2009 – 2010 News Archives

June 5, 2010

Manitoba Maple Leafs joins the Western Women’s Hockey League

The Manitoba Maple Leafs were invited to join the Western Women’s Hockey League as a franchise according to president Bryon Stephen. The Maple Leafs will be on probation for one year for the 2010-2011 season. The Manitoba Maple Leafs expands the WWWL’s line up of top notch teams and elite female hockey players with experience on NCAA, CIS, ACAC, National and Olympic teams. The league features the best female players of western Canada and the western US. It offers a host of entertaining games as well as continued training opportunities for National team prospects.

The four core female ice hockey teams in the WWHL include: Strathmore Rockies, Minnesota Whitecaps and the Edmonton Chimos and now the Manitoba Maple Leafs. The teams commence their season in November 2010 and play through March 2011. The league will culminate their season with the Clarkson Cup; the National Championship of Women’s hockey when the strongest team from the WWHL faces the strongest team from the CWHL in the east. WWHL is looking forward to bringing the cup home this year! The WWHL Whitecaps of Minnesota won the Clarkson Cup in February 2010.

Chantal Larocque said, “We are thrilled to join the WWHL. This provides us with a senor team that completes training we provide girls from age 8. We have now created opportunities for senior elite players.

The Manitoba Maple Leafs is an organization built from the demand for high performance senior female hockey players in all of Manitoba. To compete and train at a national level as well as keep developing senior female hockey players, the MML have adapted a Gold and Silver Senior Team Program. The Gold team participates in the WWHL. The Silver program participates in the Winnipeg Senior Women’s League.

More information about the Maple Leafs is available on www.manitobamapleleafs.com or emailing Manitobamapleleafs@gmail.com.
The league schedule will be posted on www.westernwomenshockeyleague.com and we encourage public to come and watch the best female hockey players in the west!

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February 27, 2010

Minnesota Whitecaps bring home the Clarkson Cup

Elgin Barrows Arena in Richmond Hill Ontario was the site of the 2010 Clarkson Cup. The events began on Friday March 26th with a welcome banquet hosted by the CWHL. The single elimination game format started on Saturday March 27th at noon when the Brampton Thunder took on the Montreal Stars. Montreal was favored to win but was upset by Brampton with a final score of 3-2 putting the Thunder in the championships. Next up were the Minnesota Whitecaps against the hometown favorite Mississauga Chiefs. First goal of the game came from Team USA and Whitecaps Jenny Potter as she snatched the puck mid ice blasting it past former Team Canada goalie Sami Jo Small. First period ended Whitecaps up by 1. Second period started as rough and fast as the first. From the blue line Whitecaps Chelsey Brodt-Rosenthal shot hard to the net where Erin Keys redirected the puck for the second goal of the game. After an unsuccessful power play Maggie Fisher intercepted a pass in the Mississauga zone and went end to end for a breakaway goal ending the period with Minnesota up 3-0. Mississauga came out in the third period with all guns loaded and within thirty seconds Chiefs Sommer West found the back of the net on a rebound shot by Rebecca Davies. That was the last scoring of the game giving the Whitecaps the birth in the championship game.

The Championship game started with the ceremonial puck drop with Governor Clarkson, former USA and Canadian Olympians who play on teams from both the WWHL and the CWHL and players from both teams. The Whitecaps came out dominating the game with the first goal of the game coming three minutes in from Chelsey Brodt-Rosenthal as she pounded a slap shot from the blue line past Brampton’s goalie Laura Hosier. The first period ended Whitecaps 1-0. Halfway through the second period Jenny Potter picked up the puck beating a Brampton defense to take it in for a goal giving the Whitecaps a two goal lead. Brampton came out in the third stepping up their intensity giving them plenty of scoring chances just to get stonewalled by Whitecaps goalie Megan Van Beusekom-Sweerin. Whenever Team Canada’s Jayna Hefford had the puck the Whitecaps kept her in check. The Minnesota defense and fore check was ferocious throughout the game even with a short bench the Whitecaps pressed on. Megan McCarthy found Maggie Fisher in front who jammed it in for the third goal of the game. Less than a minute later, Maggie Fisher anticipated a clearing pass intercepting it and passed it up to Brooke White-Lancette who found the back of the net giving Minnesota a four goal lead. With the game out of reach Brampton took a series of penalties toward the end of the game. The Minnesota Whitecaps beat the Brampton Thunder to become the 2010 Clarkson Cup Champions. Awards were given after the game with Brooke White-Lancette named player of the game. Tournament awards were also handed out with Whitecaps Julie Chu named MVP of the tournament and Whitecaps Megan Van Beusekom-Sweerin named goalie of the tournament.

Congratulations to the Western Women’s Hockey League’s Minnesota Whitecaps who struggled through injury’s among some of their key players creating a short bench, digging deep to stay on top, defining themselves as the best elite women’s team in the USA and Canada.

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February 26, 2010

Canada beat US, capture third straight gold

Canada captured a third consecutive Olympic women’s ice hockey title on Thursday, defeating arch-rival United States 2-0 in an emotional championship match on home ice.

