Shorthanded Bulldogs Look to Snap Six-Game Skid at Bemidji State

UMD has won their last 15 matchups against Bemidji State.

DULUTH, Minn.- Not only will the UMD women’s hockey team be looking to snap a six-game losing streak this upcoming weekend against Bemidji State.

But they’ll be doing so while also being shorthanded.

Defenders Nina Jobst-Smith and Ida Karlsson are set to miss the series due to representing their countries at the Olympic qualifiers.

Head Coach Laura Schuler says they’re ready to roll with five defenders and if they’ll need another one, they’ll turn to forward Clara Van Wieren.

The Bulldog coach explained why it’s a good fit.

“It’s natural for her as a center, being down low she knows what to do. She knows the game really well so we feel really confident in her abilities back there. Obviously for a whole two minutes it’s pretty taxing on them if it’s just a couple of them going. She’s really excited about it and she was doing one on one drills for us this week as a defender. She looked great at it. She’s really strong, powerful, takes the body really well,” said Schuler.

Back in November, UMD swept Bemidji State at Amsoil. Defender Tova Henderson detailed what went well in that series.

“I feel like our team did a really good job of being fluid. We were moving around and exchanging pucks very well. That showed with the score but that’s not always going to be the case. So I just feel like if we get pucks on net. I think we did a really good job with that and striking first is a big thing for us this weekend. So hopefully we can do that,” added Henderson.

UMD has won their last 15 matchups against Bemidji State.