Off since December 9 the sixth ranked University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) women’s hockey team will ring in the New Year embarking on a trip for a top ten showdown with eighth ranked Quinnipiac University (18-3). The two programs have meet just three times, all in 2019, with UMD trailing the series 1-2.

Entering 11-6-1 the Bulldogs know it’s time to buckle down.

“Non-conference games have set us up really well in the past for the NCAA tournament and where we want to go. This one is the last one of the year, so we want to continue our successful run that we’ve had this season,” head coach Maura Crowell said.

“This being our first flying trip this year, it’s going to be a good indication of how people can deal with that sort of change. Sticking with our routines as much as possible, just to make sure that we’re in a good place and set up for success for the games,” redshirt sophomore forward Mary Kate O’Brien said.

Puck drop is 5 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday in Connecticut.