College
The changing face of Division III hockey
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- Last Updated on Monday, 09 July 2012 01:03
By Joe McQuillan
For years, NCAA Division III hockey has been known as a safe haven for aspiring young hockey players who had exceptional high school hockey careers. The MIAC used to be home to some of the most talented hockey athletes who never got the Division I attention that they so often dreamed of.
In recent years, this safe haven no longer offers the comfort that it once did, especially in the MIAC. But who is to blame for this offense? It’s quite simple, the ever-present junior hockey leagues. Leagues like the USHL, NAHL and MJHL are all thriving with popularity at the moment.
Scott Steffen resigns as Hamline men’s hockey coach
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- Last Updated on Sunday, 27 May 2012 23:31
Scott Steffen has resigned as head men’s hockey coach at Hamline University. Steffen, who was hired in late July 2011 when his predecessor suddenly resigned, guided the Pipers to 10 wins and a MIAC playoff spot this past season, his first as a head coach.
Steffen said he is resigning to return to his private business enterprises.
Read more: Scott Steffen resigns as Hamline men’s hockey coach
Franken, Dayton honor Gopher women’s hockey team
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- Last Updated on Sunday, 27 May 2012 23:31
Earlier this week, U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) and Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton congratulated the University of Minnesota Golden Gopher women’s hockey team on winning its third NCAA Championship in team history, and first since 2005. On Sunday, the team beat defending champion and top-ranked University of Wisconsin Badgers 4-2.
“Minnesota is the state of hockey, and I’m very pleased that the trophy is coming back home,” Sen. Franken said. “Most of all, I’m proud of the dedication and effort put forth by these tremendous student athletes. As a Gopher fan, I congratulate the players, coaches, and the school on a much-deserved and well-earned victory.”
Sen. Franken also congratulated goaltender Noora Raty, who was named Most Outstanding Player in the 2012 Frozen Four.
Gov. Mark Dayton proclaimed March 20, 2012, to be Gopher Women’s Hockey National Champions Day.
Dayton’s proclamation, which was sent out Monday, reads: “Led by Coach Brad Frost, the Gopher Women demonstrated extraordinary determination, skill, and perseverance on their way to the school’s third National Championship in Women’s Hockey and its first since 2005, serving as a source of great pride for all people in the State of Minnesota.”
Gopher women’s hockey wins NCAA Championship
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- Last Updated on Sunday, 27 May 2012 23:31
The University of Minnesota women’s hockey team captured its first NCAA Championship since 2005, defeating rival Wisconsin 4-2 in the title game behind two goals by senior Sarah Erickson, a penalty shot goal by senior Emily West and 42 saves by senior Noora Raty. To get to the championship game, the Golden Gophers downed Cornell 3-1 in the semifinals. The national title is Minnesota’s third after claiming championships in 2000, 2004 and 2005.
U of M women’s club team takes second in nation
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- Last Updated on Sunday, 27 May 2012 23:31
The University of Minnesota women’s club hockey team finished in second place in the Women’s Division 1 ACHA National tournament in Wooster, Ohio. Going into the tournament, Minnesota was ranked fourth, a position that was gained with the help of two successful road trips to Michigan and Massachusetts, where they went 7-1 against some of the top teams in the league. Through these trips they were able to gain exposure in the ACHA and started getting noticed as a heavy competitor for post season play.
All the players came to the University for education most importantly, but wanted to continue playing hockey because of their love of the game. The University is known for its successful hockey program, which has prompted players from around Minnesota to join the team. Twelve out of the 15 players are from cities in Minnesota, while the others are from Madison, Wis., and Dubuque, Iowa.
