In a gallant effort last week, No. 5 Wisconsin women's hockey split two games with No. 1 Minnesota to remain tied with the Gophers for the WCHA lead. In this weekend's matchup, the Badgers (18-5-3) will host the unranked Niagara Purple Eagles (5-19-3) at the Kohl Center. Despite the two teams' disparity in wins, Head Coach Mark Johnson pledges no lack of motivation for his team.
\With what's at stake, and the position we're in on the national level, I would anticipate our players would stay focused,"" Johnson said.
Junior forward Jackie Friesen agreed that Niagara's modest record won't affect the team's preparation.
""We've got six games left, and we can control our destiny if we do well in those six games,"" Friesen said. ""Any team is a tough team, and we just have to come out strong and play well.""
With only three losses since Halloween, the Badgers are on pace to break school records for wins and winning percentage. No satisfaction or complacency is evident, though, possibly in part because the team doesn't know just how good it is. ""I actually didn't know that we're on pace,"" Friesen said. ""It's an added bonus ... but our ultimate goal is to make the Final Four, definitely.""
Sophomore goalie Meghan Horras was already aware of the looming record, but reacted with similar nonchalance.
""I think it's pretty cool,"" Horras said. ""[But] obviously, we want to win the WCHA. All we can do for that is keep winning.""
Both players attributed the team's success to its collective effort. ""We've been able to use our speed this year, and I think that's definitely helped our success, but most of all I'd say hard work is a key aspect for our team,"" Friesen said.
Horras shared her teammate's sentiments.
""I just think we work hard. We've gotten to know each other pretty well, and we're just coming together as a team,"" Horras said. ""We just work well together, and everybody works hard every day.""
For his part, Johnson has deftly managed an extremely deep roster throughout the season, specifically by successfully dividing time between Horras and the equally skilled freshman Christine Dufour in goal. Horras has earned a 1.23 goals allowed average in 12 games, while Dufour has allowed a similarly impressive average of 1.64 goals in 14 contests.
Johnson laughed when asked to reveal his goaltending arrangement for this weekend.
""Right now, I don't know. Both of them have played very well,"" Johnson said. ""I thought Dufour did very well in the stretch drive there before Christmas and had some great games. In the last month, when Horras has been in, she's done very well. She played very well in both games up in Minnesota. We'll talk about that as a staff tomorrow and see where we're at, but it'd be nice to get both of them into action this weekend.""
For her part, Horras seems willing to share playing time for the greater good.
""It's just the same as any other series. I'll probably only play one game, so I've just got to make sure to keep my focus. It shouldn't be any different,"" Horras said.
Her focus is far-ranging, though, and she's acutely aware that the playoffs lie in wait.
""We can't worry about the other teams. If we keep on winning, we'll make it to the Final Four, too. That's our biggest goal,"" Horras said.
