The Lindenwood Lions women’s ice hockey team wins against the Bemidji State Beavers in a two-game series as it opened up the 2023-2024 season at the Centene Community Ice Center on Sept. 23.
In the first 90 seconds of the game, the Lions got off to a hot start. The team was playing defensively and got some shots on Beavers goaltender, Abbie Thompson.
On the other end of the ice, Lions goaltender Natalie Ferenc was saving shots left and right against the Beavers. Those saves from Ferenc gave the Lions momentum, and led to a breakaway Lions goal which was scored by forward Morgan Neitzke. The Lions held a lead 1-0 three minutes into the opening period.
“We have a very offensive-minded team,” Lindenwood Lions women’s head coach Taylor Wasylk said. “We’re getting pucks on net and playing a simple game.”
Throughout the opening period, the Lions continued pressure and playing defensively had the Beavers chasing the puck within their defensive zone. This way of playing hockey led to a power play goal scored by Lindenwood forward Gigi Pora. The Lions entered the second period with a lead of 2-0.
“The bench was very, very hyped,” Wasylk said. “The girls did a good job staying focused. Going up 2-0 was a good way to start the year.”
To begin the second period, the momentum was transferred over to the Beavers, who got some shots in on the Lions goalie, Ferenc. However, the Beavers coughed up the puck to Lindenwood, which led to a breakaway by Sarah Davies. After the breakaway by Davies, the Beavers scored and cut the Lions lead in half, 2-1. The goal, scored by Beavers captain Taylor Nelson, was recorded nearly six minutes into the second period.
Soon after, the Lions managed to gain momentum and grinded their way back to a two-goal lead. The third Lions goal was scored by defenseman Quinn McLaren nine minutes into the second period.
“We did a good job keeping them hemmed in their zone,” Wasylik said. “Just wanted to keep the wheels going on the forecheck and keep them in their zone as much as possible.”
As time winded down in the second period, the Beavers had the chance to cut the Lions lead in half again, but Ferenc made a save to keep the Lions the two-goal lead, heading into the final period.
As the third period progressed, Lindenwood played defensively and didn’t allow the Beavers to get many shots off throughout the period. As time winded down, the Lions got past the Beavers’ defense, and Neitzke nearly made the game 4-1, but after her shot, the Beavers gained the puck and cut the Lions’ lead in half. Beavers alternate captain Gabbie Smith scored the second Beavers goal of the night with twelve minutes remaining.
Just when the Beavers looked as though they would complete the comeback, the Lions managed to stick the final nail in the coffin for the Beavers as Lions defenseman Sena Takenaka scored an empty net goal, finalizing the score, and giving Lindenwood a 4-2 victory.
The Lions’ record now sits 1-0-0 as the Lions won the first game of their season opener.
“Unreal. It was great,” Wasylik said. “The whole bench kinda erupted.”
The Lions won the series against the Beavers with a 4-1 win on Sunday’s matinee game. The Lions continue their homestand at Centene Community Ice Center against the University of Wisconsin on Sept. 28 at 7:10 p.m.
