Kathlyn HotynskiBy Kirk Benson
The women’s Blugold hockey team finished its season with a 4-0 win over Hamline University (Minn.) at Hobbs Ice Center Wednesday night.
The win over Hamline brought the Blugolds’ record to 13-10-2 for the season, the second-winningest season in school history, following the 15-9-1 season enjoyed by the 2004-05 team.
Freshman Beth Dittrich gave the Blugolds an early lead 55 seconds into the first period with an assist by sophomore Lauren Havard.
The Blugolds commanded the second and third periods. Freshman Michelle Stohr lengthened the Blugolds’ lead to 2-0 at 8:19 in the second period, assisted by seniors Laura Suppes and Allie Campbell.
Goals by Campbell and senior Martina Korinek strengthened the Blugolds’ lead to 4-0 and gave them the win over Hamline. Eau Claire went 2-for-5 on power plays.
Freshman goalie Mikaela Jobman made 23 saves against Hamline, making the game the second shutout of the season for the Blugolds.
The last time the two teams met was in February 2005 and saw the Blugolds win 12-0. Wednesday’s win brought the Blugolds to a 6-1 record all-time over Hamline.
“I think we started off a little slow, the first period was a little loose,” said head coach Mike Collins. “When we came out of the second turn and we got the second goal, we stepped up our intensity and things just started happening – we got sharper with the puck, we were moving our feet, and that’s how we need to play to have success.”
Senior Laura Suppes also saw a change in the way the Blugolds played after the first period.
“We had a better second and third period,” Suppes said. “We put some pucks away and we played hard for the rest of the game and came away with a win.”
The game was bittersweet, marking the final career game for Blugold seniors Campbell, Suppes, Tara Hayner, Karen Hebert, Amber Stevenson and Korinek.
Collins attributes much of the team’s success to the graduating seniors.
“A big reason for the success of the team this year was the core of the team and that was the six seniors,” Collins said. “They provided great leadership, great direction, and were the heart and sole of this team,” Collins said.
“We may replace them with new names but we won’t replace their heart and their commitment.”
Suppes said she couldn’t imagine being the only graduating senior.
“It has been a great four years – we have had great chemistry” Suppes said. “It’s so nice having five other people knowing how you feel.”
The Blugolds failed to make the playoffs despite winning their last three games. Eau Claire was shut out of the playoffs when Lake Forest College (Ill.) secured the No. 4 spot by defeating UW- Stevens point 3-1. Only the top four teams for the NCHA are able to advance to the post-season tournament.
“Overall, I think that this is one of the best programs that the school has seen and I am proud of how we came out,” Suppes said, “even though we didn’t make the playoffs.”
