All three stepped up in a big way over the weekend.
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Minnesota, which owns a collegiate record seven national titles, has won four of the last five national crowns (2012, 2013, 2015, 2016), finishing as national runner-up in 2014.
Between the three of them, they accounted for 10 of the team’s 34 shots and two of three goals Sunday.
This game was a hard fought match for control of the puck, and neither team was dominant when it came to puck possession.
The goals for that line came at key times as well. 72 goals allowed per game.
The Eagles trailed for just 49 minutes during the entire 38-game regular season, but Minnesota led Sunday’s game for 59:47.
At Friday’s award ceremony, sophomore Annie Pankowski was given the NCAA Elite 90 Award, given to the Frozen Four participant with the highest cumulative grade point average.
Kessel scored with less than 12 minutes left in the game to give Minnesota a 2-0 lead, then Kelly Pannek scored her team’s third goal.
Those future leaders can return to a team that will be lead by junior All-American Dani Cameranesi, Olympian Lee Stecklein and versatile defenseman Megan Wolfe, who finished the season with a plus-45 rating.
However, this win wasn’t just about the future, but about the dynasty that has been.
“That win ranks up with my top three wins”, she said.
With her future with the Gophers and at school unclear, Frost made an announcement this past summer: Kessel would be foregoing her final season of eligibility at Minnesota. The scene was a familiar one, as in the Frozen Four semifinal against Clarkson, BC also stumbled upon such luck. Playing like a grizzled veteran, the 18 year-old freshman scored her 15th goal of the season.
“I’m really happy for Amanda”, Minnesota coach Brad Frost said.
Kessel said the time away from hockey has made her appreciate things even more and made this win extra special.
Sunday, she scored the game-winner.
Both BC and Minnesota adapted to each other’s play for the second period, resulting in a stalemate.
For Boston College, the loss means not only a runner-up title, but a blemish on a season that was almost flawless, ending the year at 40-1-0. Eagles seniors Alex Carpenter and Haley Skarupa – the nation’s leading scorer and third leading scorer, respectively – were held without a point.
The overtime period started to wear on players from both sides, as each squad could be seen laboring to get around the Olympic-sized ice sheet.
Makenna Newkirk’s 22nd goal of the year gave the team a reward for their offensive push against Amanda Leveille after hitting posts and having rushes into the zone whistled offsides.
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BC didn’t panic and turned to their depth for a last gasp.
