Hickel’s Hat Trick Leads Lady Dogs

NSO – NEWS RELEASE

Jenna McParland recorded her 100th point Sunday, but Zoe Hickel stole the spotlight.

Hickel figured in four of the University of Minnesota Duluth women’s hockey team’s six goals — including netting herself a hat trick — to boost the Bulldogs over Lindenwood University 6-2.  The win at AMSOIL Arena secured a sweep for UMD, and pulls the Bulldogs to .500 on the young season at 4-4-2.  The win also extends UMD’s current winning-streak to three games strong.

It was a tale of two different teams for the Bulldogs, who were outshot 13-3 in the first period and surrendered a power play goal with just 50 seconds remaining in the opening stanza.

UMD responded with three unanswered goals over a 3:40 span, including two scores within 22 seconds of each other to blow open the game midway through the second period.  Sophomore Ashleigh Brykaliuk netted her second goal in as many games at the 11:06 mark to knot the game at 1-1.  Brykaliuk’s goal was the result of a Jenna McParland pass, and it punched admission for McParland into the exclusive 100 career point at UMD.

22 seconds later, rookie forward Marie Lindh would give the Bulldogs their first lead of the game at 2-1 before Hickel netted her first goal in the slot at the 14:46 mark of the second period.  Hickel struck again 4:22 in the third period, finishing a cross ice pass from Lara Stalder in the slot, one of three helpers Stalders secured on the day.  Megahn Huertas extended her current goal scoring streak to four goals in the last three games, backhanding her own rebound in at 11:06 to give UMD the 5-1 lead before Hickel completed the hat trick with 21 seconds remaining in the skate.

Kariss Grapp made her first start between the pipes for UMD on the year, with 22 saves to her name to show for it.  The Bulldogs outshot the Lions 31-24  but were held scoreless on their power play in three attempts.

UMD will jump back into Western Collegiate Hockey Association action next weekend when it hosts Minnesota State University, Mankato Saturday and Sunday afternoon.  Both games are scheduled to start at 3:07 p.m.

BULLDOG NOTES:  Jenna McParland became the 19th Bulldog to reach the 100 career point plateau, and now has 46 goals and 53 assists in 115 games … More than half of UMD’s skaters registered a point Sunday, with 10 players getting in the book and three players compiling two or more points … Zoe Hickel‘s hat trick is the first of her Bulldog career … Hickel actually had four points in the game with an assist on Meghan Huertas‘ goal … Hickel’s hat trick was the first by a UMD player since Brigette Lacquette netted three against Ohio State back on Jan. 25, 2013.