Minnesota and St. Thomas are set to face off at the Xcel Energy Center in a game the programs hope is one of the "building blocks of a rivalry."
St. Thomas is one of the NCAA's newest programs and the University of Minnesota is one of NCAA women's hockey's most storied programs. When they face off this week at the Xcel Energy Center, home to the NHL's Minnesota Wild and soon-to-be home of the PWHL Minnesota franchise, St. Thomas coach Joel Johnston hopes the game is a building block for a new rivalry.
"I think everyone expects Minnesota and St. Thomas to develop into rivals, and I think this game at the Xcel Center can be one of those building blocks of a rivalry," said St. Thomas head coach St. Thomas.
Johnson has been coaching NCAA women's hockey for two decades, including 16 years as an assistant coach and associate head coach with the University of Minnesota. He also served as head coach of USA's senior national team at the World Championships and Olympics.
He recognizes the importance of the opportunity to play at big venues for the growth of women's hockey and his program.
"It's special, the opportunity to play in a big venue, an NHL venue," Johnson said. "I've had the opportunity to coach in those venues and I never take it for granted and I hope our players don't either."
St. Thomas opened the year 4-0-0 against non-conference teams, but the team is set to take a turn against stiffer competition playing WCHA powerhouse programs including Minnesota, Ohio State, Wisconsin, and Minnesota-Duluth over the next month.
According to Johnson, his team, now in their third team playing NCAA DI hockey, is ready for bigger things this season.
"This is year three and we've finally got a full recruiting cycle under our belt with this group, and we're really excited about this group," he said. "The whole team knows we've got bigger expectations this year."
As his first recruiting class begins to look at life after the NCAA as well, getting to play at the Xcel Energy Center where PWHL Minnesota will play home games in January, Johnson sees this game, and the continued growth of women's hockey as an opportunity to build a fan base in the State of Hockey.
"I think it's a demonstration of the growth and excitement that women's hockey is showcasing across North America," said Johnson. "It took some time, but I think they're excited about the growth of the league, and Minnesota people around here are very excited. The fact we get to play in that same venue should spark interest locally that this is the home of women's hockey."