The Plattsburgh State Women’s hockey team looks to remain perfect after defeating the defending national champions, Norwich University, 2-0 Nov. 7, thanks to goals from Annie Katonka and Mackenzie Millen.
Millen received NEWHL player of the week honors for her game-winning goal against Norwich. The senior forward also received praise from her teammates.
“Millen always looks solid,” senior forward Ashley Songin said. “She’s always going 100 percent with scoring on her mind.”
Freshman defenseman Hanna Rose was named to the d3hockey.com team of the week just a week after receiving conference rookie of the week award. Rose recorded a goal and two assists in the Nov. 2 and 3 games against Cortland.
“She’s tall, handles the puck well and has a hard slap shot,” forward Annie Katonka said. “She’s adapted to playing in college well.”
The Cardinals will take on SUNY Potsdam (3-2-1) Friday night in Potsdam, then both teams will travel to Plattsburgh for Saturday night’s matchup at the Ronald B. Stafford Ice Arena. Last year, PSUC took both games back-to-back, winning the first game Friday night 8-0, and Saturday’s game 4-1.
Katonka recorded a hat trick in the first game, while Songin scored late in the second period of the second game to pull the Cards ahead.
“We have to win battles,” Katonka said. “It’s always big when conference points are up for grabs.”
Songin is not worried about the speedy Bears.
“Potsdam is a great team with a lot of speed and a lot of grit but our game plan is to match their intensity and stay on them with the forecheck,” Songin said.
Head coach Kevin Houle wants a quick start against their North Country rival.
“We need to get on the board quickly,” Houle said. “We can’t let them get a head, we need a big start.”
PSUC’s offense has been clicking and the defense has been unstoppable. The Cards have yet to allow a goal in the regular season. Their play has earned them the No. 2 national ranking in both the d3hockey.com and USCHO polls.
“We’ve had a great start this far but the biggest thing we need to do is take it one game at a time,” Songin said. “As long as we keep improving each week, I’ve got a good feeling about this year.”
Email Jack Flood at cp@cardinalpointsonline.com
