MINNEAPOLIS -- When the Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award is given out in two weeks, Minnesota is guaranteed the winner.
For the first time in the 16-year history of the honor for the top player in women's college hockey, all three finalists are from the same team.
Junior forward Amanda Kessel, senior defender Megan Bozek and senior goalie Noora Raty (NOR'-ah RAH'-too) were announced Thursday as the remaining candidates. The defending champion Gophers are 36-0, entering the WCHA semifinals Friday. Their NCAA-record winning streak is at 44 games.
Kessel leads the nation with 43 goals and 51 assists. Bozek's 52 points are second most among blue-liners in the country. Raty has set the NCAA single-season record with 15 shutouts.
Minnesota's only previous winner of the award was Krissy Wendell in 2005.
