Nicole's NCAA Notebook: October 13, 2025

• Even though her team was swept, I cannot let this chance go by to give all the praise to Minnesota Duluth goalie Ève Gascon, who made 95 saves across two games this weekend in Madison. She was everywhere but maybe none of her saves were as good as this series from the first period on Sunday.

• While we're at it, penalties aside I thought it was overall one of the better series I've seen from Duluth who were not just stout on defense, but also consistently threatening on offense, a combination I'm not sure they've had in awhile. I expected them to keep Wisconsin to the edges on defense, but it wasn't just the sort of packed and stationary style of blocking everything. They were really fluid, did a great job of cleaning up in front of the net and constantly looking for ways to transition and turn the puck the other way. I think at times in the past few seasons they've been a little passive, willing to withstand the onslaught from Wisconsin, Ohio State and Minnesota and occasionally take a chance on a break out. With a potent top line and Gascon's goaltending, it has changed the approach and made them more dynamic, I think.
• Not to spend too much time on this series, but it was not lost on me that two of UMD's goals on Saturday were scored in very similar ways, with sniped shots in stride from a distance. I'd imagine quite a few other teams took notice as well, including the Badgers themselves. I'm guessing they'll be looking to address that possile chink in Ava McNaughton's armor before too many other sharp shooters are able to take advantage.
• Kahlen Lamarche looks primed to have a massive year with Quinnipiac. The only game she didn't have two or more points so far this season was the very first one. She has five goals and two assists over their last three games and seems well on her way to obliterating her previous season high of 14 goals and 34 points. It's early and I don't want to put pressure on her, but she has an gotten increasingly bigger role with the Bobcats and met the moment.
• Lacey Eden sometimes gets overshadowed by her Wisconsin teammates, but she consistently is one of the most interesting players to watch on the ice. I asked Badger coach Mark Johnson about her after Saturday's game and he said the thing about her is that she came to Madison as an elite player, but she continues to work really hard to improve herself and her skills. He said she's always incredibly fit. What stood out this weekend against a really tough Minnesota Duluth defense was her strength - how she keeps her feet, but also how she comes through traffic still holding on to the puck, even if it is temporarily poke checked from her. I didn't get a chance to find video of that exactly, but please enjoy the smooth little move she does along the boards to give her space to thread a pass across the crease to Cassie Hall.

• Boston University goalie Michelle Pasiechnyk was announced as being added to their roster somewhat late in the offseason, so maybe we're just waiting for new equipment? Or maybe she's just comfortable? I don't know, but it's hard not to find this look very Merry.

• Saint Anselm has set themselves up nicely to start the NEWHA conference season, as they're the only team with a winning record thus far. Their undefeated streak through three games comes in part thanks to the offense of Brooklyn Schneiderhan, whose five goals account for half the Hawks' offense in those games.
• Lindenwood picked up their first win of the season with a 6-3 victory over Merrimack - their first win against a Hockey East opponent in 10 years. With eight games played already, what I like so far is how often they're lighting the lamp. There has to be more consistency so it's not boom or bust, but for a few that hasn't scored much over the past few seasons, I love games like this for them to build on.
• Speaking of the Lions, they had a Nicole Hensley bobblehead giveaway on Saturday. We don't see too many women's hockey bobbleheads, much less college ones. Congrats to Nicole on the honor and more of this please!

• Goals of the week

Oona Havana's OT game-winner for Vermont

The puck control from OSU's Sanni Vanhanen to not get this breakaway get away from her

Turnover, quick puck movement and Sammy Taber going down to one knee to finish it for Boston College

Rookie Teagan Kulenkamp's OT game-winner for St. Thomas

Colgate's Emma Pais made this look too easy

The shoulder dip fake and tight angle shot by UW's KK Harvey

Holy Cross' Amanda Aslan's goal is the definition of "don't stop until you hear the whistle"