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whky 11/22

Gophers Sign Six to 2024-25 Freshman Class

11/20/2023 2:46:00 PM | Women's Hockey

MINNEAPOLIS – Head coach Brad Frost and the Golden Gopher women's hockey team are pleased to announce the addition of six incoming student-athletes to the 2024-25 signing class. Four Minnesotans and two Canadians make up the 'U's signing class, tied for the second largest signing class since 2018.

"As this class prepares to join our program next year, we cannot help but be very excited," Brad Frost said. "Each player brings a wealth of leadership, experience and drive to our team. We are thrilled that they have decided to be Golden Gophers."
 
Hannah Clark, Goaltender, Etobicoke Junior Dolphins (Oshawa, Ontario)
A left-handed goaltender, Clark joins the Gophers after playing with the Etobicoke Junior Dolphins in Ontario. She played for Team Canada at the Under-18 IIHF World Championship in 2023, during which she won a gold medal while securing three wins between the pipes. Clark has also played with Team Canada at the 2023 National Women's Under-18 Championship and the National Women's Under-18 Team Series vs. the United States, in addition to her time with the Junior Dolphins. 

Frost on Clark: "Hannah is a tremendous goaltender with a deep passion for playing the sport she loves. She is a calm goalie that makes great reads and is extremely competitive. She handles the puck well, which will be a huge asset at that position. Hannah is a great teammate and one that will love playing here at the 'U.'"

Kendra Distad, Minnetonka High School (Minnetonka, Minn.)
A right-handed forward, Distad joins the Gophers from Minnetonka High School. She registered 89 points through her first three seasons with the Skippers, earning all-conference honors twice. Distad competed with Team USA at the 2023 IIHF Under-18 Women's World Championship, earning a bronze medal. She was also a member of the 2023 U.S. Under-18 Women's Select Team that competed in the Under-18 Select Series vs. Canada.

Frost on Distad: "Kendra is coached by former Gopher Tracy Cessano. Kendra is a hard-working, fast forward that is aggressive on pucks. She plays a hard-nosed style of hockey that will translate well into the college game. She too has some international experience, and has played on the big stage. Kendra has a great shot and will fit in well with who we are."

Gracie Graham, RINK Hockey Academy Kelowna (Kelowna, British Columbia)
A left-handed defender, Gracie Graham joins the Gophers from RINK Hockey Academy in Kelowna, British Columbia. Another signee with international experience, Graham won a world championship when she played with Team Canada at the 2023 IIHF Under-18 Women's World Championship. During her time with RINK Hockey Academy, she was named a CSSHL First Team All Star in 2023 and Freshman of the Year in 2022 while winning the league championship in 2021-22 and 2022-23. 

Frost on Graham "Gracie is a tall defender with a great reach and understanding of the game. She loves to defend, box out and retrieve pucks. When she is on the ice, other teams have trouble scoring. She is a very smart hockey player that moves the puck well and has the ability to put the puck in the net offensively." 

Carly Humphrey, Elk River High School (Elk River, Minn.)
A left-handed defender, Humphrey joins the Gophers from Elk River High School. Humphrey tallied 45 points through her first three seasons with the Elks and earned All-State honors in 2022-23. She was also named all-conference in 2021-22. Humphrey has attended the USA U18 Development Camp the last two years, and is a USA Hockey National Tournament participant.

Frost on Humphrey: "Carly loves the Gophers and is excited to play for the 'U.' She is a strong defender, has good feet and makes a great first pass. She has the ability to create with her quick release from the offensive blue line. Carly's leadership style and commitment to her team are what we are looking for here." 

Kate Kosobud, Moorhead High School (Moorhead, Minn.)
A right-handed defender, Kosobud joins the Gophers from Moorhead High School. She's recorded 69 points through three full seasons and the beginning of the 2023-24 season. Kosobud has scored 23 goals and 46 assists in 78 games, and is serving as team captain of her team this season. Kosobud helped the Spuds to the 2022-23 state tournament, the first time Moorhead has made an appearance at the tournament in 17 years.

Frost on Kosobud: "Kate is a strong defender who plays extremely hard. She comes from a great hockey family up in Moorhead. She sees the ice well and uses her size to her advantage to create at both ends of the rink. Kate has dreamt about playing for the Gophers and we are excited to see her in Maroon and Gold."

Ayla Puppe, Northfield High School (Northfield, Minn.)
A right-handed forward, Puppe joins the Gophers from Northfield High School. She amassed 214 points through her first five seasons playing for Raiders. Puppe is the Northfield High School record holder for career points, and has earned all-conference honors three times. She was invited to attend the 2022 USA Hockey Women's National Festival and participated in the 2022 USA Hockey Girls U18 Select Player Development Camp.

Frost on Puppe: "Ayla is coached by former Gopher Paige Haley. Ayla is a strong skater that uses her speed and size to her advantage. She drives the net hard and is very tough to play against. Ayla is a natural goal scorer and knows how to fill the net."

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