2011 – 2012 News Archives

February 21, 2012

Whitecaps Winny Brodt-Brown Assist Broadcast of Girls High School Hockey State Tournament

As journalism major from the University of Minnesota Winny is comfortable in front of a microphone. It shows in the continued coverage she helps bring many hockey fans across Minnesota. In her fifth year working the Girls High School Hockey State Tournament she will once again be the TV analyst with Channel 45. Winny will be covering all four games on Friday February 24th and the two championship games on Saturday February 25th. If you want to see Winny in action and get a chance to meet one of your favorite Whitecaps, look for her on the concourse at the Excel center this weekend.

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February 14, 2012

Whitecaps sweep Maple Leafs

Manitoba Maple Leafs had another good showing for the weekend but the Whitecaps continued to come back strong to finish on top. Friday night’s game in Chisago Lakes was all Manitoba until the third period when the Whitecaps sealed the deal late in the third with the winning goal ending the game 4-3. Scoring for the Maple Leafs in the first period was forward Sarah Moe with two goals and Michaela Michaelson in the third period. For the Whitecaps, a first period goal came from USA National Team member Jenny Potter, followed by Jenny Schnickel in the second period and in the third period the tying goal from Allie Thunstrom with the game winner from Potter.

Saturday night’s game took place on the Gustavus campus with the stands filled with college students which provided an energetic atmosphere. No scoring took place in the first period but it was a battle at both ends of the ice. Period two started off with a goal from Sam Nixon getting the Whitecaps on the board. Toward the end of the period Amy Stech found the back of the net with Ali Sanchez following her three minutes later with a goal of her own giving the Whitecaps a 3-0 lead. Maple Leafs got on the board in the third period with a goal from Sarah Moe and finishing off the scoring for the Whitecaps was forward Jodi Holland ending the game with the final score in favor of the Whitecaps 4-1. Whitecaps goaltender Sarah Ahlquist kept the Maple Leafs to one goal for the game stopping 27 shots.

Rochester’s Graham Arena was the sight for the last game of the series with the Maple Leafs. Seventy-eight youth hockey players were in attendance at the pre-game clinic. This was the largest attendance at a clinic so far this season. The first period was a battle between both teams. Manitoba knew they had to get on the score board early since their bench was short due to several injuries. Whitecaps forward Brooke White-Lancette started off the game with two goals in the first 8 minutes of the game. Whitecaps Sam Nixon was up next with a top shelf goal. Manitoba answered back with an unassisted goal from Canadian National team member, Jocelyn Larocque. Following were two consecutive goals by the Maple Leafs Autumn Stuntz giving the Maple Leafs a 3-3 tie. Ending the first period with a natural hat trick was Brooke White-Lancette with her third goal of the period. Starting the second period with a one goal lead the Whitecaps took off again with another four points for the period from Jessica Tyra, two consecutive goals from Ally Thunstrom and second goal of the game for Sam Nixon. Manitoba’s Autumn Stuntz scored her hat trick goal at the buzzer ending the period with the Whitecaps leading 8-4. The third period was all Whitecaps with goals from Winny Brodt-Brown, a hat trick goal from Ally Thunstrom and last goal of the game from Meaghan Pezon. Final score Whitecaps 11 – 4 Maple Leafs. Even though the score was a little lopsided the game was like watching a goal scoring highlight film. The fans were fantastic cheering on both teams as they continued to work hard at both ends of the ice. Whitecaps Goalie Sanya Sandahl saved 38 shots for the game.

Whitecaps would like to thank the hosts for their hospitality and generosity at the clinics and meet and greets.

One more away series will take place in Winnipeg the first weekend in March.

