Coming Off Sweep of Buckeyes, #4 Bulldogs Ready for Home Opener Against Syracuse

UMD has never played Syracuse before.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team went into to Columbus and came out with a sweep against the then top ranked Buckeyes last weekend.

Now, the 4th ranked Bulldogs will be welcomed home as they get set to face a team they’ve never seen before.

That would be the Syracuse Orange, who are coming off a 7-24-3 record from a year ago.

Head Coach Laura Schuler admits it’s a challenge preparing for a team they’ve never played but added there are some similarities from the Ohio State series.

“This will be really exciting, we’ve been watching video. They’re definitely a team that likes to come at you. They throw in two hard on the forecheck. One thing that’s really good is Ohio State forechecks similar. So you know I think that will be good for us having already played Ohio State to understand what that could look like. It’ll just be important for our girls to make sure that we’re constantly heads up hockey, what’s the picture adjusting to it and making good decisions out there on the ice,” said Schuler.

It was a successful debut for freshman forward Caitlin Kraemer, as she tallied two goals and one assist this past weekend. She says she’s keeping it simple leading up to the Syracuse series.

“Just bring our energy, bringing our habits and no slowing down, like pushing the pace. We know what we do good and we know no matter who we play. We’ll be able to bring our game and we’ll be able to have success doing it,” added Kraemer.

Game one is set for Saturday at 7 PM.