Adrian, MI – Normally top-5 matchups do not happen during the regular season, unless they happen to be conference foes. The history between the Adrian College NCAA Women’s Hockey team and University Wisconsin-River Falls is storied…with both teams actually playing in the Northern Collegiate Hockey Association several years ago. Since then, a typical game between the two has been in the postseason or in a showcase event…with the most recent being in a National Semifinal game last season.
In the 2023-24 season, the Bulldogs and Falcons played each other twice, with UW-River Falls victorious in both cases. The ‘Dawgs travelled out to Wisconsin to play the Falcons in a non-conference game, with UW-River Falls jumping out to a big lead and weathering the Bulldogs’ late flurry…winning 7-5. The two teams met in mid-March back in Wisconsin, in the National Semifinals. The Bulldogs had a 2-1 lead going into the third period, but could not hold on…ultimately losing, 3-2.
The Falcons have not lost a game, in regulation or extra time, since March 11th, 2023 in the NCAA Quarterfinal round. UWRF’s 2024-25 season-opening win extended its winning streak to 32 games, dating back to last season, breaking a NCAA Division III record for overall winning streak, besting Middlebury’s record of 31 set from 2021-22. Their 36-consecutive game unbeaten streak (this includes wins in OT/Shootout, which are technically recorded as ties) has surpassed Plattsburgh State’s unbeaten run from 2006-07.
Megan Goodreau is the leading point-getter for the Falcons (18). She also paces UWRF with 13 assists. Katherine Bell has the most goals this season for UWRF (9). Five skaters have double-digit points for Joe Cranston’s Falcons. Jordan O’Kane (5-0-2) has played 7 games in goal, with a 2.14 GAA and a 0.888 save percentage.
The Bulldogs had a historic season last year, reaching the Frozen Four after winning every NCHA game, regular season and postseason. They topped Hamilton College at home 4-1 in the NCAA Quarterfinal round to reach the National Semifinals.
So far this season, AC has a 9-1 overall record, winning 9 straight games after dropping their season opener to SUNY Canton 1-0 in OT. The Bulldogs are fresh off of a Sunshine Turkey Classic Tournament Championship, defeating #12 Trinity College 3-1 and #8 Utica University 3-2.
Courtney Ben leads Adrian College in points (20) and goals (10). Aileena Dopheide is second on the team in points (15). Maya Roy paces the Bulldogs in the assist category (12). Seven skaters have double digit points for Coach Chad Davis’ Bulldogs. Annie Gilbert (6-1) has played in 7 games for AC, with a 0.86 GAA and a 0.930 save percentage.
The two-game weekend series will be Saturday, Dec. 7th and Sunday, Dec. 8th. Saturday’s game will begin at 7pm. Sunday’s game will start at Noon. Both games will be carried on 96.5fm The Cave and 965thecave.com with Ian Wendt on the call.
*Photo from adrianbulldogs.com, courtesy of Caleb Gostellow*