“It was special to do it at home,” Olympic all-time scoring leader Hayley Wickenheiser said after her third gold medal. “They have all been sensational. This one wasn’t pretty but we gutted it out and we got the job done.” Marie-Philip Poulin scored twice in the first period and goaltender Shannon Szabados made 28 saves to bring Canada the victory and bragging rights in a border war arch-rivalry between the sport’s only two women’s powers. “We played a great game and this is an incredible moment,” Szabados said. “It was unbelievable. I just had to be calm and poised. I just tried to relax and have fun. You always want to be confident out there.”

The Americans, two-time reigning world champions, settled for a silver medal while Finland took bronze with an earlier 3-2 overtime triumph over Sweden.

Poulin opened the scoring 13:55 into the first period off a pass from Jennifer Botterill and found the net again just 2:55 later with an assist from Meghan Agosta to give Canada the final margin as defenses then dominated. “We have no excuses. They played well,” US coach Mark Johnson said. “Their young goaltender played well. She didn’t give us many second opportunities. She came in with the pressure of a nation on her and she never cracked.” Szabados surrendered only one goal while making 50 saves in Canada’s undefeated run to gold. “She was awesome,” Canada’s Gillian Apps said. “She was amazing – no other words to describe it.”

Canada won the 2002 and 2006 Olympic gold medals and dominated a pre-Olympic exhibition series against the Americans, who won the first Olympic women’s title in 1998. The Americans had hoped to spoil Canada’s party on home ice and the Canadians had done to them in Salt Lake City in 2002, but now must wait until Sochi for another chance at Olympic revenge. “This rivalry will never end,” Szabados said. “It will just keep going on and on.”

Canada and America have met for every major global title except the 2006 Olympic final after Sweden upset the US women in the semi-finals.

Agosta, who set a one-Olympics record with nine goals in the tournament, was named the Olympic Most Valuable Player. “We were preapred. We were aggressive. We battled hard,” Agosta said. “We are going to cherish this for a long time.” Agosta was joined by compatriots Szabados and Poulin plus Americans Angela Ruggiero, Jenny Potter and Molly Engstrom on the all-tournament team selected in a media vote.

Here is an interview with Jenny Potter from the Today Show: Jenny Potter

Here is an interview with Team USA from the Today Show: Team USA

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February 25, 2010

Gold medal game: U.S. vs. CANADA

THE FACTS:
When: 5:30 p.m., MSNBC • Where: Canada Hockey Place, Vancouver

ABOUT THE GAME

Hayley Wickenheiser of Canada said it’s the game that everyone in North America wanted to see. Teammate Haley Irwin promises an absolute battle, and Jennifer Botterill said an already white-hot rivalry has grown even more intense. Take the two titans of women’s hockey, put them in an arena full of puck-obsessed Canadians, and watch the fun. “It’s the Stanley Cup Final over and over again,” Canada coach Melody Davidson said. “I think it’s one of the best rivalries in sport.”

SCOUTING THE U.S.

Canada likes to play a physical game, but it will have to stay out of the box against the Americans, who lead the tournament with 13 power-play goals on 22 chances. This fast, skilled team has grown deeper in recent weeks as its young players have blossomed. Minnesotans Jenny Potter and Natalie Darwitz lead the scoring with 11 points each, and Monique Lamoureux is getting better every game. Jessie Vetter has surrendered one goal on 42 shots and is a tested big-game goalie.

SCOUTING CANADA

The Canadians match the U.S. in skill and offensive firepower. Meghan Agosta’s nine goals are an Olympic record for most in a tournament, and Wickenheiser — one of the greatest women’s players ever — is strong as ever with 11 points in her fourth Winter Games. Davidson has been coy about who will be in goal, but she’s got two great ones: veteran Kim St.-Pierre and Olympic rookie Shannon Szabados, who shut out Finland in the semifinals and is 3-1 against the U.S. this season.

THE HISTORY

The U.S. won the first Olympic gold medal in women’s hockey in 1998. Canada won the next two, but the U.S. has won the past two world championships. Canada is 7-3 against the U.S. this season.

THE HOME FACTOR

Canada Hockey Place holds 19,300, and the loud, loyal Canadians will make up most of the crowd. Several U.S. players said they are excited to play in that kind of atmosphere and don’t expect to be rattled.

OFFICIATING

Kelli O’Brian-Rolstad of Blaine will be one of two linesmen working the gold medal game. Read her blog from Vancouver at www.kelliobrian.blogspot.com.

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February 22, 2010

Whitecaps are Rocking the Olympics

Let the games begin. USA vs. Canada show down for the Olympic Gold will highlight nine previous Whitecaps and six currently rostered Whitecaps. All of which have made an impact on the score sheet in the preliminary rounds of the Vancouver Olympic games.

If you are following the USA Women’s Ice Hockey games but want a closer look at the behind the scene events take a look at Catlin Cahow’s blog on USAtoday.com. USAhockeymagzine.com also has exceptional coverage of each game with detailed box scores and photos.

Locally you can follow Whitecaps captain Winny Brodt-Brown as she runs down the highlights at the Girls High School Hockey State Tournament.

