Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs Fall to Minnesota Gophers Despite Eve Gascon’s Strong Return
DULUTH — In a thrilling matchup, the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs suffered a 3-2 loss to the Minnesota Gophers on Saturday, despite the impressive return of junior goaltender Eve Gascon. Gascon, one of four goaltenders competing for a spot on Canada’s 2026 Olympic women’s hockey team, made 28 saves in her return to the ice, less than 24 hours after being helped off with an apparent shoulder injury.
Gascon’s injury occurred during Friday’s 4-0 loss, when she dove and reached back for a puck that had gotten by her and across the crease. However, after evaluations on Friday night and Saturday morning, Bulldogs coach Laura Schuler confirmed that Gascon was 100% ready to return for Saturday’s game. “She wanted to play,” Schuler said. “When you have a world-class goalie like that who wants to be in the net, you give them that opportunity. I thought she was outstanding for us today.”
A Back-and-Forth Game
The game was a intense, back-and-forth affair, with sophomore center Caitlin Kraemer and sophomore wing Josie St. Martin scoring for UMD. Kraemer gave the Bulldogs a 1-0 lead 7:55 into the second period, while St. Martin pulled UMD within a goal via an extra attacker power play goal with 3:56 left in the game. Fifth-year senior captain Abbey Murphy scored two goals for the Gophers, and senior forward Josefin Bouveng got the goal that tied the game at 1-1 just 3:26 after Kraemer’s goal.
Minnesota sophomore goaltender Hannah Clark made 37 saves on 39 shots, including 17 saves in the third period, to secure the win for the Gophers. The Bulldogs have not beaten the Gophers since knocking them off in the 2022 NCAA regional final at Ridder Arena in Minneapolis, and are now 0-14-1 since then, with seven straight losses.
A Test of Endurance
Despite the loss, Schuler was proud of her team’s performance, particularly in the final minutes of the game. “A great back and forth game,” Schuler said. “I was proud of our girls at the end when we went for it on the 6-on-4. I thought they did a fantastic job of being able to put one away for us, and unfortunately, the time just kind of ran out.” The Bulldogs will look to bounce back from this tough loss and regain their momentum in their next matchup.
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