Playing without three of its top forwards, Ohio State relied on pure defense Friday night, handing defending national champion Minnesota a 1-0 loss in the first game of their WCHA series at the OSU Ice Arena.
Shana Frost scored the lone goal of the game in the second period and April Stojak saved all 16 Gopher shots. The Buckeyes, after defeating Minnesota for the second time this season — the first time being the Gophers’ only home loss — improved to 11-14-3 overall and 9-9-3 in the WCHA. The Golden Gophers stand at 20-6-1 overall and 15-3-1 in league play.
The two teams skated to a scoreless first stanza, which saw very few stoppages of play. Ohio State outshot Minnesota, 9-5.
At 4:49 in the second during a Buckeye power play, Kelli Halcisak fed Emily Hudak at the blue line. Hudak passed the puck to Frost, who dove to stop it and shoveled it behind Gopher goalie Erica Killewald for the lone tally of the game.
The goal was Frost’s 16th on the season and her fourth game winner. OSU then killed off a crucial 5-on-3 disadvantage 13 minutes into the second period to hang on to the one-goal lead.
The Buckeyes held the Gophers to only three shots in the third period.
OSU outshot Minnesota for the third time this season, 21-16. Stojak recorded 16 saves and the win, and Killewald picked up 21 saves.
The Buckeyes converted on one of four power-play opportunities. Ohio State held Minnesota scoreless in five power-play chances.
“We’re extremely, extremely proud of the effort and heart of our team,” OSU coach Jackie Barto said. “Everybody came to play tonight and really stuck to the game plan. It was a great team effort. April had some big saves tonight and our special teams played very well.
“Shutting them out on the power play was key. This was a big win for us. We’ve been knocking on the door for a long time and finally got it tonight.”