This year’s 2010 NCAA Women’s Ice Hockey Frozen Four championship series will be held at Ridder Arena on March 19 & 21, 2010. Prior to the noon championship game on the 21st, the Minnesota Whitecaps will be providing the official NCAA on-ice clinic and classroom talk from 9:00am – 11:00am. For details on this clinic please visit www.usahockey.com/patty_kazmaier.

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February 8, 2010

Minnesota Whitecaps clinch WWHL Championship

The last home stand for the season proved to be an important series. As it was filled with ups and downs the Minnesota Whitecaps came out on top winning two key games that clinched the 2009-10 WWHL Championship.

The first game of the series on Friday February 5, was held at Minnetonka’s Pagel Ice Arena hosted by Minnetonka Youth Hockey Association. Strathmore started the game with two goals the first period giving them a 2 goal lead going into the second period. The second period the Whitecaps stunned the Strathmore Rockies as they pelted Strathmore goaltender, Carli Clemis with one shot after another. Five minutes into the period Whitecaps Sammy Nixon found the pass from Whitecaps Autumn Conway and pounded a shot from the slot under the goalies arm for the first Whitecaps goal. Just nine seconds later Whitecaps Sammy Nixon did it again hitting the net to tie the game with assists from teammates Dagney Willey and Winny Brodt-Brown. After only several trips down the ice Whitecap’s Autumn Conway takes a pass from Whitecaps Rachael Drazan and Sammy Nixon and slices one in. After the Whitecaps killed their tripping penalty Sammy Nixon all alone from the left circle blazes a low wrist shot in for her 3rd goal of the period for a natural hat trick. Less than two minutes later Whitecaps Andrea Nichols found line mate Erin Keys to the right of the goal where she slipped one by to give the Whitecaps a 3 goal lead. At the 17:23 mark Whitecaps Sammy Nixon fired her rocket shot just under the Strathmore goalies left arm for her 4th goal of the period leaving the score at the end of the second period 6-2. Whitecaps goalie Megan Van Beusekom-Sweerin took a break for Shelley Payne to step in for the third period. Strathmore’s Tara Hammer scored the only goal in the third period ending the game with a Whitecaps 6-3 win.

Game two of the series was hosted by the NOVAS Girls High School Hockey team on Saturday, February 6, at historic Victory Memorial Ice Arena. During the national anthems the Whitecaps were shadowed by the U8 Storm team dressed in their pink and black jerseys who also took the ice during the first intermission. The puck dropped at 4:30 pm with the Whitecaps Rachael Drazan scoring the first goal shorthanded (assisted from Whitecaps Jenny Schnickel). Just before the buzzer the second Whitecaps goal was scored with a wrist shot down low by Whitecaps Caesare Stimson with assists from teammates Maggie Fisher and Allie Sanchez. The score changed quickly at the start of the second period when Rachael Drazan blazed one from the circle past Strathmore goalie Amanda Tapp after a quick series of passes from team mates Maggie Fisher and Caesare Stimson. Starting the third period with the score 3-0 Whitecaps, Strathmore continued to fight hard with their body checking style of play. Toward the end of the third period Whitecaps Brooke White-Lancette hit top shelf after a pass from line mate Erin Keys. Strathmore made it on the board with an unassisted goal from Strathmore owner and player Samantha Holmes ending the game with a win for the Whitecaps 4-1. This win clinched the first place finish and the WWHL Championship for the 2009-10 WWHL season.

The last game in the series was the first Whitecaps game to be hosted outside of the twin cities and first to be co-hosted by both Rochester and Dodge County Youth Hockey Associations. On Sunday, February 7 the Strathmore Rockies and the Minnesota Whitecaps faced off at 12:30 pm at Graham Arena in Rochester. The Canadian’s were treated to a classic French and English version of the Canadian National Anthem sung live by senior high school hockey player Michelle Bonapace Potvan. The American National Anthem was also sung live from local u8 youth hockey player Olivia Smith. The game began with high intensity as both teams quickly blasted pucks at the goalies. With a pass from Whitecaps Winny Brodt-Brown, Sammy Nixon shot from the far left circle to score the first goal of the game. Second period Strathmore came out hitting, holding, roughing and scoring. Strathmore’s Sarah Daniel and Pam Patterson found the back of the net in just under a minute from each other to take a 2-1 lead. Starting off the second period Whitecaps Sammy Nixon came across the slot to find the net tying the game 2-2. With two minute left in the second period Whitecaps Sammy Nixon again found the back of the net giving her a second hat trick for the weekend and ending the period with the Whitecaps up 3-2. Strathmore came out the third period looking for blood and in doing so inspired their team to be relentless on the Whitecaps players outshooting them 2 to 1 as well as doubling their number of penalties. To start the period Strathmore captain Kaley Hall-Herman tied the game with an assist from Samantha Holms. Kaley Hall-Herman then took one penalty after another until she was given a 2 and 10 minute penalty with a game misconduct. In the mean time Strathmore’s Reagan Fischer recovered a second rebound and flipped the puck over Whitecaps goaltender Megan Van Beusekom-Sweerin giving Strathmore the 4-3 win over the Whitecaps.

