Women's Ice Hockey Set to Host the Golden Gophers

Friday, January 2

Fairfield, Conn.

5:00 PM

Sacred Heart

University of Minnesota

Photo by: Nikolas Lassonde

Women's Ice Hockey Set to Host the Golden Gophers

1/1/2026 10:00:00 AM | Women's Ice Hockey

Game Notes

Game one is set for Friday at 5:00 pm, and game two is set for Saturday at 1:00 pm

By: Joe Verrillo

Fairfield, Conn -- The Sacred Heart University women's ice hockey team is set to host the University of Minnesota this upcoming weekend to kick off the new year. Game one is set for Friday with puck drop at 5:00 pm, followed by game two on Saturday at 1:00 pm.

Top Headlines

The Pioneers enter a tough series against the Golden Gophers following a three-and-a-half-week winter break. Prior to the break, Sacred Heart closed out a home-and-home series with Assumption, earning a shootout win after a tie in game one at Martire Family Arena before falling 4–2 on the road in game two. Now, the Pioneers turn their attention to a major challenge, as this series will reveal a great deal about the team moving forward.
Entering the second half of the season, the Pioneers are looking to build momentum and make a run. Despite their record, Sacred Heart has done many things well, averaging 34 shots per game while allowing just 2.6 goals against per contest. If the Pioneers continue to play strong defense and can convert on more of their scoring chances, they will put themselves in a position to win more games.
Sophomore forward Ella Holm has led the Pioneers in scoring this season, recording four goals and five assists for nine points. She has added two power-play goals during the 2025–26 campaign and has blocked 17 shots, proving to be a force on both ends of the ice.
Senior captain Olivia LaRoche has been the defensive anchor for the Pioneers all season. Through 18 games, she has recorded 42 blocked shots and is on pace to surpass her single-season high. In addition to her strong defensive play, LaRoche has contributed offensively with two goals and four assists, providing a steady presence as the Pioneers head into the second half of the season.
Sophomore forward Addie Bowlby continues to lead the Pioneers in goals, tallying five on a team-high 65 shots. She has been a consistent offensive catalyst, creating scoring chances throughout the season, and will look to maintain that presence as the Pioneers enter the second half.
Senior captain and goaltender Jillian Petruno has been the backbone of the Pioneers all season. Through 13 games, she has made 381 saves, posting an impressive .943 save percentage while allowing just 2.05 goals per game. Petruno has consistently kept Sacred Heart in games and will look to continue her dominant play as the Pioneers enter the second half of the season.

History vs Minnesota

This weekend will be the first time these two programs will meet.

On Minnesota

Minnesota enters its first matchup following the Winter Break as the No. 3 team in the nation. The Golden Gophers have been dominant all season, posting a 14–4 overall record and a 10–4 mark in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA), one of the most competitive conferences in the country.
Coming into this matchup, the Golden Gophers rank third nationally in goals scored with 84, averaging 4.7 goals per game. Defensively, Minnesota has been just as impressive, allowing only 2.2 goals per contest. Not only are the Golden Gophers winning games, they are also dominating their opponents.
Minnesota has also been racking up assists, ranking second in the nation with 144 on the season. The Golden Gophers consistently move the puck with purpose, creating scoring chances by getting multiple players involved.
Graduate student Abbey Murphy has been elite for the Golden Gophers. She leads the nation in goals per game at 1.11 and paces Minnesota with 20 goals on the season. Murphy has also added 14 assists, bringing her total to 34 points. Murphy has been clutch as well. She has four game-winning goals thus far. An elite offensive force, she will be a key player that Sacred Heart looks to contain in this matchup.
Senior forward Josefin Bouveng is the second-leading point scorer for the Golden Gophers. She has recorded 10 goals and 14 assists for 24 total points on the season, including two power-play goals. Bouveng and Murphy have formed a formidable one-two punch all year long. If Murphy is kept in check, Bouveng is more than capable of taking over, making her another dominant offensive threat the Pioneers will look to contain.
Junior defender Molly Jordan has been a key presence on the blue line all season. Through 18 games, she leads the team with 25 blocked shots while also contributing offensively, recording two goals and five assists.
Sophomore goaltender Hannah Clark has been the backbone of Minnesota's defense this season. Through 13 games, Clark owns a 10–3 record, including two shutout victories. She has made 315 saves, posting an impressive .929 save percentage, while allowing just 1.99 goals per game. Clark has been dominant between the pipes.

Up Next

Following the series against Minnesota, the Pioneers will return to conference play with a two-game road series against Franklin Pierce. Sacred Heart will travel to Winchendon, Mass., with game one scheduled for Friday, January 9 at 7:00 p.m., followed by game two on Saturday, January 10 at 7:00 p.m.