Following an intense finish, a brawl erupted after the women’s college hockey game between No. 3 Minnesota and No. 2 Ohio State. The game ended on Sunday with a score of 6-3 in favor of the Gophers. A contentious moment occurred with just 3.3 seconds remaining in the match.
Details of the Incident
During the final faceoff, Ohio State’s Jordan Baxter targeted Minnesota’s Emma Kreisz, who was on the ice in a vulnerable position. Baxter delivered multiple cross-checks that spurred a defensive response from Gophers’s Chloe Primerano.
As the officials attempted to manage the situation, chaos unfolded with several Ohio State players throwing Minnesota’s Grace Graham to the ice. This prompted swift actions from various Gopher players, notably captain Abby Murphy, a leading candidate for the Patty Kazmaier Award for best player this season.
Video Evidence
Video footage of the altercation shows Buckeyes player Jordyn Petrie exchanging punches during the fracas. This incident contributed to heightened tensions between the two teams.
League Response
The Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) conducted a review of the skirmish. The league announced suspensions for both teams’ involved players. Chloe Primerano from Minnesota and Jordyn Petrie from Ohio State each received a one-game suspension.
WCHA Statement
The WCHA released a statement addressing the situation, emphasizing their stance against fighting and aggressive actions that endanger player safety:
- The league does not endorse acts that result in injuries or worsen its reputation.
- Both players will miss their next game due to escalating the incident.
Standings and Upcoming Matches
Following the conclusion of the weekend series, Minnesota and Ohio State remain tied for second place in the WCHA standings, trailing only Wisconsin. The Badgers, Buckeyes, and Gophers hold the top three spots in the latest USCHO poll.
Next, Minnesota will face No. 4 Minnesota-Duluth. The games are scheduled at Amsoil Arena in Duluth, with the first match on Friday at 6:02 p.m. and the second on Saturday at 3:02 p.m.