Whitecaps took two out of the three games in the series with Strathmore and with this series ending their regular league season. The Whitecaps will look forward to competing in the Clarkson Cup Championship in Toronto Canada on March 26, 27 & 28th. Look for a few upcoming exhibition games as they prepare for their run at the International Championship Clarkson Cup.

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February 1, 2010

Interested in some great hockey?

Come watch as the Minnesota Whitecaps, the top US Womens Hockey Team in Minnesota, take on the Canada Strathmore Rockies. Dodge County Youth Hockey is a co-sponspor of the event and proceeds will go to benefit the association. There is also a great clinic and mini game opportunity being offered to girls in youth hockey. See the attached flyer for details. Clinic, Feb 7, 2010 @ Rochester (Graham Arena)

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January 31, 2010

Minnesota Whitecaps sweep Edmonton Chimos

The Minnesota Whitecaps took to the road on Friday going across the border into Alberta Canada to take on the Edmonton Chimos. Before the start of the game the former Chimos owner Dee Bateman was honored for her abundant contribution to women’s hockey during her ownership of the Chimos. Whitecaps coach Dwayne Schmidgall said a few words of appreciation acknowledging Ms. Bateman for her efforts with the WWHL as one of the original founding members.

The game got underway at 8:45 pm. The first period was a goalie duel between Edmonton’s Keely Brown and Whitecaps Megan Van Beusekom with no goals getting past them. By the end of the period Edmonton’s frustrations mounted and the body checking began. To start the second period Whitecaps Maggie Fisher pounded in the first goal of the game with the assists coming from Whitecaps Chelsey Brodt and Erin Keys. With seven minutes left in the period Whitecaps defender Chelsey Brodt found the back of the net off of a pass from Whitecaps forward Brooke White-Lancette ending the period with the score 2-0. The third period proved to be a barn burner with Edmonton coming out of the locker room with renewed conviction scoring the next three goals giving Edmonton the 3-2 lead. After killing off a penalty and with only one minute left in the game Whitecaps Winny Brodt-Brown walked in the tying goal forcing the game into overtime. Overtime was also riddled with penalties from both teams. At .31 left in the period Whitecaps Maggie Fisher sliced one in off the pass from Winny Brodt-Brown to score the overtime goal ending the game with a Whitecaps win over Edmonton 4-3.

Game two on Saturday afternoon was another game to watch at the edge of your seat and another duel between two former Canadian and USA National team goalies, Edmonton’s Keely Brown and Whitecaps Megan Van Beusekom. This game was hard fought with plenty of penalties from both teams to go around. At the 6:06 mark in the first period 2009 USA National team member Rachael Drazan blasted in a power play goal giving the Whitecaps a 1-0 lead. Edmonton’s Mia Mucci answered back with the lone goal in the second period bringing the game to a 1-1 tie. Even with lots of shots on net the third period was scoreless. Overtime for the second game in a row was rough as the refs allowed the players to play without calling any penalties. As the regular overtime was closing in at 1:12 Whitecaps Caesare Stimson sneaked one in off a pass from Whitecaps Rachael Drazan giving the Whitecaps a 2-1 overtime win over Edmonton.

Sunday’s game was early with the puck dropping at 8:45 am. Both teams came out strong to start the game blasting shots and hitting hard. The lone fist period goal was a short-handed goal by Brooke White-Lancette passed from Winny Brodt- Brown and Rachael Drazan. Minnesota opened the flood gates in the second period. Starting off the scoring frenzy almost half way through the period was Whitecaps Maggie Fisher hitting the net from the far side as she accepted a pass from Whitecaps Megan McCarthy and Sam Nixon. At the 10:15 mark of the second period capitalizing on the power play by finding the back of the net was 2009 National Team member Erin Keys with a pass from Whitecaps Briana Jentner and Caesare Stimson. Just two minutes later Brooke White-Lancette pounded one in as the puck quickly passed from Megan McCarthy and Dagney Willey. Toward the end the period Whitecaps Erin Keys hit another power play goal with assists going to Rachael Drazan and Brooke White-Lancette ending the second period with a 5-0 lead for the Whitecaps. Whitecaps goalie Shelly Payne came into the game at the half way mark holding off Edmonton from scoring through the period. Edmonton came out for the third period with all guns loaded taking every chance they could to get off a shot. At the 9:24 mark Edmonton’s Laura Dostaler’s penalty shot found the back of the net. Edmonton scored two more quick goals toward the end of the game leaving the Whitecaps with the win of 5-3 over the Chimos.

One more series of games for the Whitecaps to take care of business with the Strathmore Rockies if they want to compete in Toronto for the 2010 Clarkson Cup. Come on out and support your Whitecaps as they take on the Strathmore Rockies next weekend.
The last home stand for the season will be against the Strathmore Rockies and take place on Friday, February 5, 7:00 pm at Minnetonka Pagel Ice Arena; Saturday, February 6, 4:30 pm at Victory Memorial Ice Arena; and Sunday, February 7, 12:30 pm at Graham Arena in Rochester.