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February 1, 2012

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February 1, 2012

Whitecaps games serve as a venue to support Jablonski and Privette

Whitecaps hosted the Manitoba Maple Leafs over the weekend of January 27th beginning with the first game of the three game series at the East Bethel Ice Arena. The St. Francis community came out to support the Whitecaps with an enthusiastic crowd. Before the game some of the Whitecaps players held an hour long clinic for the St. Francis female youth hockey teams. The crowd was entertained by both National Anthems as they were sung by St. Francis high school choir stand out Sabrina Fivegel. The game was back and forth with Manitoba scoring the first two goals. Not until closer to the end of the first period did the Whitecaps get on the score board with a goal by Allie Thunstrom from Amanda Trunzo. With two minutes left in the period Carrie Holldorf slammed one in to tie the game. At the start of the second period the Whitecaps legend strikes first taking the lead. Three minutes later another Whitecaps star Brooke White-Lancette found the back of the net putting the Whitecaps up by two goals. Manitoba would not be held down and in .30 seconds answered back with a goal of their own. With less than two minutes left in the second period the Maple Leafs tipped on in to end the period with the game tied at 4 a piece. The third period was all Whitecaps. Starting off the period was a top shelf goal by Meaghan Pezon. At the halfway mark Amy Stech found the back of the net with precision passes from Jenny Potter and Winny Brodt. A few minutes before the end of the game Amy Stech put the Whitecaps up 7 to 4 to win the game. St. Francis Youth Hockey provided a meal for both teams as the players from the Whitecaps and Maple Leafs signed autographs.

Game two of the series with Manitoba was hosted on Jan. 28th by Chaska Chanhassen Hockey Association at the Chaska Community Center. The Chaska Chanhassen community packed the building and were again blown away by a local vocalist and hockey mom who performed the Canadian and American national anthem’s. Tons of food was also collected for their local food shelf. Winny Brodt donated a summer camp to O’s Hockey as a raffle prize which was won by Jenna Clements of Bloomington. Jenna is on Bloomington’s u10A team and was so excited about winning the raffle for the camp. Jenna said, “The game was so fast and fun to watch. I will definitely be back to watch another Whitecaps game.” Whitecaps came out on top of this game scoring three goals in the first period by Pezon, Allie Thunstrom and Potter to the Maple Leafs one goal. Second period’s two goals were from Thunstrom gaining her a hat-trick for the game. Manitoba scored their second goal of the game in the third period as Amy Stech ended the game with a goal of her own. Final score of 6-2 gave the game to the Whitecaps. After the meeting and greeting of the fans the Whitecaps took to the ice again giving the youth of CCHA a few hockey lessons they will remember for a lifetime.

Sunday Jan. 29th’s game was hosted at Fogarty Ice Arena by Blaine and Spring Lake Park Youth Hockey Associations. Admission was free for all youth through high school and a free raffle ticket was received by all attendees. Lots of people walked away with Dave’s Sport Shop and Whitecaps T-shirts, hockey sticks, and pucks. After the game another hour long Whitecaps clinic was held for all the youth teams. Even though the final score was 7-2 in favour of the Whitecaps the score was not indicative of the excitement of the game. Both teams continued to work hard and hustle the entire game. Meaghan Pezon scored the lone goal in the first period putting the Whitecaps out in front. The Maple Leafs scored first in the second period with the Whitecaps answering with three goals from Jenny Potter, Sam Nixon and Amy Stech respectively. Manitoba’s defence, Jocelyn Larocque and Canadian National team player scored the last goal for Manitoba at the beginning of the third period. Whitecaps answered back again with three goals from Amanda Trunzo, Sam Nixon and Jessica Tyra.

At each game donations were accepted for Privette and Jablonski as well as t-shirts and wristbands were available for purchase.

The following weekend, Feb. 4 and 5th, the Whitecaps took on the Shattuck St.Mary’s U19 prep team at Shattuck St. Mary’s School. Both of these games were a battle all the way to the end. Saturday’s game was a 2-1 win for Shattuck and Sunday’s game was a 4-3 win for the Whitecaps.

The last home series brings the Manitoba Maple Leafs back to Minnesota again. These games will again be dedicated to Jablonski and Privette. Come on out and support the Whitecaps.

