Happy Gameday Eve, Badger Fans!
Well, we did it. For the first time since 2007, the Badgers swept the Golden Gophers on Gopher ice.
It was a nail-biting, exhilarating two games, both consisting of a one-goal differential. The stakes were high, the emotions heightened—everything you could imagine playing a game in the biggest rivalry in college hockey.
Saturday's game resulted in a 3-2 victory for the Badgers, as sophomore
Presley Norby slid a backhander under the pad of the Gopher's goalie in the final minutes of the third period.
"It's a always a good feeling to score, especially against the Gophers," the Minnesota native said.
Sunday's game presented even more of a heart-racing finish, as the Cardinal and White scored in overtime for the win. It was a shot that literally, by the grace of God and all the hockey angels of the world, rolled over the shoulder of Minnesota goaltender Sydney Peters into its rightful home: the Gopher net.
That being said, with such an exciting weekend under our belts, the Badgers head into this weekend's series with momentum.
The Badgers have been preparing for battle returning to home ice against our biggest challenge yet: No. 4 Ohio State.
I asked sophomore
Alexis Mauermann, on what she believes the team needs to build upon heading into these important games.
"I think we did a lot of things well in the Minnesota game that will help us this weekend," she discussed. "We definitely need to bring our compete level and focus on getting shots to the net like we did last weekend. We need to focus on winning small battles, and like coach says, 'start fast and finish strong.' If we bring that mentality we can be successful."
I could not have explained that better myself Mauey!
For my co-captain,
Claudia Kepler, this weekend has an even greater meaning: the first time she will compete against her previous school. Check out
our website and Twitter for her super cool story! We all have your back, Claude. You are a Badger through and through!
The Badgers take on the Buckeyes at LaBahn Arena Saturday at 2 p.m. and Sunday at noon. We are excited to be back in Madison, playing in front of the best fans in college hockey—not to mention, a sold-out crowd. Thank you for your unconditional support.
If you cannot make it to the matchups, follow us online at
UWBadgers.com or via our live Twitter feed
@BadgerWHockey.
On another note, I would like to give a huge shoutout to our brick-wall goaltender
Kristen Campbell on earning WCHA Defensive Player of the Week honors, and Goaltender of the Month. Congrats Soupy!
Congrats to my linemate and dirty dangler,
Abby Roque, for earning WCHA Offensive Player of the Month honors as well. You rock (Roque)!
On Wisconsin!
-Baylee
