Gopher Women’s Hockey: Game Preview vs. RIT

The Minnesota Gophers women’s hockey team is one of the greatest teams in the NCAA. On March 14, 2015, the Gophers are set to face the RIT Tigers in the first round of the NCAA playoffs at Ridder Arena in Minneapolis, MN.

The Gophers have a record of 31-3-4, and are ranked number two in the NCAA, just behind the Boston College Eagles, who have a record of 33-2-2. The Gophers have many talented young women, and among the top talent are forwards Hannah Brandt, Dani Cameranesi and Kelly Pannek. The leading scorer, Hannah Brandt, who is a junior, tallied a total of 67 points this year in only 37 games. The next leading scorer, sophomore Dani Cameranesi, earned 62 points this year in 37 games. Kelly Pannek, who is only a freshman, tallied 42 points in 38 games. Among the top defensemen for the Gophers are senior Rachel Ramsey, junior Milica McMillen and sophomore Lee Stecklein. Amanda Leveille, the junior starting goalie, has a strong GAA of 1.16, and a save percentage of 94.6%.

The RIT Tigers have a record of 15-18-5. Their leading scorer and senior captain, Lindsay Grigg, has 18 points in 38 games. Among RIT’s top defensemen are senior captains, Taylor Thurston and Morgan Scoyne. The Tigers’ goalie, Ali Binnington, also has an impressive GAA of 1.69, and a save percentage of 94%.

The game should be a great one, as the Gophers look to make it to the Frozen Four to win a national championship after a loss in the final game last year; and the Tigers look to upset the Gophers, and make a run in the NCAA playoffs.