After playing against the defending national champions in a two-game series, the Gophers women’s hockey team still feels a unique energy surrounding the upcoming weekend games.
It’s Wisconsin week at Ridder Arena.
The top-ranked Badgers are facing off against the third-ranked Gophers.
The visiting team, with a record of 6-0, has scored 46 goals while only allowing 6 goals, with five of their first six games having at least seven goals scored.
That equates to an average score of 7.6 in series of two games each against Lindenwood, Boston College, and Minnesota Duluth.
Gophers coach Brad Frost said that it is unprecedented.
The Badgers have claimed seven NCAA titles, while the Gophers have secured six. Wisconsin has more current U.S. national team members (four) compared to the Gophers (one Abbey Murphy), and has secured three national titles after the Gophers’ last win in 2016. The Badgers came in second place to Ohio State in the Frozen Four of the previous season.
“Every time, these games are significant,” Frost stated. “They have been a major opponent of ours.” When it comes to recruiting, it usually comes down to us and Wisconsin. We are opponents due to the Border Battle. Many of our players are acquainted with their players and vice versa due to involvement in national teams. Whenever they visit or we visit them, it’s always a significant weekend. Then due to it being a No. 1-No. In the 3 match-up, it brings a little extra to the table.
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