2012 Women's NCAA championship

[mnpucker 33]

I was lucky enough to be one of only 2500 that attended the Frozen Four last weekend at Amsoil Arena in Duluth, MN. I never watched the NCAA women's game prior to this season. I was very impressed with the speed and skill of the women college game. Really a great value from an entertainment standpoint.

The skill level of the top women is unreal. Of course I was watching the eventual National Champions all year so my view is skewed to a degree. My overall review of the women's game is that at the highest level the hockey is great. Across the board it is good now and will continue to improve in the near future considering the growth of the girls game at the youth level.

Many of the teams field one line of elite talent. The Elite teams are deep with talented players. The game is no different then the men's game in that respect. The ability to roll 3 lines matching up only occasionally is a luxury few coaches at any level can afford. Minnesota Won the Championship.

Minnesota had a tough game vs Cornell in the semis, it was a 2 v 3 seed game. Cornell played a very canadian style of hockey, physical. It took the Gophers a bit to get used to that but once they realized their speed eliminated Cornell's physical game the tide turned.

Wisconsin was the 1 seed and played BC. I did not see the game but judging by the final score the game was not very close. 6-2 final?

Minnesotas depth played a large part in winning the championship. By the third period Minnesota v wisconsin they were allowing their 3rd line to stay on the ice vs the second and first of Wisconsin.

The gopher goalie (Finnn Noora Raty) played her usual dominant game, Amanda Kessel is so fun to watch when the puck is on her stick..... you would think you are watching her brother. Her stride, hand skills and shot bare an uncanny resemblance to her brother. Only a sophomore she will pile up some numbers in the yard to come. Two senior women stepped up and played the best I have seen either play. Sarah Erickson scored 2 and Emily West scored on a Penalty shot when she pulled the string on the Wisconsin goalie.

Congrats to Minny!

[JR Boucicaut 3801]

Minnesota's EQM has been a long-standing member of MSH. I offered her congratulations in the Sweet Spot thread.

[Doctor Hook 0]

I like women's hockey, it reminds me of really good beer league.

[iceNsteel 0]

Honestly, it bores the hell out of me. I tried to watch some of the games from the Olympics... I can see how the Canadian women's team gets lit up by middle of the road midget programs.