University of Minnesota Athletics
Players Mentioned
Trio to Return for 2021-22
6/17/2021 12:30:00 PM | Women's Hockey
Lauren Bench, Emily Brown, and Olivia Knowles are returning to the ice for the Gophers next season.
MINNEAPOLIS -- University of Minnesota seniors Lauren Bench, Emily Brown, and Olivia Knowles will return to the ice for the Golden Gopher women's hockey team in the 2021-22 season as each has accepted the additional season of eligibility granted by the NCAA because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We are so excited to have these three super seniors back for another year," head coach Brad Frost said. "They are wonderful hockey players and great representatives of our program."
A goaltender from Eagan, Minn., Bench joined the Gophers last season after beginning her collegiate career at Bemidji State. In 2020-21, she appeared in 15 games and had a 9-5-0 overall record. Bench tied for 12th in the nation with two shutouts and ranked third in the WCHA with a .920 save percentage. Her 2.26 goals against average ranked fourth in the WCHA. She was named to the HCA Women's Hockey Goalie of the Year Award Watch List and was honored as National Goaltender of the Month and WCHA Goaltender of the Month for November 2020.
"Having the opportunity to play for the University of Minnesota this last year has been a dream come true," Bench said. "Support from Gopher fans near and far has made this experience one I will never forget and never want to end, which is why I am extremely excited to rep the Maroon and Gold for another year. Can't wait to see you all at Ridder next year! Ski-U-Mah, and go Gophers!"
Brown, a defense from Blaine, Minn., received her third All-WCHA nod of her career in 2020-21 when she picked up All-WCHA Second Team honors. A WCHA Scholar-Athlete, WCHA All-Academic Team, and Academic All-Big Ten honoree, Brown served as a team captain last season. She ranked third among WCHA defense and fifth on the team with 12 points (3g-9a) as one of 14 Gophers to appear in all 20 games. She tied for the lead among WCHA defense with four points on the power play and tied for second on the team with 27 blocked shots as well.
"Being a Gopher women's hockey player has been a dream of mine from the first time I had a stick in my hands," Brown said. "These last four years have been everything I could have hoped for and more. I have been challenged to become the best student, hockey player, and person I can be day in and day out, and throughout the process, I have gained a second family. I am so grateful to have received an additional year to wear the 'M' on my chest and live out my dream alongside my best friends."
Knowles served as an assistant captain for the Maroon & Gold during the 2020-21 season. The Campbell River, B.C., native tied for seventh among WCHA defense with nine points (4g-5a) and joined Brown in appearing in all 20 games. Knowles led the team with 33 blocked shots last season, and she was named a WCHA Scholar-Athlete, WCHA All-Academic Team, and Academic All-Big Ten honoree.
"The past four years have been nothing short of incredible. Being a Gopher is a privilege, and I would never take a moment for granted. With that being said, I'm very blessed to be back for a fifth year in Minneapolis to play the sport I love with the people I love. Ski-U-Mah, and go Gophers!"
The historic 25th season of Gopher women's hockey begins with a WCHA series against Ohio State at Ridder Arena on Friday, Oct. 1 and Saturday, Oct. 2. Under the direction of Frost, who returns for his 15th season at the helm of the program, the Gophers continue their quest for the program's eighth national title.
Gopher women's hockey season tickets are on sale now, starting at only $79, and season ticket packages are available for purchase online. Current season ticket holders may renew their tickets by signing into their season ticket account as well. During this time, fans should continue to call 1-800-U-GOPHER or email GopherSports@umn.edu with questions or concerns. A dedicated Gopher Fan Relations representative will return your message during normal hours of operation, which is 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
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"We are so excited to have these three super seniors back for another year," head coach Brad Frost said. "They are wonderful hockey players and great representatives of our program."
A goaltender from Eagan, Minn., Bench joined the Gophers last season after beginning her collegiate career at Bemidji State. In 2020-21, she appeared in 15 games and had a 9-5-0 overall record. Bench tied for 12th in the nation with two shutouts and ranked third in the WCHA with a .920 save percentage. Her 2.26 goals against average ranked fourth in the WCHA. She was named to the HCA Women's Hockey Goalie of the Year Award Watch List and was honored as National Goaltender of the Month and WCHA Goaltender of the Month for November 2020.
"Having the opportunity to play for the University of Minnesota this last year has been a dream come true," Bench said. "Support from Gopher fans near and far has made this experience one I will never forget and never want to end, which is why I am extremely excited to rep the Maroon and Gold for another year. Can't wait to see you all at Ridder next year! Ski-U-Mah, and go Gophers!"
Brown, a defense from Blaine, Minn., received her third All-WCHA nod of her career in 2020-21 when she picked up All-WCHA Second Team honors. A WCHA Scholar-Athlete, WCHA All-Academic Team, and Academic All-Big Ten honoree, Brown served as a team captain last season. She ranked third among WCHA defense and fifth on the team with 12 points (3g-9a) as one of 14 Gophers to appear in all 20 games. She tied for the lead among WCHA defense with four points on the power play and tied for second on the team with 27 blocked shots as well.
"Being a Gopher women's hockey player has been a dream of mine from the first time I had a stick in my hands," Brown said. "These last four years have been everything I could have hoped for and more. I have been challenged to become the best student, hockey player, and person I can be day in and day out, and throughout the process, I have gained a second family. I am so grateful to have received an additional year to wear the 'M' on my chest and live out my dream alongside my best friends."
Knowles served as an assistant captain for the Maroon & Gold during the 2020-21 season. The Campbell River, B.C., native tied for seventh among WCHA defense with nine points (4g-5a) and joined Brown in appearing in all 20 games. Knowles led the team with 33 blocked shots last season, and she was named a WCHA Scholar-Athlete, WCHA All-Academic Team, and Academic All-Big Ten honoree.
"The past four years have been nothing short of incredible. Being a Gopher is a privilege, and I would never take a moment for granted. With that being said, I'm very blessed to be back for a fifth year in Minneapolis to play the sport I love with the people I love. Ski-U-Mah, and go Gophers!"
The historic 25th season of Gopher women's hockey begins with a WCHA series against Ohio State at Ridder Arena on Friday, Oct. 1 and Saturday, Oct. 2. Under the direction of Frost, who returns for his 15th season at the helm of the program, the Gophers continue their quest for the program's eighth national title.
Gopher women's hockey season tickets are on sale now, starting at only $79, and season ticket packages are available for purchase online. Current season ticket holders may renew their tickets by signing into their season ticket account as well. During this time, fans should continue to call 1-800-U-GOPHER or email GopherSports@umn.edu with questions or concerns. A dedicated Gopher Fan Relations representative will return your message during normal hours of operation, which is 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
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