MANKATO, Minn. --- The Minnesota State Mavericks women's hockey team embarks on its first road trip of the new year, heading to Bemidji State for a pair of Western Collegiate Hockey Association games against the Beavers Friday, Jan. 8 at 3:07 p.m., and Saturday, Jan. 9 at 2:07 p.m.


Minnesota State All-Time

Minnesota State, which began play in 1998-99, is in its 23rd season of competition and has compiled a 198-510-71 (.254) record in 779 total games played. The Mavericks are in their 22nd year as members in the WCHA and hold a 103-403-56 (.183) record in 562 conference games played. 

Facing the Beavers

The Mavericks hold an all-time record of 31-45-13 against the Beavers. When travelling to BSU, Minnesota State is 14-22-8 all-time playing Bemidji State. The Mavericks (2-7-1, 2-7-1 WCHA) played host to the Beavers (1-4-1-0, 1-4-1 WCHA) Dec. 17-18 in a series that featured a 5-3 win for MSU and a 2-2 tie that saw BSU prevail in the shootout for an extra point in the WCHA standings. 

Mighty Fine Freshman

With seven points, freshman forward Jamie Nelson is currently tied for first on the WCHA's rookie scoring list. Among NCAA freshman this season, Nelson is tied for second with four goals and fourth with five others that have seven points. In eight games this season, Nelson leads the Mavericks at .088 points per game with four goals and seven points. In MSU's last series vs. Bemidji State this season, the Andover, Minn., native recorded a goal Dec. 17 and followed it up with another goal and an assist on Dec. 18.

MSU's Back-End Blocking

Minnesota State defensemen Anna Wilgren (26), Tristen Truax (21), Jessica Kondas (17) and Taylor Wemple (15) have combined for 79 blocks in 10 games this season and sit in second, third, fourth and tied for sixth respectively among individual WCHA shot blockers this season. Last weekend against #1 Wisconsin, Truax set season-high game totals for blocks with five on Saturday and seven on Sunday. In the NCAA this season, Wilgren sits second, with Truax resting at fourth on the list.

Fleming Finishes

Senior forward Brittyn Fleming continued her hot play last weekend against #1 Wisconsin, when she scored an unassisted goal to tie the game, 2-2, in the third period of Saturday's game. Fleming leads the Mavericks in shooting percentage (.167) and is the Mavericks' active career scoring leader with 62 points. The Oregon, Wis., native has three goals and a pair of assists for five points in 10 games this season.

How About Them Apples?

Junior forwards Brooke Bryant and Claire Butorac lead the MSU assist department with four helpers each this season. Bryant recorded her last assist in MSU's 2-2 tie vs. BSU, Dec. 17. Butorac provided her last assist in Saturday's in 3-2 loss to #1 Wisconsin.

Minnesota State Man Advantage

MSU currently leads all other WCHA teams this season in terms of power play success. The Mavericks have posted five power play goals in 10 games this season and stand at tenth in the NCAA and lead the WCHA in power play percentage (.143) with a 5-for-35 mark on the advantage this season. Maverick forwards Kennedy Bobyck, Kelsey King, Madison Oelkers, J. Nelson and defenseman Charlotte Akervik each have a goal on the power play this season.

To be Frank...

Sophomore goaltender Calla Frank, who holds a 1-5-1 record this season, backstopped the Mavericks in last weekends' 3-2 and 1-0 losses to #1 Wisconsin. The Hugo, Minn., native stopped 64-of-68 shots in the series and flirted with a career-high for saves in a game when she stopped 37-of-38, Sunday (39 saves, Oct. 19, 2020 vs. Ohio State).

Looking Ahead

In its next action, Minnesota State travels to #3 Ohio State, Jan. 22-23.