Defenseman Sydney Baldwin scored her first goal as a Gopher to unleash the teddy bears, the lead swelled to three by the end of the period, and Minnesota cruised to a 7-0 victory versus St. Cloud State.
“It was something special, something to remember,” Baldwin said of scoring her first as part of the team’s annual Teddy Bear Toss charity event. “I’m just glad we got out early in the first period and took control of the game right away. It was an exciting first goal.”
St. Cloud State goaltender Katie Fitzgerald got a lot of Baldwin’s shot from the right point, but the puck slipped through her and crawled over the goal line.
“She’s an awesome player,” coach Brad Frost said. “The transition is always tough for these freshmen, because some of the things that they were able to do in high school are not as easy. Sydney’s going to be a staple on our blue line for the next four years. I wouldn’t be surprised to see her in the Olympic Games in a couple of Olympics.”
Minnesota (16-1-2, 11-1-2-0 WCHA) also got a pair of goals from Milica McMillen, including her national-best seventh on the power play, and single tallies from Kate Schipper, Hannah Brandt, Rachel Ramsey, and Meghan Lorence. Sophomore Kelsey Cline moved up to a wing from her usual spot on defense and added three assists.
With Baldwin’s goal, the only member of Minnesota’s freshman class to not net a goal in the series was Kelly Pannek, and she had six assists for the weekend.
“The more games that us freshmen play, the more comfortable we get,” Baldwin said. “I think that’s shown for me. I’ve been more comfortable on the ice in all three zones.”
The Huskies (5-13-1, 2-9-1-1 WCHA) did a better job against Minnesota’s power play than it did on Friday, successfully killing three of four penalties.
However, they were unable to generate anything in their offensive zone to beat goalie Amanda Leveille, who finished with a 14-save shutout.
“A great sweep to end our first half, and kids are obviously looking forward to finishing up exams and getting home for the break, and then getting after it in the second half,” Frost said. “Overall, a wonderful first half, a wonderful weekend here. I’m really proud of the kids.”
St. Cloud State concludes its first half by hosting Bemidji State Friday and Saturday.
