Here is a brief preview of the NCAA Women’s Frozen Four, which begins tonight.
The NCAA women’s Frozen Four takes place at sold-out Ridder Arena in Minneapolis this weekend. Unfortunately, none of the games are televised, but fans can stream them live for free on the NCAA website.
Who:
In the quarterfinals on March 14, Minnesota beat RIT 6-2 in the, while the Wisconsin Badgers defeated EOTP favourite Marie-Philip Poulin and the Boston University Terriers by a margin of 5-1. Also on March 14, Boston College eliminated defending champions Clarkson with a 5-1 win. Finally, Harvard shut Quinnipiac out 5-0 to return to the Frozen Four for the first time since 2008.
When:
Tonight, at 6pm ET, fourth-seeded Wisconsin takes on top-seeded Minnesota. Also tonight, at 9pm ET, No. 2 seed Boston College plays No. 3 seed Harvard. The championship game is on Sunday at 4pm ET.
Notes:
• Wisconsin vs Minnesota is a rematch of last season’s semifinals, in which the Gophers prevailed, earning a third consecutive appearance in the national title game. They’re looking to make it four against a Badgers team that’s currently firing on all cylinders.
• Minnesota, playing on home ice, is looking for a sixth national title while Wisconsin is after a fifth.
• Historically, Harvard has had BC’s number but in recent years BC has had the upper hand, including a 10-2 rout back in November, and game that is cited as the turning point of Harvard’s season. However, the Crimson broke the Eagles’ 28- game unbeaten streak on February 10.
• Harvard is coached by Katey Stone, who coached the US Olympic team to a silver medal. Harvard has three other Olympians on the team: Josephine Pucci, Michelle Picard, and Lyndsey Fry. This year’s top scorer, Alex Carpenter, is the lone Olympian on the BC Eagles.
• This year’s finalists for the Patty Kazmaier Award (given to the top women’s hockey player each year) are Hannah Brandt of Minnesota, Alex Carpenter of Boston College, and Marie-Philip Poulin of (now-eliminated) Boston University.
• Check back here for a tournament summary after the championship game.