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January 10, 2010

MN Whitecaps split with Shattuck-St. Mary’s

The MN Whitecaps traveled to Faribault Minnesota to play an exhibition game with Shattuck-St. Mary’s U19 Prep team over the weekend. Whitecaps net minder, Megan Van Beusekom, recorded a shutout in the 6-0 win over Shattuck. The first period scoring consisted of a lone goal from Brooke White-Lancette. Scoring for the Whitecaps in the second period was started off by Brooke White-Lancette and followed up with a goal from Megan McCarthy ending the second period with a 3-0 score. Both teams came out with firepower with more shots than in the first two periods combined. Early in the third period Maggie Fisher slammed one in for a 4 point lead. Shattuck emptied their net with 4 minutes left in the game for the extra attacker, but the Whitecaps capitalized on that with Megan McCarthy’s empty net goal. To seal the fate another empty net goal was added by Whitecaps Chelsey Brodt to finish the game with a 6-0 win.

Game two began with a noon start with the Shattuck girls hungry for revenge. Whitecaps Brooke White-Lancette began the 1st period with a goal, but Shattuck answered back in the first minute of the second period with a goal from Alyssa Gagliardi. The Whitecaps scored two goals in the 2nd , ending with Maggie Fisher’s goal giving the Whitecaps a 3-1 lead. Shattuck-St. Mary’s Prep team hit the ice running with Kathleen Rogan scoring a goal within the first minute of play. One minute later the Whitecaps Caesare Stimson answered back with a goal of her own. With the score at 4-2 Shattuck’s Kathleen Rogan scored again within a minute of the last goal. For Shattuck it was rally time. Pounding in the tying goal was Shattuck’s Amanda Kessel. Now at 5-5, Shattuck was on fire catching the Whitecaps off guard. Whitecaps newest goaltender Shelley Payne was in net for the injured Sanya Sandahl, and it was her first full game with the Whitecaps. Shattuck scored 3 goals within the last three minutes of the game by Alyssa Gagliardi, Elena Orlando and Kathleen Rogan for her hat trick ending the game with an 8-5 Shattuck win over the Whitecaps.

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January 4, 2010

Former Whitecaps on both sides of the border

As the USA National Team and the Canadian National Team took the ice on Thursday, December 30th, familiar faces and former teammates lined up against each other. Not only did many of these players match up against each other in college, Western, and Canadian Women’s Hockey League teams, but they also lined up on the same line. Even though Canada came out on top (2-1), players from both teams were signing autographs and joking around with each other after the game already talking about the next games competition. Whitecaps and USA National Team member Karen Thatcher scored the lone goal for the USA on Thursday. It is great to see Team USA’s enthusiasm after a loss with the determination that they will win when it counts.

This coming weekend the Minnesota Whitecaps will play Shattuck St. Mary in two exhibition games at Shattuck St. Mary’s Ice Arena in Faribault Minnesota. Game one takes place on Saturday, January 9 at 5:00 pm. The puck drops at noon, 12:00 pm for game two on Sunday, January 10.

The next home series for the Minnesota Whitecaps will take place the Friday, January 15, 7:05 pm vs. Manitoba Maple Leafs at the Blaine Super Rink #4, hosted by Mounds View Youth Hockey Association. Game two will be held on Saturday, January 16, at 3:00pm at the Victoria Ice Rink, hosted by the Chaska Youth Hockey Association and game three will be among the Hockey day in Hutchinson celebration on Sunday, January 17, at 1:00 pm at the Hutchinson Ice Arena.

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December 21, 2009

Former Whitecaps named to 2010 U.S. Olympic Women’s ice hockey team

Jenny Potter, Angela Ruggiero, Julie Chu, Natalie Darwitz, Caitlin Cahow, Molly Engstrom, Lisa Chesson, Jinelle Zaugg-Siergiej and Karen Thatcher all former Minnesota Whitecaps will be playing in the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games on February 12-28. Minnesota has the benefit of seeing these exceptional women play against the Canadian Women’s Olympic team at the Xcel Center on December 30th at 7:05 pm. This game will be the last game against the Canadian Women’s Olympic team played on US soil so come out and support your favorite women hockey players and see the top women in the country go at each other before going for the gold at the Olympics. There is one more game between USA and Canada’s women Olympic teams on January 1st in Ottawa, Ont. Canada.

Other games in Minnesota for the Whitecaps taking place in January 2010 at Shattuck St. Mary’s where they will host the Whitecaps for an exhibition series on Saturday, January 9, 5:00 pm at Shattuck St. Mary’s Ice Arena in Faribault, MN, then again on Sunday, January 10, 12:00 pm noon, again at Shattuck St. Mary’s Ice Arena.

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December 14, 2009

Whitecaps Meet Strathmore In Canada

This weekend the Whitecaps traveled to Alberta Canada for a three game series against the Strathmore Rockies. Back to back weekends of three game series is not an easy schedule. Taking five of the six games keeps the Whitecaps in first place in the Western Women’s Hockey League.

