Baylee's Blog: Wrapping up 2017

Photo by: David Stluka

Baylee's Blog: Wrapping up 2017

December 07, 2017 | Women's Hockey

Wellhausen previews UW's final series of the calendar year

By: Baylee Wellhausen

Hi Badger Fans!

As I write to you I sit on a bus en route to St. Cloud, Minnesota. The four seniors are bundled in blankets in the back, homework out on the tables (we've waited so long to actually have), attempting to be the slightest bit productive amidst holiday excitement.

It seems I have undeniably reached the time of retrospection. Simple scenes like road trips, the little habits, traditions, bus games—everything a trip entails—turns me into the biggest softie. Every moment is a memory that I'll look back on when they are no longer my reality.

The holidays have that effect on us all it appears! With Christmas and the New Year just around the corner, I asked some of the girls to share their favorite holiday memories. The results were priceless.

Maddie Rowe: "My favorite holiday memory is waking up really early every Christmas morning and opening presents with my siblings."

Claudia Kepler: "Playing hockey on Christmas Eve in my hometown with family and friends!"

Abby Roque: "Skating on my backyard every Christmas Eve with my friends and family is one of my favorite memories."

Mekenzie Steffen: "One time Santa forgot his glove outside on my deck and I thought it was the coolest thing ever. It was this huge glove, like it was really his. I was so happy!"

Maddie Posick: "My favorite memory is from five Christmases ago. My brother asked for a red car for Christmas, which was just so unlikely. On Christmas Day, my brother opened a box that had a note inside. It said to check the garage for his gift. My sister and I started freaking out because we only got clothes, but Ben got a car? It wasn't fair! So we all followed him downstairs, my dad videotaping the whole thing. He opened the door to a remote control monster truck. My brother was so pissed. And my parents thought it was hysterical. But I mean at least the truck was red. Ever since then I have been SO specific when it comes to gifts. I don't want to be pranked like my brother was!"

Thanks for sharing guys! Cannot wait to hear about the stories yet to come.

Even with the holidays buzzing in our minds, the Badgers are locked in on the task at hand: the battle against St. Cloud State.

Last weekend the Cardinal and White swept the UMD Bulldogs 5-1 and 3-1. The girls came out strong each game, working together well to gain those wins.

In terms of offensive standouts, I would like to congratulate sophomore Alexis Mauermann. Not only did she have a fantastic performance against Duluth, but her gritty and admirable habits earned her WCHA Offensive Player of the Month honors for November. Way to go Mauey!

In addition, brick wall Kristen Campbell received WCHA Goaltender of the Month for November. What a Badger force.

I asked our little superstar Alexis Mauermann to reflect on what she thinks the team did well against Duluth and what we need to improve upon heading up north:

"I think this past weekend went well for us. We had a good work ethic in practice, and it really helped us do the little things right in the game against UMD," she stated.

"I think, as a team we just need to bring that same mentality into this weekend. If we start fast and finish strong like coach always says, we can be successful. "

Well-said Mauey.

Help the Badgers finish 2017 strong by coming to support at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center tomorrow afternoon at 3 p.m. and/or Saturday at 3 p.m. as well. If you are unable to attend the games, follow along via the Badger Women's Hockey Twitter feed or watch tomorrow's game on Fox Sports Wisconsin!

On Wisconsin and Happy Holidays!

-Baylee