BOX SCORE

For the first time in NCAA Division III women's ice hockey history, the weather report mattered. And as the College of Saint Benedict Blazers took to the ice for the first outdoor game ever at the Division III level Minnesota nature could not have complied more for players and fans alike. With the sun shining down the opening faceoff took place between the Blazers and Concordia College at Bernick's Outdoor Rink in Sartell, Minnesota. The game was billed at getting back to the roots of hockey and proved exactly that as both teams played gritty and hard with the Cobbers prevailing 9-1 for their second conference victory in as many days.

“Today was a once in a lifetime opportunity and we are very grateful for all the work that went into it,” said co-captain and senior forward Holly Reinking (Maple Grove, MN, Elk River).  “The score wasn't what we wanted or thought it would be but it was great to experience as a team and grow from it.”

Senior Blazer goalie Abbie Helminen (Brighton, MI, Brighton (Belle Tire)) started in net while the starting five for this historic event included junior defender Rachel Welz (Oconomowoc, WI, Oconomowoc), sophomore defender Mara Kohl (Newark, OH, Newark Catholic High School), first-year forward Allyson Nielsen (Alexandria, MN, Jefferson High School), and senior forwards Gretchen Leyendecker (Rochester, MN, Lourdes)and Reinking. Reinking led all Blazers with two shots on goal.

When Welz's shot found the back of the net at 07:56, she brought the close to 100 fans to their feet and the Blazers close to evening the score with a period and a half to go but that was as close as they got to the Cobbers.

Saint Benedict is back in action next Friday when they host conference leader Gustavus Adolphus at 7:30 pm in the Municipal Athletic Complex.