On Friday December 11th, the team gathered at the Minneapolis International Airport for a midmorning flight to Calgary. With just a few hours to get settled and prepared for the Friday night game the team made the 90 km drive northeast from Calgary to the Rockyford Arena. The puck dropped at 7:30 pm with Whitecaps and University of Minnesota defense Chelsey Brodt hitting the penalty box right out of the shoot. Strathmore scored the lone goal in the first period scoring first with a goal by forward Brittany Mills. Whitecaps defended their net four times from Strathmore power plays in the first period alone. Second period scoring was all Whitecaps with an end of period rally starting with a sniping shot from 2008-09 National team member Erin Keys fed by Brooke White-Lancette and Winny Brodt-Brown. Following, at 2:00 minutes left in the period Northeastern University speedster Brooke White-Lancette fired one in from a quick pass from Erin Keys ending the period with Whitecaps up 2-1. Starting off the third period was a Whitecaps power play goal as the quick exchange of the puck whipped from Brianna Jentner to Brooke White-Lancette to Erin Keys as she blasted it past Strathmore net-minder Amanda Tapp. Strathmore answers back with a slicing shot from forward Michelle Glendining. Strathmore’s aggressive play ended them in the penalty box giving the Whitecaps another chance for a power play goal. Capitalizing on the power play was Mankato University standout Maggie Fisher who caught the pass from Ohio State great Erin Keys giving the Whitecaps the 4-2 win over the Rockies.

Game two of the series was held at the Strathmore Rockies home ice arena with an 8:00 pm start time. Minnesota came out strong catching the Strathmore goalie Carli Clemis flat footed with the first goal slammed in by University of Minnesota’s Winny Brodt-Brown after a perfect pass from Huskies Sam Nixon. Half way through the game came a power play goal starting off the string of precision passing was Briana Jentner to Allie Sanchez to Erin Keys who hit the back of the net with the second goal of the game. Notching the third goal and ending the first period was a sniping shot from Maggie Fisher with the assist from University of Minnesota all-star Allie Sanchez. Period two passed with no goals and only two Whitecaps penalties. Sam Nixon came out strong with a blazing goal from the pass by Chelsey Brodt. This was the lone goal of the third period ending the game 4-0 with a shut-out for Whitecaps net-minder Megan Van Beusekom and Whitecaps debut of Colgate University’s goalie Shelley Payne.

Bright and early at 8:00 am on Sunday morning the Whitecaps took the ice for the third game in the series at the Kyle Stewart Ice Arena located just outside of the west end of Calgary. Whitecaps and former Mankato University alumni Autumn Conway flew out of the gates with an unassisted goal to start the game. The flood gates to the penalty box opened after that goal and the first to enter were Whitecaps Sam Nixon and Chelsey Brodt. The Rockies scored next on the power play by forward Taryn Fjeld. The game was tied going into the second period where the Minnesota scored the lone power point goal by Autumn Conway from Winny Brodt-Brown. The third period turned out to be a barn burner. Strathmore came out with all guns loaded when Canadian National Team member Delaney Collins pounded the back of the net tying the game 2-2. In less that one minute later the Rockies Kaley Hall-Herman sliced in another goal giving Strathmore a 3-2 lead. At 8:57 in the period Whitecaps answered back with St. Cloud State alumni Megan McCarthy blasting in a goal from Erin Keys and Chelsey Brodt. Strathmore was on a roll and gave it back to the Whitecaps in just less than 30 seconds by a goal from Reagan Fischer giving Strathmore a 4-3 lead. Whitecaps went for the tie but gave Strathmore the opportunity for an empty net goal with just .12 seconds ending the game with Strathmore taking a 5-3 win over Minnesota.

For more Whitecaps hockey head on over to Shattuck St. Mary’s where they will host the Whitecaps for an exhibition series on Saturday, January 9, 5:00 pm at Shattuck St. Mary’s Ice Arena, then again on Sunday, January 10, 12:00 pm noon, again at Shattuck St. Mary’s Ice Arena.

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December 7, 2009

Whitecaps Take Three Games Against Edmonton Chimos

In past years the games against the Edmonton Chimos had more penalties than there are minutes in the game. This year the Chimos are a different team. Under the new ownership of Arlan Maschmeyer, the Chimos have taken on an attacking style of play. The Chimos do not live by their name by any means. Chimos is an Inuit welcome greeting translating to “Are you friendly”. They still possess their rough checking attributes but this year their physical play is more in line with their competition. The trainers were definitely needed on both benches as players from both teams sustained injuries after the weekend of three body slamming games.

On Friday December 4th, Andover Girls High School Hockey hosted Minnesota and Edmonton as they faced off at Andover Community Center. The Whitecaps scored first with a goal by former St. Cloud State University Husky Sam Nixon with the assist going to college teammate Megan McCarthy giving the Whitecaps a 1-0 lead. The second period went scoreless as both team’s goalies showcased their amazing versatility and skills. In net for the Whitecaps was former US National team member, Megan Van Beusekom and for the Chimos, veteran Keely Brown. Half-way into the third period Whitecaps Allie Sanchez, former Gopher alumni, blasted in a goal fed to her by another Gopher alumni Winny Brodt-Brown. With only four penalties aside, the Whitecaps triumphed by a score of 2 – 0.

