The tenth-ranked Mercyhurst women's hockey team officially begins its 2018-19 season on the road against third-ranked Minnesota in Minneapolis for a pair of games on Sept. 28-29. Puck drop is at 7:07 p.m. on Friday and 4:07 p.m. on Saturday.
Last Time Out
The Lakers hosted the Markham Thunder on Sept. 22 for an exhibition game where they fell 3-1.
Emma Nuutinen scored the Lakers lone goal while goaltender
Kennedy Blair made 18 saves.
Previous Matchup
Last season Mercyhurst hosted Minnesota for a two-game series where Minnesota took away two wins.
The Lakers took the Gophers into overtime during the first game of the matchup, later falling 2-1. They lost 5-2 during the second game.
All-Time Series
Minnesota holds a 1-8-0 all-time series advantage over Mercyhurst.
Scouting the Gophers
Minnesota is ranked third in the USCHO.com 2018-19 Preseason Poll.
The Gophers finished last season with a 4-0 loss to Wisconsin in the NCAA Tournament. They ended the season with a 24-11-3 overall record.
Minnesota is tied for the top spot in the 2018-19 WCHA Preseason Coaches' Poll.
The Gophers return 17 players and add seven to their roster. Returning players include seven of their top ten scorers from last season.
Laker Outlook
Mercyhurst is ranked tenth in the USCHO.com 2018-19 Preseason Poll. They are also ranked tenth in the USA Today Preseason Poll and slated first in the College Hockey America Preseason Coaches' Poll.
The Lakers ended last season with a 18-15-4 record as they claimed the CHA Championship title. In the NCAA Tournament they fell to eventual Champion, Clarkson.
Mercyhurst returns 20 players and added five to its roster. It returns five of its top six scorers from last season.
Players to Watch
For Mercyhurst
Maggie Knott scored two goals against the Gophers last season, including the tying goal, that sent the first game into overtime.
For Minnesota
Taylor Wente scored two goals against Mercyhurst last season. One of those goals was the overtime game-winner on Friday.
Follow the Action
WATCH
LIVE STATS
LISTEN
Next Time Out
The Lakers play their first regular season home games on Oct. 5-6, when Wisconsin comes to town. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. on Friday and 3 p.m. on Saturday.
Stay Connected
Keep up with the team by following our social media:
Twitter: @HurstWHockey
Facebook: facebook.com/hurstwhky
Instagram: @HurstWHockey
