Conference title is on the line this weekend in Grand Forks
With the quarterfinal round now complete, the WCHA’s top teams will meet in Grand Forks, N.D. this weekend for the 2015 WCHA Final Face-Off. Saturday’s semifinal games will see top-seeded Minnesota play fifth-seed Bemidji State, and second-seed Wisconsin take on host and third-seed North Dakota. All four are here for a reason and will aim to build on their successes this season and capture the championship on Sunday.
Here’s a closer look at each of the four teams and why they might win it.
North Dakota (22-11-3/16-9-3-2 WCHA)
How they got here: After defeating Ohio State 5-2 on Friday, UND capped off the sweep with an exciting 2-1 win in triple overtime to advance. Captain Andrea Dalen scored a hat trick to lead North Dakota in the first win, and Amy Menke finally snapped the 1-1 tie in the sixth period of play on Saturday afternoon.
Warroad’s Shelby Amsley-Benzie’s gives North Dakota every chance to skate away with a Final Faceoff trophy on Sunday. (WCHA photo)
Key Players: Goaltender Shelby Amsley-Benzie leads the nation in save percentage at .954 while holding a 1.15 goals-against average. Since Jan. 1, she’s posted eight shutouts, and has been a huge factor in UND’s turnaround. Forward Meghan Dufault took over the team scoring lead against the Buckeyes last weekend, and finding offense will be a necessity if UND hopes to win this tournament.
Strengths/Weaknesses: While North Dakota doesn’t play with a ton of offensive firepower, it still has a balanced attack that is bolstered by sound defensive play. Goaltending is obviously a huge strength as well. Not having so much scoring depth is a weakness, and while execution in the middle of the ice has greatly improved, that’s been problematic at times for this team.
Why they’ll win it: UND doesn’t dominate very often, but it manages the game very well, limiting quality chances for opposing teams. The team has shown an ability to capitalize on opportunities, and Amsley-Benzie has made her share of timely saves again and again this year at the other end.