Friday, February 10, at 7:35pm vs. Manitoba Maple Leafs @ Chisago Lakes Ice Arena

Saturday, February 11, at 7:00pm vs. Manitoba Maple Leafs @ Don Roberts Ice Arena on the campus of Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN

Sunday, February 12, at 12:30pm vs. Manitoba Maple Leafs @ Graham Arena in Rochester, MN.

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January 25, 2012

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January 19, 2012

Whitecaps Take Jack’s Pledge

Friday, January 6th at the Rosemount Ice Arena both the Minnesota Whitecaps, Selects team and USA hockey referees gladly donned Jack’s Pledge stickers on their helmets after taking the oath to play the game the “right way.” The Whitecaps encourage all teams to join them in this pledge.

Whitecaps visit HCMC
Last week a few Whitecaps players scheduled a gathering of support to bring a signed jersey to Jenna Privette and also stopped in to see Jack Jablonski at HCMC. They found both Jenna and Jack in good spirits, despite the pain they were feeling. These kinds of situations go far reaching and are deeply felt by everyone.
About the visit, Chelsey Brodt wrote on her facebook page, “Words can’t describe what they are going through, yet they both managed to have a smile on their face. These kids are fighters and a true example of inspiration. Play on.”
Allie Thunstrom commented on how the visit impacted her, “It was inspiring to see two young people in such awful situations still put a smile on their face and show more concern for everyone else than for themselves. Both are mature beyond their years. If anyone can make a miraculous recovery, it is these two young athletes; Jenna, with her positive attitude and sense of humor and Jack, with his contagious smile and amazing determination.“
Briana Jentner also provided insight into her experience, “It was both encouraging and humbling to visit Jenna. It was encouraging to see the support of her family and friends, and to see her smile, despite the difficult circumstances. At the same time, knowing she still has a challenging road ahead while she works through physical therapy and tremendous pain to regain her mobility, we are reminded of the journey that lies ahead. She has come back from tough injuries in the past, and I pray that God would give her the strength, perseverance and fortitude to do it again.

We also briefly stopped in and said hello to Jack. My heart broke seeing how challenging it still is for him. I was encouraged, though, to see the many symbols of support in his room, and that he even laughed when we were with him.

We hope our stop made even the slightest bit of encouragement to both Jenna and Jack.”

From speaking to the families of both Jenna and Jack, visits like these and messages on the many social media web sites help a great deal. Jenna’s big brother Jake said, “The visit with the Whitecaps made her day.”

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January 6, 2012

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December 12, 2011

Whitecaps take it to the Maple Leafs

Early Saturday morning the Minnesota Whitecaps took off in vans up the coast of Lake Superior to participate at the 2011 Queens Tournament in Thunder Bay, Ontario. There they would face the Maintoba Maple Leafs in a two game series. The weekend proved to be very successful as the Whitecaps as they came home with two wins by scored of 11-1 and 5-1.

The Saturday evening game started out slow, as both teams were working off a long day of travel. Once the Whitecaps got the first one the flood gates were open. The Whitecaps were up by 7 goals before the Maple Leafs snuck a rebound past Megan Van Beusekom Sweerin. The Whitecaps responded in the third period, by scoring four more goals for a final score of 11 – 1.

Sunday’s game got off to a bit of a rough start. The game was delayed due to an injury to a player that was playing in the tournament the game before. After the paramedics got her off the ice the Whitecaps jumped on for warmups and started the game. This game started out with turnover after turnover. The Whitecaps finally got on the board to go up 1 – 0, but were lucky to be leading after the first as the Maple Leafs controlled the play. The Whitecaps picked it up in the second and third periods scoing four more goals. The Maple Leafs again snuck in a late goal on Kim Hanlon, but the Whitecaps held on for a 5-1 win.

After two successful games the Whitecaps hit the road back home. On the way home the team stopped at Amy Stech’s house for a quick bite to eat before they finished the trip! Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Stech for an awesome dinner!

