welcoming Ohio State to Ridder Arena for a WCHA series on Saturday and Sunday.
Head coach Brad Frost and senior forward Hannah Brandt discuss the week ahead, playing an exhibition game in January, and the benefits of opening the second half of the season at home.
On facing the Whitecaps...
Brad Frost: Well, it's a great opportunity to play a very good team, as we saw in first half, in our first game against them, beating them 5-4. It's great competition, it's a way for our players to, after a long break, kind of get into the swing of things. So we're excited about it.
Hannah Brandt: It's always fun to play against some old teammates and some Olympians in the Whitecaps, so it should be a good game.
On playing an exhibition game in January...
Brandt: I think it's pretty beneficial the way our season is set up. We have a big break, and then it'll be good to have that game before we have any games that count in the standings. I think it'll be good for our team.
On hosting Ohio State this weekend...
Frost: I think for Ohio State, I'd imagine their second half would be better their first. With a new coaching staff, it takes some time to come together and gel. So I would imagine coming out of the gates here, they've already played a Penn State team, and they were able to get a split there. So having those two games under their belt coming into this weekend should benefit them, and we'll have to be ready to go.
On starting the second half at home...
Frost: Anytime we can be home in front of our fans is fantastic, especially when you're getting back to it. Out of the chute you want to be at home and in your own bed as much as possible. So, we're really looking for that opportunity and starting off our second half well.
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