Scouting the Tigers
The Tigers come into this matchup with four games already played, including two ties and two victories. They won 3-2 against Assumption University on Sept. 29 and 5-1 on Sept. 30. Senior forward Emma Roland has scored two goals so far this season, with four shots in RIT’s tie against Rensselaer on Sept. 24 and one shot against Assumption on Sept. 29. RIT had a record of 4-26-2 in the 2022-23 season and is off to a strong start this year.
2023-24 Roster Preview
Minnesota has 17 players returning from last year’s roster, including Abbey Murphy, who scored the second-most goals (29) in the nation in 2022-23. Peyton Hemp, the team captain this season, returns for her third season with the Maroon and Gold after scoring 16 goals in 39 games last season. Ella Huber and Madeline Wethington have been named assistant captains, with Wethington wearing a letter for the first time in her fifth and final season. Josefin Bouveng (Sweden) and Nelli Laitinen (Finland), who competed in the Olympics, also return for their sophomore seasons. Skylar Vetter, who received votes for the Preseason All-WCHA Team, will be back in net. The team also welcomes nine newcomers, including three transfers and six freshmen.
National Recognition
The Gophers enter the 2023-24 season ranked fourth in both national polls. Abbey Murphy was named a member of the Preseason All-WCHA Team, along with Skylar Vetter and Madeline Wethington receiving votes.
Murphy Magic
Abbey Murphy has been an impressive goal scorer for the Gophers, scoring one goal in each of her last eight games in the 2022-23 season and finishing with 29 goals overall, ranking second in the nation.
Between the Pipes
Skylar Vetter, the HCA National Goaltender of the Year Semifinalist in 2022-23, returns for her third season with a record of 27-6-3, a 1.84 GAA, and .926 SV%. Lucy Morgan, a graduate transfer from St. Lawrence, joins the team after earning All-American honors in 2021-22.
Fresh Faces
With the departure of Taylor Heise, Abigail Boreen, Grace Zumwinkle, and others, the Gophers welcome nine newcomers for the 2023-24 season. Ava Lindsay, Isa Goettl, Emma Kreisz, and Lauren O’Hara will contribute from the forward position as freshmen. Solveig Neunzert and Taylor Stewart, both graduate transfers, will bolster the defense. Elly Klepinger and Josie Hemp, graduates of Minnetonka High School, join the team as freshmen on defense.
Home Grown
Minnesota’s roster for the 2023-24 season includes 18 players from Minnesota. Players from Illinois, Missouri, North Dakota, Finland, Sweden, Hungary, and Germany are also represented. Several players from Minnetonka and Excelsior, Minnesota, are part of this year’s squad.
Behind the Bench
Head coach Brad Frost enters his 17th season with the Gophers, boasting a record of 472-99-39, four national titles, and seven conference titles. Associate
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