Bright and Early

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” -Eleanor Roosevelt

tUMD saw their season come to an end at the hands of UMTC in the Final Faceoff last night, despite leading 1-0 at one point in the game. Of course I also have this theory that the Gophers sometimes allow their opponents to hold leads, in order to either practice playing from behind, or to wage some kind of psychological warfare on their opponents, giving them just enough hope to make defeat that much more devastating.

I don’t like seeing an early exit for a program that used to be dominant. I don’t like the trend of this team vs. the other elite teams in college hockey. Do not get me wrong, we are still a good program. But we are not on the rise, and if we do not step up our recruiting in a MAJOR way, we are going to fall farther and farther behind UND, UMTC, and UW. This program has five national championships. We should be competing for a 6th right now.

We only lose two seniors (although Jamie Kenyon is irreplaceable), and we get Brigette Lacquette back, so there’s no reason we can’t get back on track next season. I expect great things from these women next year and I know they have the capability to really shine in the league. It means beating UND, UMTC, and UW, and it means taking care of business against the underlings of the league. I’m really looking forward to next season already, but I’m still sad this one had to end.

Congratulations, women, on a good season and yet another Final Face-off appearance. Extra congratulations to Jenna McParland, All-WCHA 3rd team, and Lara Stalder, bronze medalist and All-WCHA 3rd and rookie teams! And, my biggest congratulations to the All-Academic Team honorees, Sofia Carlstrom (??), Alivia del Basso (Exercise Science), Marie Delarbre (??), Brienna Gillanders (Physical Education), Zoe Hickel (Communications), Jordan Krause (Biochemistry), Jamie Kenyon (Mathematics), Emma Stauber (Exercise Science), and Tea Villila (Community Health)!