University of Minnesota Athletics
University of Minnesota
34-0-0, 28-0-0WCHA
St. Cloud State
9-22-3,5-21-2-1WCHA
Minnesota Finishes Regular Season Undefeated
2/23/2013 12:00:00 AM | Women's Hockey
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Feb. 23, 2013
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The University of Minnesota women's hockey team skated to a 3-0 win over St. Cloud State to become the first program in NCAA history to finish the regular season undefeated. Senior goaltender Noora Raty held the Huskies scoreless to garner her NCAA record tying 39th career shutout.
The Golden Gophers (34-0-0, 28-0-0 WCHA) carried a 1-0 lead into the third period, but goals from senior Becky Kortum and freshman Milica McMillen helped the team claim their 34th win of the year and 42nd consecutive victory.
Kortum's goal was her 14th of the season and was notched on a rebound in front of the net after a Gopher rush at 4:10. Sarah Davis and Rachel Ramsey were tagged with assists on the goal. McMillen tallied her 11th of the year on a Minnesota power play at 8:08.
Despite outshooting St. Cloud State, 16-6, in the first period, the Gophers were held scoreless in the first period for the second day in a row, a feat which only Wisconsin has done all year (Dec. 1-2).
The Maroon & Gold eventually claimed the lead midway through the second when Hannah Brandt redirected a Lee Stecklein one-timer from the point. Stecklein and Baylee Gillanders were each credited with assists on Brandt's 28th goal of the season.
Räty recorded 19 saves in the game to receive her 39th career shutout and 13th of the year. She is now tied with former Wisconsin goaltender Jessie Vetter for the career record and is one behind the Badger for the single season mark.
Minnesota now heads to postseason play, which begins next weekend at Ridder Arena. The Gophers will host either Bemidji State or St. Cloud State, pending the outcome of BSU's game against Wisconsin. The first round is a best of three series with games slated at 6 p.m. on Friday and 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sund
