The University of Minnesota women's hockey program is navigating a unique set of circumstances as it prepares for an upcoming series against St. Cloud State. First-year head coach Boom May has long managed a roster filled with high-caliber talent, a situation he describes as an enviable problem for most coaches. When the team is fully healthy, several players capable of competing at other top programs often find themselves on the bench. However, the current international tournament schedule has altered this dynamic significantly.
With three of the team's top players currently away, the lineup has been forced to shift. Forwards Tereza Plosova from Czechia and Julia Schalin from Finland, along with defender Chloe Primerano from Canada, are participating in the IIHF World Championship in Denmark. May noted that their absence has forced a change in strategy, requiring other players to step into larger roles immediately. This development presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the remaining squad members to demonstrate their capabilities.
The impact of these absences is part of a broader international effort, as eight former Gophers are also playing in Denmark. Five of these alumni are representing Team USA, including Abbey Murphy, Taylor Fox, Kelly Pannek, Lee Stecklein, and Grace Zumwinkle. Back on campus, the current roster is working to maintain momentum. Madison Kaiser, a fifth-year forward, stated that while the team misses its key contributors, the situation allows others to prove their worth in expanded roles. She emphasized that the players have been performing their duties effectively despite the changes.
The Gophers enter this weekend's competition with a strong 9-1-0 record, following a recent sweep of Minnesota Duluth. They will host St. Cloud State on Friday at 6 p.m. before traveling for a Saturday game at 1 p.m. The Huskies are currently 8-4-0 and hold the No. 9 ranking in the national polls. Coach May indicated that the team used a recent break to experiment with new drills and routines, though he acknowledged that the players are eager to return to competitive play after a week without a game.
Meanwhile, the Gophers men's hockey team is focused on correcting a pattern of disciplinary errors that have cost them recent matches. A 6-0 home loss to No. 1-ranked Wisconsin at 3M Arena last Saturday was particularly stinging for the squad and the home crowd. Coach Brett Larson described the defeat as a gut punch, noting that such losses in front of a full house are difficult to digest. The game effectively ended when the Gophers drew a major penalty in the second period, allowing Wisconsin to score twice on the ensuing power play.
This result marks the second six-goal loss for the men this season and the second time a major penalty has led to a significant collapse. In an earlier 7-1 loss in Duluth in October, the Gophers also gave up three goals on a major penalty. Larson stressed that these games should have remained closer, with the team potentially pulling the goalie for a chance to tie. He identified discipline as the primary issue that needs to be addressed immediately to prevent further setbacks.
The men's team is currently 3-4-3 and has dropped out of the national top 20 following the recent losses. They will face Alaska Anchorage in a non-conference series this weekend. The home games are scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday and 6 p.m. on Saturday. Both matches will be available to stream on B1G+ and Fox9+.
For the women's team, the focus remains on maximizing the current lineup while key players are away. May believes that the group is ready to handle the increased responsibility, viewing the absence of their top three players as a chance to solidify the depth of the roster. The weekend series against St. Cloud State will serve as an important test for the Gophers as they continue their season.