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November 28, 2011

Potter, Team USA Take Gold at 4 Nations Cup

After falling to Team Canada in the preliminary round, the USA Women’s National team sought a taste of revenge as they faced rival Canada in the gold medal game of the annual Four Nations Cup. A 3-1 loss earlier in the weekend didn’t slow down the USA Women’s National team in their efforts to capture gold against Canada in Sweden at the 2011 Four Nations Cup earlier this month.

Shutout victories against Sweden and Finland in the preliminary round led the US team to the championship against Canada, the 101st all-time meeting between the teams. Team USA led off the scoring with goal from Kelli Stack at the 1:10 mark of the first period. After Caroline Ouellette tied the score 1-1 in the second period, Whitecaps veteran Jenny Potter, the only current Whitecap on the USA roster, made it 2-1 USA on the power play at the 2:36 point in the third period. It was Potter’s second goal of the tournament. Canada again tied the game in the third period, but Kelli Stack notched her second goal of the game to put Team USA 3-2 with just under 10 minutes remaining. Outshot 50-34 and on their heals all night, Canada got a late goal by Natalie Spooner pushing the game into overtime with her second goal of the game. After a scoreless overtime period, the game went to a deciding three-player shootout where Hilary Knight tallied a goal in the third round giving Team USA the gold medal win over Team Canada 4-3 in a shootout.
It was USA’s first gold medal in the Four Nations Cup since 2008 in Lake Placid, New York and their fourth all time. USA and Canada have met in the championship game of the Four Nations Cup every year since the tournament’s inauguration in 1996, excluding 2001 when the United States did not participate due to the events of September 11th.

The Minnesota Whitecaps were represented at the 2011 Four Nations Cup by Edina native Jenny Potter. Potter, a veteran of four Olympics, has been with the Whitecaps since 2006. Along with scoring the second goal of the gold medal game, Potter was Team USA’s fifth leading scorer in the tournament registering 5 points (2 G, 3 A). In August, Potter scored her 100th career goal for Team USA. Former Whitecaps competing for USA at the Four Nations Cup this year were Gigi Marvin, Caitlin Cahow, Molly Engstrom, Julie Chu, and Karen Thatcher. Potter and Chu served as alternate captains for the final game against Canada.

GAME SUMMARY
Scoring By Period
USA 1 - 0 - 2 - 0 - 1 - 4
CAN 0 - 1 - 2 - 0 - 0 - 3

WWHL Season Opener in Thunder Bay

The Western Women’s Hockey League season opener will take place at the Fort William First Nations Arena in Thunder Bay with the Minnesota Whitecaps matching up against the Manitoba Maple Leafs. A two game series starts with the first game scheduled to be the featured game at the Thunder Bay Queens Showcase Tournament on Saturday, December 10th with the puck dropping at 7:30pm. After the game will be a meet and greet between the players and fans. Game two takes place at 11:30am also at Fort William First Nation Arena.

Next home game for the Whitecaps will be Friday, January 6, 7:30pm at the Rosemount Ice Arena and Saturday, January 7, 6:00pm at the Waconia Ice Arena.

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November 21, 2011

Hockey and Engineering combine forces

The Western Women’s Hockey League creates great opportunities for elite female athletes to play the game they love while also achieving careers in their respective areas of expertise. This holds true for Minnesota Whitecaps forward Amy Stech.

Stech is in the beginning stages of a project that could revolutionize the way hockey sticks are made. She is conducting a project on the mechanical properties of hockey sticks by studying the stiffness and vibration properties of the sticks.

Stech is currently working on her master’s degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Minnesota. She graduated from the University of Maine with her bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. The University of Minnesota doesn’t have a concentration in sports engineering, so Stech chose a mix of classes that would help her achieve a career in said area of expertise.

After attending the USA Hockey Expo in the Twin Cities in Feb. 2011, Stech began to get an idea of what she wanted to accomplish with her project. As most hockey players know, different styles of hockey sticks have a different feel. Stech explained different sticks can also feel different to the handlers in different settings. For example, any given stick could feel different in a colder arena than in a warmer arena to some skaters.

