Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs Women's Ice Hockey
Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs Women's Ice Hockey is one of the top ice hockey teams in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division 1. The team is also a member of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) and competes in one of the most competitive conferences in the country.
History
The women's ice hockey program at the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) was established in 1999. Since then, the Bulldogs have become a force to be reckoned with in women's ice hockey. The team has won five NCAA championships, including back-to-back titles in 2008 and 2009. The Bulldogs have also won four WCHA championships and have made 15 NCAA tournament appearances.
Coaching Staff
The Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs women's ice hockey team is led by head coach Maura Crowell. Crowell has been at the helm since 2015, and she has already made her mark on the program, leading the Bulldogs to back-to-back NCAA tournament appearances in her first two seasons. Crowell is assisted by Laura Bellamy and Dave Leonhardt, who bring a wealth of experience to the coaching staff.
Players
The Bulldogs have had many talented players throughout their history. Several Bulldogs players have gone on to play for Team USA, including Caroline Ouellette, Sidney Morin, and Maddie Rooney. Rooney became a household name when she backstopped Team USA to a gold medal at the 2018 Winter Olympics.
The current roster is filled with talented players as well. Some of the standout players include Gabbie Hughes, who led the team in scoring during the 2019-2020 season, and Ashton Bell, who was named to the All-WCHA Second Team.
Facilities
The Bulldogs play their home games at AMSOIL Arena, which is located on the UMD campus. The arena can seat up to 6,600 fans and features state-of-the-art facilities. The Bulldogs also have access to the spacious, 190,000-square-foot Steve "Red" Larson Hockey Facility, which includes a weight room, locker rooms, and an Olympic-size ice rink.
Fan Support
The Bulldogs have a dedicated fan base that supports the team year-round. Whether the Bulldogs are playing at home or on the road, there are always fans cheering them on. The team also enjoys strong support from the UMD community, including students, alumni, and faculty.
Conclusion
The Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs women's ice hockey team is a powerhouse in the world of women's ice hockey. With a rich history, talented players, and top-notch facilities, the Bulldogs are poised for continued success. As the team continues to compete at the highest level, their dedicated fan base will be there to cheer them on every step of the way.
