Winny Brodt, the WCHA Defensive Player of the Year in 1999-2000, has left the Minnesota women’s team to accept an invitation to train with the U.S. National Program.
Despite missing 11 games with a fractured back, Brodt was second nationally on defense with 50 points as a junior last season. She tied for the team lead with 37 assists and was a first-team All-WCHA selection as well as earning all-tournament honors at the American Women’s College Hockey Alliance National Championship, which the Gophers won.
“This is going to be a good experience for me,” Brodt said. “I think it will make me a better player and it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Brodt, who played on the U.S. National Team at the 2000 World Championships, will be one of 25 players in the program this year. Most of the U.S. team at the 2002 Winter Olympics will be chosen from this group.
“I’m excited for her,” Minnesota coach Laura Halldorson said. “I’m happy that she’s getting this opportunity. It’s important for her if she is to play on the national team [in 2001-02]. This will give her great experience.
“Obviously we’re losing a very talented player. That will have an impact on our team, but this is the best time for it to happen because we have depth on defense and can absorb this loss.”