“I wanted to figure out exactly what that meant,” Stech said. “It will be defining the terminology that we grow up with playing hockey.”

Stech will be testing different hockey sticks right out of the box with different controlled parameters. The sticks will go through two testing methods. The first is vibration. The sticks will be put through a simulation where a couple of hundred shots, passes and stick handling will be applied, which will create micro fractures in the stick. Stech will then test the sticks a second time to see if they have been worn down to a point where they become ineffective.

Stech will also test the deflection of the sticks. When one shoots a puck, their stick actually hits the ice before it strikes the puck and causes the stick to bend. The hockey sticks will be deflected and measured physically using a high-resolution camera. Stech will then analyze the deflection profile to find the stiffness of the each stick.

Testing the sticks isn’t easy. There has to be a consistent mass, which means the puck hitting the stick has to be the same load from the same distance every time.
“You can’t just staple the stick to a board,” Stech said. “You have to simulate what our hands are.”

Humans are not capable of holding the sticks to a consistent, controlled environment for the sticks by holding them exactly the same way every time. Stech will create a simulated human hand clamp that will hold the sticks and can be controlled and will be able to produce consistent, reliable results.

With every study, there are challenges. Stech cited getting useful information right away, making everything “extremely consistent and reliable,” and the budget as the major challenges she expects to face.
“A lot the money will be coming out of my own pocket,” Stech said. “Finally getting the results will be nice, and I do enjoy the design process.”

Hockey is, of course, a passion of Stech’s and one day she’d like to hold her ideal job of designing sporting equipment. Right now, though, it is about revolutionizing the way manufacturers think about making their hockey sticks.

“My project is the very beginning,” Stech said. “Nothing has been done in this much detail, and it can still branch out more.”

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November 7, 2011

Whitecaps behind the bench

Since their founding in 2004, the Minnesota Whitecaps organization has always placed a focus on promoting youth and high school hockey programs throughout the metro area and providing role models for young players to look up to. The current Whitecaps roster is active in the metro area, volunteering and working with local hockey programs and continuing to teach and support the sport they love. Many players spend countless hours assisting youth hockey teams when they have the time and many Whitecaps alumni are out coaching teams all over the state. Ten current and three former Whitecaps players are active in developing young girl’s hockey players at the youth, high school, and college level. Whitecaps players coaching this season are as follows:

Brooke White – Assistant, Mound-Westonka
Chelsey Brodt – Rosenthal, Assistant, Roseville
Autumn Conway, Assistant, Roseville
Meaghan Pezon – Assistant, Roseville; Head coach, Edina U14 youth hockey
Amanda Trunzo – Assistant, Eden Prairie
Sanya Sandahl – Assistant, Augsburg College
Allie Thunstrom – Assistant, Maple Grove and St. Catherine
Jenny Potter – Assistant, Maple Grove
Krissy Wendell-Pohl – Assistant, Cretin-Derham-Hall
Kim Hanlon – Assistant, Blaine
Jessica Tyra – Volunteer assistant, Augsburg College
Maggie Fisher – Assistant, St. Thomas
Jody Horak – Assistant, Augsburg College

Two former Whitecaps have taken over head coaching duties in the area this season also. Former St. Cloud State standout and Whitecaps captain Carrie Holldorf has accepted the head coaching position at St. Paul United. She previously served as an assistant coach at Augsburg College. Holldorf played for the Whitecaps from 2005-2008, serving as the team captain for two seasons. Former Whitecap Natalie Darwitz is the new head coach of preseason #10 Lakeville South as well. Darwitz, a former Gopher star and U.S. Olympian, played for the Whitecaps from 2006-2008.