Game two in the series was played among the glitz and lights of the Casino at the Prior Lakes Dakotah Ice Arena hosted by Prior Lake Savage Youth Hockey Association. Minnesota was able to catch the Chimos flat footed as Autumn Conway, former UM Mustang caught a pass from Whitecaps and Blaine Minnesota native, Sam Nixon to hit the net for the lead. Toward the end of the second period, former US National team member Erin Keys with her lightning fast hands and incredible hockey moves darted past several Chimos players to snipe it past Edmonton goaltender Amanda Squire. Less than two minutes later Whitecaps co-captain Brooke White-Lancette, Northeastern alumni drove to the net notching the third goal of the game. A great display of puck control and passing from these players as the assists came from Whitecaps, Roseville native, Autumn Conway and Cornell University alumni Brianna Jentner. Going into the third period the Whitecaps lead 3-0. Not long after the start of the period Whitecaps Maggie Fisher, UM Mankato Mustang alumni, took it to the back of the net with the help of a perfect pass from former Gopher, Chelsey Brodt-Rosenthal ending the game with a Whitecaps win over the Chimos 4-0. With only four penalties called the entire game and the shots virtually equal this was a very free flowing and entertaining game to watch.

Sunday’s game at Lakeville’s Hasse Ice Arena was the most exciting of the series, and the most physical one at that. The Whitecaps took the lead in the first period in the first minute of play as former Ohio State University alumni, Erin Keys took the pass from forward Sam Nixon and co-captain Winny Brodt-Brown to blast it past Chimos’ net-minder Keely Brown. Answering back just 2 minutes later was Chimos forward Lindsay Robinson with the assist coming from Kelsie McMillan who sneaked one past Whitecaps goaltender Megan Van Beusekom. Edmonton took the lead at thirteen minutes into the game as Chimos forward Mia Mucci snatched the pass from captain Lindsay McAlpine and Britney Millar. Toward the end of the 1st period the Whitecaps tied the game 2-2 on a power play goal by forward Autumn Conway, with assists from former Gopher alumni’s Andrea Nichols and Chelsey Brodt-Rosenthal. Early in the second period Whitecaps Megan McCarthy scored the go ahead goal giving the Whitecaps the lead 3-2. Whitecaps outshot the Chimos in the second period but the Chimos came out strong in the third period shooting even with the Whitecaps. With no score in the third period the Whitecaps ended the game with the win over the Chimos 3-2.

The Minnesota Whitecaps and the Edmonton Chimos would like to thank Andover, Prior Lake Savage, and Lakeville’s Girl’s Youth Hockey programs and Rink Managers for providing the great sponsorship, fan support, and meals after the games.

The Whitecaps hit the road and travel to Strathmore Alberta for games against the Strathmore Rockies on Friday, December 11, Saturday, December 12, and Sunday, December 13. Shattuck St. Mary’s will host the Whitecaps for an exhibition series on Saturday, January 9, 5:00 pm at Shattuck St. Mary’s Ice Arena, then again on Sunday, January 10, 12:00 pm noon, again at Shattuck St. Mary’s Ice Arena.

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November 30, 2009

Minnesota Whitecaps Ready To Take On The Edmonton Chimos

This weekend has a lot in store for women’s hockey. The WWHL league opener takes place at Andover Ice Arena vs. Edmonton Chimos on Friday, December 4. The puck drops at 7:30 pm. The second game in the series with Edmonton is on Saturday December 5, 7:00 pm at Dakota Sports Ice Arena in Prior Lake.

The last game in the series is on Sunday, December 6, 11:05 am at Lakeville Hasse Ice Arena. After the game on Sunday, the Whitecaps players will meet up with the USA Women’s National players at a Spaghetti Benefit Dinner and Silent Auction to honor the life of their number one fan, Terri Schmidgall. The players will sign autographs and have a meal with their fans between 4:00 pm and 8:00 pm. Tickets are $15.00 per person and are available at each Whitecaps game and at the door of the American Legion Post 580, 290 Lake Drive East, Chanhassen, MN 55317 (952-934-6677).

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November 22, 2009

Minnesota Whitecaps Remember Their Biggest Fan – Terri Schmidgall

As the ebb and flow of hockey games go, so does the trials and tribulations of life. The unexpected sometimes checks from behind throwing off the game of life or taking it for a drastic ending. That is the case here for the Whitecaps biggest fan – Terri Schmidgall.

Twelve years ago, in 1998, Terri was diagnosed with Intraocular Melanoma. After going into remission for 10 years, it resurfaced in 2008. Two years of working to stay healthy Terri lost her struggle with cancer. Her family as well as hockey kept her going. To Terri, family was everything. Since hockey was everything to her family, it had become a mainstay for much of Terri Schmidgall’s life. As the 2009-10 Minnesota Whitecaps season gets underway the first weekend of December, a most familiar face will be missed and all involved with the Whitecaps will be remembering Terri.

