Warriors Begin Season with Sweep of Minot State
FREMONT, Neb. – After a pair of exhibition games up in Canada, Midland University officially opened up its 2023-24 season this weekend as they hosted rival Minot State University. It was a quick rematch between the two teams that squared off in the ACHA Semifinals last year. The Warriors, who fell by a single goal in that meeting, exacted their revenge as they took two to start the year over the Beavers. Friday saw a 3-1 victory by Midland and then on Saturday they posted a clean sheet, 3-0, for the weekend sweep.
FRIDAY: Midland 3, Minot State 1
It was a fast-paced contest in the opener as both teams looked dialed in after their respective trips to Canada. After a scoreless opening frame, Jenna Grosdidier lit the lamp with a goal in the fifth minute of the second period. Callie Maguire, who was named to the conference's all-rookie team last year, picked up the assist.
Minot State pulled even at the start of the third, scoring at the 4:30 mark. Things looked like they might be headed to an overtime period between the bitter rivals up until the midway point of the period. With just over 10 minutes to play, Minot State was whistled for five-minute major.
On the ensuing power play, Maguire was able to find the back of the net as Katie McNair assisted on what would prove to be the deciding goal. For good measure, Darbi Poole and Grosdidier found Rylee Martin for an insurance goal with 4:21 to go.
Midland dominated the shots with a 38 to 18 advantage. In net, Hannah Stone earned her 39th win as a Warrior with 17 saves on the night.
SATURDAY: Midland 4, Minot State 0
In the weekend finale, Minot State opened the first with a miscue as it was issued an interference call in the first moments of the game. With a powerplay chance a mere eight seconds into the game, Midland showcased its special teams as Callie Maguire found the back of the net at 48 seconds in the contest. Jenna Grosdidier and Ally Rakowski were credited with the assist in the opening minute.
Midland looked to add to its lead in the first but was held in check by the Beavers' veteran goalie. They were also held in check through most of the second until Kamryn Hayhurst scored her first goal of the year off an assist by newcomer Grace Page at the 17:18 mark.
That's where things remained until almost the same point in the final period. With just under three minutes to play, Hayhurst scored her second of the night. This time it was Rylee Martin picking up the point for the assist.
As Minot State pulled its goalie in the final minute for an extra attacker, Kayla Flanigan was able to find Maxine Mass for an empty-net goal to cap off the 4-0 victory.
Hannah Stone picked up win number two on the year with 12 saves and the shutout. Midland outshot Minot State 38 to 12 on the night and 72 to 26 on the weekend.
Midland (2-0) will be back in action with three home games next week. They'll start off with a Thursday night matchup with Jamestown (0-0) ahead of a Saturday-Sunday series with Grand Canyon (0-0). Puck drop for the first game of the week is set for 8:30 p.m. on October 5 inside Sidner Ice Arena in Fremont.