The Whitecaps will open up their metro area season with a pair of exhibition games against Shattuck-St. Mary’s on Friday, November 11th in Owatonna and Saturday, November 12th at the Rogers Ice Arena at 3:15pm. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. Visit RogersRoyalsHockey.org for more information. The first away series of the year is December 10th and 11th against the Manitoba Maple Leafs in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Follow the Whitecaps on Facebook and Twitter @whitecapshockey this weekend for score updates and a behind the scenes look at the team.

Introducing your Minnesota Whitecaps Roster for the 2011-2012 season.

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November 3, 2011

Whitecaps give a hand to Autism Society of Minnesota

The Minnesota Whitecaps were proud to join CommVault in their annual, “Hockey Helping Kids” event October 27th at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. Joining CommVault and the Whitecaps were almost 200 customers, partners and friends including lead sponsors Microsoft and Dell/Compellent. Hockey Helping Kids is a CommVault tradition of over ten years, bringing together sponsors, clients, and friends for a night of hockey and charity raising money for underprivileged families with children and children with disabilities. This year’s event was able to raise over $10,000 towards the Autism Society of Minnesota, benefitting children and families afflicted with Autism.

Following the Wild versus Ducks game, the Whitecaps took to the ice in a charity match against the CommVault varsity squad made up of CommVault employees and partners from around the country, including special guest, Alana Blahoski, a member of the 1998 U.S. Olympic team. Along with Blahoski, Whitecaps defenseman Winny Brodt-Brown was featured on the Fox Sports North’s postgame coverage along with Wild personality Kevin Gorg and former Wild player Wes Walz. On the ice, an abbreviated Whitecaps squad came up short in the score box, dropping the game 8-6, but the spirit of the event overmatched the goal count. The Whitecaps were honored to be included in such a worthy cause and throughout the night the players were available for autographs and pictures with fans and supporters.
For more information on this event, visit commvault.com/hockey or ausm.org.

Whitecaps Social Media

Beginning In November, fans can expect to see some unique changes with the Whitecaps social media platforms. Fans will be able to get unprecedented coverage and inside looks into Whitecaps organization and players through behind the scenes photos and videos along with looks into the off the ice lives of Whitecaps stars. Stay tuned for autograph and memorabilia giveaways and the latest news, stories, and stats as well. Fans can follow the Whitecaps on Twitter @WhitecapsHockey and at Facebook.com/WhitecapsHockey.

The Whitecaps will open up their metro area season with a pair of exhibition games against Shattuck-St. Mary’s on Friday, November 11th in Owatonna at 7:00pm and Saturday, November 12th at the Rogers Ice Arena at 3:15pm. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. Visit RogersRoyalsHockey.org for more information. The first away series of the year is December 10th and 11th against the Manitoba Maple Leafs in Thunder Bay, Ontario.

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October 24, 2011

Whitecaps 2011-12 Season Yields High Expectations

The 2011-12 Minnesota Whitecaps season comes with high expectations of another strong season. The Whitecaps look to defend their WWHL champion title for the third straight year in search of another chance to win the Clarkson Cup. After going 17-0-1 during the 2010-11 WWHL season the Whitecaps appeared to be on their way to winning a second straight Clarkson Cup. Due to the late notification of the location of their games and the team’s tight budget, the Whitecaps were forced to drive 18 hours to Barrie, Ontario. They arrived at four in the morning on the day of their first game and were seemingly never able to recover. The Whitecaps were outscored 18-3—failing to defend their title from the year prior. The Whitecaps are the only U.S. team that has ever won the Clarkson Cup.

The Whitecaps return key players this season, such as the 2010-11 points leader Allie Thunstrom who averaged 2.7 points per game last season. Also, veterans Jenny Potter (1.8 PPG) and Winny Brodt (1.2 PPG) return to the powerful Whitecaps offense this year. Unfortunately, the Whitecaps do not return Gigi Marvin (2.4 PPG). Gigi scored 27 goals in 17 games last season, second only to Allie Thunstrom who scored 28. If the Whitecaps are to win a fourth straight WWHL title they will likely need a new star to emerge to replace the offensive numbers Gigi Marvin produced.

