Preview: Bulldogs Clash in NCAA Women’s Hockey Showdown

COLUMBUS, Ohio (Interstat) — A battle of Bulldogs will highlight the women’s college hockey slate Thursday when Yale faces Minnesota-Duluth in a neutral-site nonconference clash at Value City Arena.

The matchup pits two of the nation’s top teams in a late-season test. Yale (26-7-1) enters with the superior record and momentum from a dominant 7-2 victory over then-Cornell on March 6. Minnesota-Duluth (21-13-3) looks to rebound after a 2-1 home loss to Minnesota State on March 1 snapped a five-game winning streak.

Yale’s offense, averaging over four goals per game, is powered by star left wing Carina DiAntonio. She is riding a hot streak with five goals in her last four games, including a two-goal, nine-shot performance in the rout of Cornell. Her line, centered by Jordan Ray, has been prolific.

Minnesota-Duluth will counter with its own offensive catalyst in Thea Johansson. The left wing erupted for a hat trick and 12 shots on goal in a 3-2 win over Minnesota State on Feb. 28 and followed with a goal and nine shots in the series finale. She will be a primary focus for a Yale defense anchored by productive defender Molly Boyle.

The game represents a significant strength-of-schedule opportunity for both squads. Yale has lost just once since Jan. 17, a 4-3 road defeat at Quinnipiac. Minnesota-Duluth’s recent run included a road sweep of then-Minnesota on Feb. 20-21, proving its capability against elite competition. However, it was swept at Ohio State in late January, the site of Thursday’s contest.

In net, Yale’s tandem of Pia Dukaric and Emma Polusny has been stout all season. Minnesota-Duluth will likely rely on Ève Gascon, who made 27 saves in the recent loss.

This marks the first meeting between the programs since the 2022 NCAA tournament. With both teams likely bound for the national tournament again, Thursday’s result could carry weight for postseason seeding and confidence.

Puck drop is scheduled for 6 p.m. EDT. The game will be streamed on ESPN+.