Sophomore Noora Raty saved 22 shots as an Amanda Kessel goal early in the first period was all the Gophers needed to defeat Wayne State 1-0 Saturday afternoon.

Kessel broke away from the Wayne State defense and slid the puck under the legs of Wayne State’s goalie Delayne Brian at the 5:28 mark in the first period.  It was Kessel’s fourth goal in three regular season games for the Gophers.

The Gophers out shout the Warriors 88-31 in the game and had many scoring opportunities, but Brian and the Warroirs’ defense held the Gophers scoreless for the second and third periods.

The Warriors had their best chance to score early in the first period when a Ciara Lee shot deflected first off of a Minnesota skate and then off the crossbar before Raty covered the puck.  Wayne State also had an opportunity when they centered the puck in front of the Gophers net with a few seconds remaining in the second period, but the horn blew before it developed into a legitimate scoring chance.  

In their three regular season games this season, the Gophers have yet to allow a goal.  

The Gophers begin WCHA play next week as North Dakota visits Ridder Arena Friday night.