After an impressive 2010-11 season, the Whitecaps look to their veterans and leaders to bring them another WWHL title and a chance at redemption in the Clarkson Cup Finals.

Whitecaps’ Winning History

In the past year Minnesotans have seen the Twins, Vikings, Timberwolves and Wild have losing seasons and not make the playoffs in their respective leagues. On top of that, the Vikings are now 1-6 and the Timberwolves might not have a 2011-12 season. Conversely, the Minnesota Whitecaps join the Lynx as two of the few glimmers of hope for Minnesota professional sports. Even the Lynx, who won the WNBA title in September, have had problems winning consistently throughout the years. The Whitecaps, however, have been a model of consistency.

Since joining the WWHL in the 2004-05 season, the Whitecaps have not produced a losing season and have won 69 percent of their games. Also, they appear to be improving every season. Over the past three seasons the Whitecaps have lost only six of their 52 league games.

In a time when winning is hard to come by in Minnesota professional sports, the Whitecaps have proven they can win consistently, in a state that desperately could use a winner.
Unfortunately, the Whitecaps do not have their own ice arena, but one possible advantage to the Whitecaps not having a permanent home venue is that they could be travelling to play in a town near you. Their venue changes regularly and many future sites are still to be determined. The best way to keep updated on where the Whitecaps are playing is to visit minnesotawhitecaps.com or check for printed updates.
The Whitecaps will open up their metro area season with a pair of exhibition games against Shattuck-St. Mary’s on Friday, November 11th in Owatonna at 7:00pm and Saturday, November 12th at the Rogers Ice Arena at 3:15pm. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. Visit RogersRoyalsHockey.org for more information. The first away series of the year is December 10th and 11th against the Manitoba Maple Leafs in Thunder Bay, Ontario.

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October 15, 2011

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October 12, 2011

Jenny Potter to be Inducted into the Edina Athletic Hall of Fame

Jenny Potter (Edina, Minn.) will be one of eight individuals enshrined into the Edina Athletic Hall of Fame on Thursday (Sept. 29) at the Edina Country Club.

“There are so many great student-athletes that have gone through Edina,” said Potter. “It is an honor and humbling experience to be inducted into the Edina Hall of Fame with all the other great inductees.”

A 1997 graduate of Edina High School, Potter was one of the first girls to play tackle football in Edina in fifth grade. She later played for the boys high school hockey program at EHS.

Potter played on the women’s ice hockey team for three years at the University of Minnesota Duluth (1999-2004) and one year at the University of Minnesota (1998-99), earning All-America honors each season. She was also a three-time finalist for the Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award, which is presented annually to the top player in NCAA Division I women’s ice hockey.

She is one of just two U.S. women’s ice hockey players to have competed in four Olympic Winter Games, with a gold (1998), two silvers (2002, 2010) and a bronze (2006) medal to her credit.

Potter, at age 32, is in her 15th season as a member of the U.S. Women’s National Team program, and is in her fifth season with the Minnesota Whitecaps of the Western Women’s Hockey League.

NOTE: The other seven members elected to the Hall of Fame Class of 2011 are: Leo Cabalka (Coach), Doug Hastins (1969), Karl Mecklenburg (1978), Phil Olson (1975), Dan Plante (1990), Mick Stenson (1966) and Sara VanderTop (1995).

4 Nations Cup Roster has Whitecaps presence

USA Hockey announced the first 20 players of its roster for the U.S. Women’s National Team that will compete for the 2011 Four Nations Cup from November 9th through 13th in Nyköping, Sweden. Of the twenty women named to the roster, six with Whitecaps ties were chosen to compete. Current Whitecaps forward and Edina native, Jenny Potter was the only current Whitecaps player named to the roster. Former Whitecaps selected were Gigi Marvin, Caitlin Cahow, Molly Engstrom, Julie Chu, and Karen Thatcher. The team will host training camp from November 1st-6th in Hamden, Connecticut before beginning play in Sweden. Other nations competing in the 4 Nations Cup are Canada, Finland, and host Sweden.

