Despite not participating in the NCAA Division III Frozen Four since 2019, the Adrian College women's hockey team knows exactly what to expect this weekend.
It may have been five years since the Bulldogs last played in the Frozen Four, but it was just over three months ago that they played in River Falls, Wisconsin, where the tournament is being held.
“It's not new or fresh for us,” coach Sean Skelly said. “We know what it's like to travel. We know what restaurants we ate at and it was good, we know the hotels. We know the ice facilities. They have really great facilities. The hockey atmosphere is great, they pack their bags.'' Pretty good. I'm sure the place will be lively, especially for games against the home team.”
Adrian plays against the top-ranked Falcons on Nov. 30 and has experience playing there, so he knows exactly what the environment will be like this weekend.
The Bulldogs (28-2) lost the game 7-5 but haven't lost since as they are currently on a 21-game winning streak.
“I thought we played scared against them,” Skelly said. “They're the tallest women's hockey team I've ever seen. I've been coaching for eight years and there's no other team that has a bigger, more difficult program than them right now.” .”
In the matchup, Adrian fell behind 3-1 in the first game, but was up 6-2 in the third game, allowing the Bulldogs to close in on goal with six minutes left, before losing to the University of Washington River Falls ( 29-0) was the score. Empty netter with 16 seconds left.
Adrian was surprised by its size the first time, but this time he's not surprised.
“As long as we play like we did the third time and don't get scared, we'll be fine,” sophomore forward Tia Russell said.
Michaela O'Brien found the back of the net and allowed two goals, but couldn't get a start between the pipes.
The graduate transfer from Endicott will be tasked with limiting the Falcons' top scoring offense (5.28 goals per game).
“I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to play with them at the beginning of the season,” O'Brien said. “A lot of teams don't get that opportunity. We were behind, but we kept fighting and were able to leave. We showed a little bit of what we can do and what we're going to do.” Next time you play. ”
On the other side of the bracket are No. 16 Elmira, which defeated No. 4 Amherst 2-1, and No. 6 Middlebury, which defeated No. 2 Plattsburgh State 2-0. The Bulldogs defeated Elmira 3-2 in overtime in the opening game at Utica College.
Adrian Men's Quarterfinals
The men's team knows more about its next opponent than the women's team, as Adrian will host NCHA rival St. Norbert. This will be the fourth time the Bulldogs and St. Norbert have met since early February.
St. Norbert coach Tim Coughlin isn't happy about it after Saturday's 5-2 win over St. Olaf.
“(Pairwise) doesn't work for the West and it doesn't work because they play each other every week,” he said in an interview with D-III Hockey News. “This is the fourth time this month we've played Adrian. Who in the East has played Utica four times and Hobart four times? And by the way, we played Stevens Point twice. ing.
“We're going to play four games with Adrian this month. Does anyone want to sign up for that? And we'll go out there and do our best to be the only Western team to play in Frozen 4. intend.”
While the Green Knights may not like the idea of having to return to Arlington Ice Arena, they have had success against the Bulldogs recently, defeating the Bulldogs 3-1 in the Harris Cup Final, and returning to De Pere, Wis. It was split up. Early February.
“We have a lot of hungry players who want St. Norbert,” coach Adam Klug said. “We have to bring our A-game.”
Adrian is now trying to compete with himself on the ice instead of worrying about who he's playing against.
That being said, the Bulldogs are looking to right the wrong of losing in the NCHA Harris Cup Final to their biggest rival on home ice.
“It would be great to answer St. Norbert again,” senior defenseman Jayden Shields said. “We're sending the message to the team right now: Adrian vs. Adrian. We're excited to keep going.”
