Krissy Wendell’s shorthanded goal with four seconds left in the third period gave the U.S. Select team a 4-3 win over the Golden Gophers Saturday night at Mariucci Arena.
Karyn Bye set up the game-winner when she skated to the slot and dropped the puck for a trailing Wendell, who beat Minnesota goalie Erica Killewald. The goal was Wendell’s 31st through 31 games this season, as Bye and Katie King assisted.
Just 24 hours after losing 10-1 to the national team, the Gophers rebounded to grab an early 2-0 advantage Saturday. Senior Ambria Thomas opened the scoring at 2:38 of the first period with an unassisted tally. The goal was Thomas’ 19th of the season.
La Toya Clarke gave Minnesota (15-4-1) a 2-0 lead just over two minutes later. Thomas set up Clarke’s 12th goal of the season at 4:59 of the first period.
Carisa Zaban put the U.S. Select team on the board at 13:34 of the first period. Annmarie Holmes and A.J. Mleczko assisted on Zaban’s sixth goal of the national team’s tour.
First-year player Tracy Palinsky boosted Minnesota’s lead to 3-1 at 15:46 to close the first-period scoring. Laura Slominski and Emily Bucholz assisted on Palinsky’s second goal of the season.
The Selects countered with two goals in the second period. Cammi Granato scored the first at 15:40. Angela Ruggiero and Brooke White had assists.
Natalie Darwitz tied the score at 3-3 with just less than three minutes before the second intermission. Wendell and Bye assisted on the equalizer.
Erica Killewald finished with 37 saves in net for Minnesota. Sara DeCosta had 14 for the U.S. team.
Minnesota plays Jan. 26 at New Hampshire.
