Staff Writer- Alayna Boe
The sport of hockey is physically demanding, but also mentally demanding. On the 23rd of Jan., the Gustavus Women’s Hockey Team hosted their annual Sophie Squad–Mental Health Awareness game. Sophie Squad is a nonprofit organization trying to remove the mental health stigma from sports and is especially strong in the girls’ hockey community here in Minnesota. The Gusties have been hosting a mental health game for the past six years, per Coach Carroll, and three of those years have been with the official Sophie Squad organization.
Back on Sept. 6, 2025, the Women’s hockey team headed to Bunker Hills golf club to partake in the annual Sophie Squad 5k. This day consisted of a 5-kilometer walk/run, along with lunch and a guest speaker afterwards. Many collegiate and high school girls’ hockey teams were present for the cause and to advocate for what they believe in.
“With our team, it has been a way to work on team building by working together for a common cause and giving back to the hockey community,” Coach Carroll said.
This small team-building activity not only grew the bonding strength for this team, but also the individual mental strength for each player.
Starting off strong, the Gusties scored four of their five goals within the first thirty minutes of this MIAC matchup against St. Catherine University. Not only did the women get their first win of 2026, but they also achieved their first five-goal game this season. Both teams were seeking points to make the MIAC playoffs, so the energy was high for this Friday night at Don Roberts Ice Rink. Last week, the Gusties headed to overtime and a shootout two nights in a row against Saint Mary’s, so they were hungry for a regulation win.
The first period started off in a flurry as Senior Lily Mortenson drew a hooking penalty within the first three minutes of the game. This gave the Golden Gusties the man advantage, but they did not capitalize on the quick opportunity. Although they did not capitalize on this power play, another one was soon on the horizon. Four minutes after the first penalty, the team drew another penalty and squeezed one by the St. Kate’s goaltender. Sophomore Kaitlin Roberts put the puck in the net, and it was kicked out by the goalie, setting up Mortenson to put it in the back of the net. This gave the Gusties a 1-0 lead, which is the first time they have led a game since Dec. 12th, 2025.
Roberts was not done setting up her teammates after that first goal. A mere two minutes after the first goal, she sent in a shot from the blue line, and Junior Captain Kylie Scott put it in the webbing. This was the final goal of the first period, putting the Gusties up 2-0. The St. Kate Wildcats tried to come back, but Sophomore goaltender Lily Timmons did not let the puck get past her. Defender Hannah Thompson broke off a Wildcat breakaway, which helped maintain and stabilize the Gustavus lead. At the end of the period, shots on goal were 17-7 with the Gusties leading that statistic.
Heading into the second period with a two-goal lead, Gustavus was looking to maintain and even further that lead. Junior Captain Avery Braunshausen scored the first goal in the second, putting the Gusties up 3-0, and was the final linemate to score in the game, completing the line’s hat trick. Roberts assisted her third goal of the game, the fourth goal of this matchup, which Sophomore Noelle Hemr put by the Wildcat goaltender. This goal was significant, because it was the first time all season that the Gusties had gotten the puck to the white four times in a single game.
St. Kate’s was not ready to drag by four the rest of the period, so they battled back, and in a quick two-minute turnaround, meekly scored on Timmons. Surprisingly, this goal took place while the game was even strength and not one of the six minutes Gustavus was on the kill. Taking three penalties in the second, the Gusties were down a player for over a quarter of the period. However, the kill was phenomenal and only let up one shot for the duration. This kill allowed the Gusties to lead in shots for the period again, leading 8-5.
The third and final period was quieter than the other two, but it was still fast and furious. St. Kate’s set the pace off the faceoff and controlled the game for a short amount of time. Timmons had some quick, double-reaction saves, keeping the Gusties at a 4-1 lead. In a rapid fashion, Gustavus gained back control. A penalty was drawn on Senior Gianna Gasparini, so a power play was in the midst for Gustavus. Capitalizing on the extra player, Junior Kylie Ligday scored and put Gustavus back to a four-point lead. This goal also marked Ligday’s first of the season.
This game was a team effort, and that was shown within the stats sheet. Five different players scored each goal during this game, which was also the highest scoring game of the season so far. Roberts assisted on three of these five goals and is the first player to do so this season. Ending their Friday night victorious, the Golden Gusties’ spirits were high. It is easy to be in a good mindset after a win, but it is more important to do so after a loss. Mental health is very important in all aspects of life, and it affects everyone. If you are ever struggling or want someone to talk to, reach out to a campus resource like the counseling center. Remember: You are NOT alone.