University Of Minnesota Duluth Women's Hockey
The University of Minnesota Duluth Women's Hockey Team is one of the most successful women's hockey programs in the country. The team has won five NCAA Championships, nine Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) regular-season titles, and six WCHA postseason championships. The Bulldogs have also produced numerous Olympians and professional players.
The Early Years
The women's hockey program at UMD began in 1999, and it was an immediate success. In just their second season, they won the NCAA Championship under head coach Shannon Miller. The early years of the program were marked by a dominant stretch that saw them reach the NCAA Championship game six times in seven seasons from 2001-2007.
The Middle Years
Following the departure of Shannon Miller in 2010, the program entered a period of transition. However, they remained a contender in the WCHA, regularly making the conference playoffs and reaching the NCAA tournament. During this period, the program continued to produce Olympians and future professional players.
The Recent Years
In the past few years, the Bulldogs have re-emerged as one of the top teams in the country under head coach Maura Crowell. They have won two NCAA Championships in the past four seasons, in 2018 and 2021. The program has also continued to produce top-level talent, with numerous players being drafted into the National Women's Hockey League and the Canadian Women's Hockey League.
The Future
The future of the UMD Women's Hockey program looks bright. The team has developed a culture of winning, and they continue to attract top-level talent from around the United States and Canada. With a strong coaching staff and dedicated players, the program is poised to remain one of the top women's hockey programs in the country for years to come.
