The new year started off just the way the St. Catherine University hockey team need with a much-need victory over Hamline University Wednesday. The Wildcats finished their first year back 1-1-1 and couldn't have done it without the effort of goalie Kristen Pechacek (Park Falls, Wis./Chequamegon). For her efforts, she has been named the Wildcat Athlete of the Week.Â
Pechacek started off 2016 with a 29-save effort Wednesday against the Pipers. This was the sophomore's second shutout of the season and helped the Wildcats claim victory for the first time all season.Â
Despite a tough loss to the University of Wisconsin-Superior Saturday on the road, Pechacek allowed just two goals and turned away a career-high 46 shots. This was the highest save total for a single game by a Wildcat goalie since alex Hall kicked out 52 shots against Gustavus Adolphus College on Jan. 19, 2013.Â
This season, Pechacek leads the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) in save percentage (.961) and goals against average (1.41). She also ranks third and 14th in all of Division III in those categories, respectively.Â
Pechacek and the Wildcats return to action for one last home non-conference game Wednesday for a rematch with the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire at 7:30 p.m. at Drake Arena. Then, the Wildcats reopen MIAC play against perenial powerhouse Gustavus for a two-game MIAC series this weekend. Game one is Frdiay at 7:30 p.m. in St. Paul. Game two will be Saturday at 2 p.m. in St. Peter, Minnesota.Â