The Whitecaps will open up their metro area season with a pair of exhibition games against Shattuck-St. Mary’s on Friday, November 11th in Owatonna at 7:00pm and Saturday, November 12th at the Rogers Ice Arena at 3:15pm. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. Visit RogersRoyalsHockey.org for more information. The first away series of the year is December 10th and 11th against the Manitoba Maple Leafs in Thunder Bay, Ontario.

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October 2, 2011

2011 WWHL Champions Minnesota Whitecaps open with exhibition series

The Minnesota Whitecaps 2011-12 season opened with exhibition games against one of the top teams in the WCHA. On Friday September 30th and Saturday October 1st the Minnesota Whitecaps traveled to Duluth’s Amsoil Arena to play the UMD Women Bulldogs. On a power play, Boston College graduate Allie Thunstrom put the Whitecaps up 1-0 at 3:53 into the first period, with an assist from former Bulldog star and USA Women’s National Team Captain Jenny Potter. The rest of the first period was a battle up and down the ice with the first period score ending 1-0 Whitecaps. Audrey Cournoyer put the Dogs on the board, evening the score 23 seconds into the second period. The battle continued with plenty of scoring chances but both teams were denied. The third period was scoreless as Duluth turned on the heat creating power play opportunities. The game ended in a 1-1 tie going into overtime. Bulldog’s Pernilla Winberg hit the net with 45 seconds left on the clock giving the UMD Women a home exhibition win over the Minnesota Whitecaps. Whitecaps goaltender, Cornell graduate and Duluth native, Sanya Sandahl stopped 40 of 42 shots she faced while Bulldog Jennifer Harss stopped 28 of 29 in the winning effort.

Whitecaps came back with a vengeance in game two on Saturday October 1st. At 9:28 in the first period, blasting a low shot past UMD goaltender Jennifer Harss, Whitecaps Jenny Potter started off the scoring with an assist from Dartmouth College graduate Amanda Trunzo. Just over a minute later at 10:36 Bemidji State University graduate Erin Cody sliced one in from a pass from veteran Whitecaps Brooke White-Lancette leaving the first period 2-0 Whitecaps. Bulldogs Katie Wilson put in an unassisted goal within the first minute of the second period. At 8:02 UMD’s Jenna McParland scored on a power play evening the score 2-2. The Whitecaps got on the board again at 16:31 as Thunstrom dug deep to beat the defense hitting the back of the net, with assists from Cody and Trunzo. Capitalizing on the power play, at 17:02 Thunstrom’s one timer from Potter ended the period with the Whitecaps in the lead 4-2. Shots were even for the third period as was the scoring. At 6:03 Whitecaps forward Erin Cody headed for the net, tripped over a Bulldog stick and from her stomach shot the puck for an unassisted goal. Duluth battled back to gain a goal at 16:47 from Katie Wilson with an assist from Jenna McParland ending the game with a Whitecaps 5-3 win over the UMD Bulldogs . Whitecaps goaltender and Princeton graduate Megan Van Beusekom-Sweerin stopped 31 of 34 shots she faced and Jennifer Harss (12 saves) and Lana Steck (15 saves) split the game stopped a combined 27 of 32 shots.

Next up for the Whitecaps is a charity game with CommVault. This will be held on October 27th at the Excel Energy Center. Watch for more details and for the full schedule on the Whitecaps website and in future issues of Lets Play Hockey.

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August 3, 2011

Minnesota Whitecaps – Party with the Players

Friday, August 12th, 7:00pm

Tom Reid’s Hockey City Pub, 258 West 7th Street, St. Paul, MN

Want to meet your favorite Whitecaps? Swing by Tom Reid’s in St. Paul and mingle with members of the 2011-12 team!
Your donation of $50, 100 or $250 will help the team kick off the 2011-2012 season with some new equipment. Please give what you can – and come to have fun with the team!
Extra Bonus – 2 for 1 night!

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