Terri’s family has set up a Spaghetti benefit dinner and silent auction in her honor to celebrate her life and her love for her family and hockey. Benefit Flyer

SUNDAY DECEMBER 6TH
4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
THE AMERICAN LEGION POST 580
290 LAKE DRIVE EAST
CHANHASSEN MN 55317
952-934-6677

Tickets are $15.00 per person. Available at the door.

Each purchase of a dinner ticket equals a chance to win a raffle for a refurbished 17″ Hewlett Packard Laptop Computer
Generously donated by: Pomeroy Computing of Eden Prairie www.pcrepairhelp.net
Drawing to be held at the end of the event. Need not be present to win.

Please join Terri’s family and Jenny Potter’s Team USA and Whitecaps teammates for dinner and silent auction. The players will also be available to meet and sign autographs.

The WWHL league opener takes place at Andover Ice Arena vs. Edmonton Chimos on Friday, December 4. The puck drops at 7:30 pm. Other games in the Edmonton series take place Saturday December 5, 7:00 pm at Dakota Sports Ice Arena in Prior Lake and on Sunday, December 6, 11:05 am at Lakeville Hasse Ice Arena.

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November 16, 2009

Whitecaps vs. USA Women’s National Team Captivates Crowd

Chisago Lakes was host to the first scrimmage of the season between the Whitecaps and the USA National team. The teams paired up in a packed house with girl’s youth and high school teams from Chisago Lakes, St. Francis, Eden Prairie and St. Paul. Both teams donned their team’s home and away jerseys as the teams were split between White and Dark teams. This way, the most competitive groups of players were on the ice giving the level of play an even higher boost.

Prior to the games warm ups Whitecaps Brooke White-Lancette and several USA National team players provided a clinic to the U8 group from the Kitten Club. Those U8 girls were glued to the glass when the warm ups ended and the National Anthem played. The pace of the game did not change from the time the puck dropped. It was fast-paced with close to 20 shots taken on both goalies by the end of the first period. Scoreless going into the second period the anticipation of a goal intensified. Half way through the second period a new pair of goalies took the ice. In the second period the game became more of a defensive game ending with 15 shots on each net. Hitting the ice with focus and determination the USA/Whitecaps Dark team found the back of the net at 1:47 into the third period with a goal from USA’s Angie Keseley assisted from Meghan Duggan and Gigi Marvin. The USA/Whitecaps White team answered back at 8:20 with a goal from USA’s Jinelle Zaugg-Siergiej assisted from Jenny Potter and Monique Lamoureux. Not even a minute passed when the USA/Whitecaps Dark team’s Whitecaps Maggie Fisher sliced one in off a pass from Winny Brodt-Brown and Brooke White-Lancette giving the USA/Whitecaps Dark team the game winning goal ending the game with a score of 2 – 1. Shots were about even for the third period ending the game with 32 shots from the White team and 41 from the Dark team.

Following the game Chisago Lakes Kitten Club hosted the players to a sub sandwich meal as the players from both the USA National Team and Minnesota Whitecaps met a long line of fans waiting to meet the players and get autographs.

Minnesota Whitecaps and the USA National team would like to extend a big thank you to Chisago Lakes Kitten Club and Chisago Lakes Youth Hockey Association for providing the great sponsorship, fan support, and meals after the game.

Coming up for the Whitecaps are some special appearances and the first WWHL league home series.

Hockey Giant in Bloomington is sponsoring a meet and greet on Saturday November 21st from 11 am-2 pm with Whitecaps Brianna Jentner and Jenny Schnickel to show off the WWHL Championship trophy and sign autographs. They will also have merchandise to sell and sign at the event. Come out and get your picture taken with a Minnesota Whitecaps.

Come out and watch your Minnesota Whitecaps and get a chance to watch the best women hockey players in the country.

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October 15, 2009

Season Opener / Youth Skills Clinic
Friday, December 4 vs. the Edmonton Chimos @ 7:30pm @ Andover Community Center

There will be a hockey skills clinic preceding the game from 5:50pm-6:50pm. The clinic will be run by the MN Whitecaps players. This event is open to all registered AHYHA girl hockey players and is free with the purchase of a game ticket. Please see the attached flyer for more details: Season Opener Flyer.

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September 29, 2009

Minnesota Women To Top Olympic Hockey Roster

Please click the following link for the KSTP-TV story: Minnesota Women To Top Olympic Hockey Roster.

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September 27, 2009

USA National Team – Qwest Tour

Please click the following link for photos from the USA National Team vs. the WCHA All-Star game played at the Excel Energy Center (photos courtesy of Corey Shubert): USA National Team – Qwest Tour.

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September 2, 2009

Minnesota Whitecaps Women’s Hockey Club schedule 2009 – 2010

The schedule for the upcoming 2009 – 2010 season has been posted and is located on our schedule page or you can click this link: 2009 – 2010 Schedule.

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August 13, 2009

Star Tribune Feature: Jenny Potter

Please click on the following link for the Star Tribune’s feature article on Jenny Potter: Jenny Potter.

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